Finiki is a quite small, but very lovely fishing village on the west coast, near Arkasa. In Karpathos Finiki village is one of the small gems of the island, offering whitewashed houses and famous fish taverns.
This interesting village belongs to Arkasa (Arcesine) administratively, and the distance between these two villages is just about one and a half kilometer. The largest town of Karpathos island, Pigadia is about 18 kilometers away, which is 30′ driving through Menetes village. If you arrive from the airport, the distance is about 13 kilometers between this fishing village and the airport terminal.
Finiki is usually known as Foiniki or Foinikion on some maps, its Greek name is Φοινίκι.
Info guide about Finiki in Karpathos
Finiki village was founded by the local fishermen of Karpathos, and was used as a port, because natural bays in the area are rare. The coastline of Arkasa is rocky and more exposed to the waves, while this bay is much calmer. This small natural bay faced to south, so the port is well protected from the larger waves of the sea.
Until 1900 Finiki was the main commercial port not just for Arkasa, but for Karpathos island. This small coastal resort played important role in the past, but now it is a tiny port, which is used by the smallest fishing boats and ribs. The largest boats and ferries from Rhodes and Crete arrive to Pigadia, which became the primary port of Karpathos.
Sights and what to do
Finiki is best known in Karpathos, Greece for its exceptional fish taverns, which are famous all over the island. If you visit this tiny village, don’t miss to ask for daily fresh fish and individually flavored seafood! The local restaurants, even fish restaurants offer daily meals, fresh fish catches, even as plates for two. Recommended taverns in the village are Finiki Mama Cuisine and Ristorante Delfini, which have great guest reviews.
On the top of the barren hill you can see a tiny church with its whitewashed walls, which is called Agios Nikolaos (Εκκλησία Άγιος Νικόλαος in Greek). You can climb upstairs to Agios Nikolaos church and look around, admire the beautiful panoramic views of the charming village, or open the door and take a look inside the church.
Over the eastern hills of Finiki, in the barren cliffs there can be seen some large natural caves. These caves are million years old, and who are thirsty for an adventure, can climb up and discover these. From this village it’s worth to visit also Arkasa, which is a small town of Karpathos with supermarkets, paved streets, historical sights and taverns.
Finiki beach
The small Finiki beach can be find directly next to the port, so it is situated in the village center. This tiny beach is slightly organized with some parasols and sunbeds, but that’s all. The seabed is quite shallow here and also usually calm, due to the breakwaters of the port. Behind Finiki beach, just a few steps away you can find the nearest fish taverns and coffe bars.
Other mentionable beaches on the west coast of Karpathos are Agios Nikolaos beach near Arkasa and Lefkos beach in the north.
History
On the main square of Finiki (Φοινίκι) there is a small statue, called Immacolata monument. This small statue commemorates a small fishing boat ‘Immacolata’ and its crew, 7 heroic Greek men, who sailed across the sea from Finiki to Alexandria of Egypt in August of 1944. The reason of this trip was to take great news to the banished Greek Government in Egypt, the freedom of Karpathos!
When the German troops left Karpathos island, the residents arrested the Italian guards, and they declared the liberation of Karpathos. The important mission of the boat ‘Immacolata’ was successful, the Greek Government was informed, that this island was liberated. After many years of occupation it was great pleasure for the inhabitants of Karpathos, and even people of Greece.
The monument ‘Immacolata’ symbolizes the sound of freedom, and it represents the small fishing boat and its crew. The statue was built of marble, pebbles and bronze a several years ago, and can be seen in the central square.
It’s worth to visit Finiki?
In Karpathos the visitors of Finiki can experience the unique atmospheres of a traditional fishing village. This tiny place is recommended for everybody, who like fish restaurants and well made seafood.
Where to stay? Apartments and studios
Maybe the village is quite small, but there are several accommodations for a holiday. Small hotels, apartments and villas can be also rented in Finiki, just take a look below, and book if you find your place for a holiday.
If you are looking for other accommodations of Karpathos island, just take a look here.
Finiki info guide
- Location: 18 kilometers to Pigadia, 12 kilometers to Karpathos airport
- Coordinates: 35.492037, 27.116566
- Population: 33 (census 2011)
- Can be accessed via asphalt road
Finiki Φοινίκι Greece
