Karpathos Othos

General information

Built at an altitude of 510 meters above sea level, higher than any other village in Karpathos, Othos is a mountainous settlement located 12 km northwest of Pigadia, the capital town of Karpathos. Often engulfed by clouds, it boasts traditional houses amphitheatrically built on Mount Meloura, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea.

Wandering through its narrow alleys, visitors will see colorful houses with flowery gardens. What makes Othos stand out from the other Karpathian villages, though, is a beautiful traditional house which has been converted into a Folklore Museum. There, visitors can marvel at the striking mosaic floor, the carved wooden sofa, as well as embroideries and other ornaments crafted by the locals. The nearby carpentry workshop, which produces the island’s famous lyres and other masterly items, is also well worth a visit.

Other than that, Othos is famous for its sweet red wine, excellent taverns, and traditional feasts. The most interesting of all is the celebration in honor of Agios Panteleimon, which lasts for three days and attracts all the inhabitants of the island. Rental rooms are available in the village too.

If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss visiting the nearby villages of Volada and Stes, which lie in a location of great natural beauty, traversed by bountiful running springs.