Description

Description: Olympos is definitely the most famous village of Karpathos, not only for its unique natural beauty but also for the great way the villagers keep the tradition in their everyday life. Located on the northern side of the island at altitude of 250 meters, Olympos is built on the slopes of the mountains Profitis ilias (750m) and Koryfi(588m). Around the 7th century AD the inhabitants of Vrykous and Nisyros(Palatia in Saria) suffering from the raids of pirates moved to the location that Olympos is today. You can drive to Olympos or just go by boat, first to Diafani and then by bus to the village.

The moment you reach the village, will make you understand why its so well known in Karpathos and all over the world. The village is built in the archtitectural style of Medieval settlements. Houses built over the cliff, painted in bright colours, narrow paths, many many steps, small churches in an overall breathtaking view. You will start your wondering from the square. Follow the central path towards the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, celebrating in the traditional Karpathian way at 15th of August. Visit the church as you will see a wooden handmade iconostasis fully covered with gold leaf and many frescoes in the stage of preservation. Also the icon of Virgin Mary with the golden donations on it. After the church go back to the main path and go towards the other side of the village. A different view over the sea, and the houses built on the side of the cliff. Make your new facebook profile photo at one of the balconies there and enjoy the magnificent view. Then move on to the wind-mills a bit further down. These wind mills were used for flour purposes and some are still in use. Of course the wheat comes all from Avlona. One of them is open for visiting and you shouldnt miss the chance to see how they make the flour.

The thing that will most certainly amaze you in Olympos, among the others, is the traditional costume the Women wear! The women in Olympos wear, all year long, their homemade clothes. Skilfully made by them every girl and woman in Olympos has her own homemade traditional dress. Especially in celebrations such as religious festivals, you will realise that all the females of the village have their own dress. With slight differentiations between married and unmarried women, that would take us so long to explain here, dresses are full of bright colours and really impressive! By the way, unmarried girls have their chest covered with layers of golden coins!

Moreover do not miss the shoes! Just like the clothing, the shoes (boots or slippers) are handmade by the shoemaker, you will find in the central path of the village.

For conclusion, in Olympos you will be happy to discover that places like that still do exist in the world. Along with the traditional aspect of your visit, enjoy restaurants with traditional food, many souvenir shops and accommodation that would allow to to extent your visit to more than just few hours.

Distance from Pigadia: 43 km / 70 mins

Road condition: Good