Arkasa is one of the largest villages in Karpathos Island, and it is known as Arcesine, or Αρκάσα in Greek. The town is located in the southwest, about 15 kilometers to Pigadia and 11 kilometers to the airport.
Where is Arkasa in Karpathos Island and how to get there
This town is one of the oldest settlements in Karpathos Island, because it was built on the ruins of Arkesia, an ancient city of Greece which flourished thousands of years ago. The name “Arkasa – Αρκάσα” comes from Arkesia, and the ‘Arcesine’ is also originated from the ancient city.
Arkasa is located directly on the west coast in Karpathos Island, surrounded by some barren hills. The population is 531 (census 2011), so the town is quite important for tourism with a few shops, apartments, taverns and some services.
The houses of the village were built amphiteatrically over the hills, and some of these offer panoramic views to the sea. A small canal bisects the settlement into two parts, but there are some small bridges for predestrians and for the road traffic.
Arkasa can be reached easy from the capital of Karpathos, Pigadia by car, by public bus transport or by scooter, the trip takes about 20′ minutes.
It’s worth to know that the road between Pigadia and Arkasa is quite good but winding. The route is scenic, because you have to drive through one of the most beautiful villages of Karpathos Island, known as Menetes, and next to one of the most prominent attractions of the island, the War Memorial.
What to see and what to do in Arkasa (Arcesine)
This small town of Karpathos is a calm and quiet place most of the year, even during the summer months. As the summer comes, the number of the visitors increases, but the atmospheres of Arkasa remain calm. You can found here some traditional taverns, coffee bars, souvenir shops, car rental agencies, so the village is well prepared for visitors.
Visitors can take a walk on the paved streets, take a look to the tiny chapels, or just relax on the beach – enjoy the great atmospheres of Karpathos! Arkasa don’t have a long promenade at the beach or picturesque port, but the traditional houses of the center are well maintaned and have nice look.
The town has supermarket and pharmacy near the main road, so you don’t have to go to Pigadia for these. Mentionable restaurants of Arkasa, which have great reviews and delicious food are Parthenon Restaurant, Kipos Taverna, City View Grill To Steki Tou Markou and Στέκι ο Ευλογημένος (Steki o Evlogimenos).
A spacious free parking can be find before the main street of Arkasa, which is a pedestrian street in summer nights. The bus stop of the town center was built also here.
The best sights and attractions in Arkasa, which are worth to explore on a sightseeing
One of the most important sights in Arkasa is a Byzantine temple, Church of Agia Sophia, dated from the 5th century. Agia Sophia (Εκκλησία Αγία Σοφία in Greek) has well preserved mosaic floor, showing the fine art of the predecessors. This tiny church is directly at the feet of Paleokastro hill (Παλαιόκαστρο), where the ruins of ancient Arkesia are lying on the barren heights.
On the top of Paleokastro there lies Arkesia, or known as the Acropolis Of Ancient Arkasa (Ακρόπολη Αρχαίας Αρκάνσας), one of the most important cities in the ancient times in Karpathos island. The ruins can be reached on a hiking trail, which starts from Agia Sophia.
Visitors can see ruins of some walls and a few columns here, and of course panoramic views to the west coast. One of the most important sights in Arkasa is Ypapanti church in the town center, which is the largest church of the town with whitewashed walls and beautiful bell tower. The center of Arkasa is filled by narrow alleys and beautiful houses, it’s worth to walk around for a sightseeing. There are wonderful views from the highest points, specially in the town center, where a small valley cuts the village in two parts. The town center can be find in the northern part, while Ypapanti Church is situated in the southern part, but a small bridge connect the two parts of the town.
When you visit the area, don’t forget to discover Finiki village (Φοινίκι), just 1,5 kilometers away from the town. This small settlement was the primary port or the area for centuries, and now it is a beloved seaside resort of Karpathos Island. Finiki offers atmospheres of a fishing village and famous for its fish taverns and the picturesque views even in Greece.
From Arkasa you can visit Agios Theodoros beach in the south, where a small chapel and a sandy beach with shallow waters await for visitors. This is place is the nearest point to Kasos Island, which is situated 6 kilometers away from here.
What you should know about Arkasa beach
The best beach of Arkasa is called Agios Nikolaos beach (Παραλία Άγιος Νικόλαος), which is located on the southern side of the village, about one kilometer away from the center. Agios Nikolaos is a nice beach of Karpathos island with its golden sand and emerald waters, and usually has some waves for fun.
The area is slightly organized with a small tavern, a parking lot, and some parasols and sunbeds for rent. Due to its charm it’s definitely worth a visit, if you like sandy beaches. Agios Nikolaos beach is called by many simply as Arkasa beach, because this is far the best beach near the village.
The north coastline is rocky and deepens quickly – someone call it also as Arkasa beach (Παραλία Αρκάσα), but this area is not much suitable for a swim due to sharp rocks.
In Karpathos Island Arkasa village offers interesting historical sights and hiking trails for visitors, with a nice golden sand beach. The amazing sunsets are also spectacular due its western location and the unique landscape!
Where to stay in Arkasa, apartments, studios and rooms
The small town is situated about 11 kilometers away from the airport, and well connected with the capital of the island, Pigadia. This settlement is recommended primarily for travellers who are looking peaceful areas in Karpathos Island.
Arkasa has a lot of recommended apartments with great guest reviews. For the apartments and rooms of the town just click here!
If you prefer a great sandy beach near to your accommodation, just book an apartment of hotel on the southern part of Arkasa, because behind Agios Nikolaos beach there are some hotels and studios as well.
Driving on the narrow streets of Arkasa
Apartments and small hotels were built behind the sea
Arkasa general info
- Location: 18 kilometers to Pigadia, 11 km to Karpathos Airport
- Coordinates: 35.477438, 27.118806
- Population: 531 (census 2011), with Finiki 564
- Can be accessed via asphalt road, both by local buses and rental cars
Arcesine Αρκάσα 857 00 Greece
