Karpathos Dodecanese, Greece Travel Guide
The main mobile network operators in Greece are Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Wind (Nova). Purchase SIM cards at mobile phone shops in Pigadia. A passport or other form of identification is typically required for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available and generally free in hotels, apartments, cafes, and restaurants in Pigadia. Quality and speed vary.
The official language is Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Pigadia, Olympos, Arkasa, and Lefkos. Proficiency varies in more remote villages.
ELTA (Hellenic Post) is the national postal service of Greece. A post office is located in Pigadia. You can send letters, postcards, and parcels.
Practice these phrases. Even a small effort to speak Greek is appreciated by locals and leads to warmer interactions.
Daily operating schedules and airport information.
Smaller shops open 9 AM-2 PM, close for siesta, reopen 5 PM/6 PM-9 PM/10 PM. Tourist shops may stay open continuously.
Generally longer, continuous hours from 8 AM-9 PM.
Lunch 1 PM-4 PM. Dinner from 7 PM/8 PM until late. Cafes open early morning until late.
Banks open Mon-Fri, 8 AM-2 PM, mainly in Pigadia. ATMs are widely available.
Greece observes numerous holidays. Major ones include Easter, August 15th (Assumption of Mary), and October 28th (Ohi Day).
For flight delays or cancellations, services like Compensair assist with compensation claims.
More insights for a smooth Karpathos trip.
Tipping is customary for good service, usually 5-10% in restaurants. For cafes/bars, rounding up or leaving small change is common.
Keep a list of essential emergency numbers readily accessible.
Buses connect Pigadia with major villages and some beaches. Taxis are available in main towns.
Water is a precious resource. While tap water is generally safe, bottled water is often preferred by visitors.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Always follow local advice and signs for safety.
