Karpathos Sokastro Islet

Location: Lefkos

Sokastro is a tiny islet opposite Lefkos village, on the western side of the island. It used to be a peninsula of Karpathos, but it got separated as a result of a huge earthquake. The landscape in Sokastro is primarily barren and rocky, characterized by steep cliffs and pristine beaches with inviting azure waters.

Today, the islet is uninhabited, but, in Byzantine times, it used to be fortified. Traces of the medieval fortifications can still be seen in Sokastro, as can the remnants of a settlement with domed buildings, kilns, furnaces and cisterns dating from the 8th to the 13th century. In fact, it is believed to have served as a supply station for the Byzantine fleet and as the base of operations of the Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas, when he was campaigning to drive the Arabs out of Crete.

Sokastro can easily be reached via excursion boats departing from the fishing port of Lefkos and is well worth a visit if you wish to explore its medieval ruins and secluded coves.