The north beaches of Karpathos island are the most secluded beaches of the island, which offer idyllic landscapes and relaxing atmospheres.
The beaches of the north are located from Spoa village to the area of Diafani, which are located far away from the villages. Most of the north beaches in Karpathos island can be reached only by boat or by off road vehicles, because these are connected with the main road usually only by dirt roads.
The north beaches are mostly hidden by the high mountains of Karpathos, and just a few can be seen from the main road which leads between Spoa and the traditional village of Olymbos (Olympos). Despite these beaches are located far away from civilisation, many of them are great places to swim in the crystal clear Aegean Sea or just relax on the beach.
The north beaches are the most secluded beaches in Karpathos island, because the narrow and winding dirt roads which lead here are usually in poor conditions. Most of these roads are not suitable for the smaller cars, and by driving on these roads the cars are not covered by the insurance! The car rental companies in Karpathos always recommend off-road vehicles for those who would like to discover the north beaches.
Because the north beaches of Karpathos island are visited by only a few tourists, these places offer much more privacy than elsewhere in the island. On most of the beaches in Karpathos nudism (naturism) is forbidden, but in the north there are some places where nudists can enjoy the feelings of freedom.
Most of the beaches in the north are characterized by steep cliffs, because many of them are a sea exit of a valley. Behind the beaches there grow sometimes a few tamarisks and pine trees, which can offer some natural shade for camp. Almost every beaches in the north are characterized by grey coloured pebbles and deep blue waters, many of these are ideal for snorkel also. As expected, in the region there are no significant infrastructures, with the only one exception at Agios Minas beach (Philios).
Agios Minas beach (Philios beach)
Road signs between Spoa and Olymbos indicate the junction from where a dirt loads leads to Agios Minas beach (Paralia Agios Minas, Παραλία Άγιος Μήνα). This beach got its name from the church of Agios Minas (Παρεκκλήσι Αγίου Μηνά), which is a small church, built on the north hills next to beach. This beach is also known as Philios beach (Παραλία Φίλιος (Άγιος Μηνάς), and there are some maps where this place is shown by this name. The length of the dirt road, which leads to Agios Minas beach is about 3.8 kilometers from the asphalted main road, its quality depends on the weather, but it is always very winding and narrow.
Agios Minas is the only beach among the north beaches of Karpathos island between Spoa and Olymbos, where you can find tavern. Agios Minas beach (Philios beach) is visited often by a small excursion boats, which depart from Diafani village. During high season the beach can be slightly organized with some parasols and sunbeds.
If you would like to see the best panoramic views to Agios Minas beach, walk up to the church of Agios Minas. Agios Minas beach is located at the exit of a valley, with grey pebbles and blue waters. The sea is usually calm here, but the winds are getting stronger sometimes.
- Agios Minas coordinates: 35.689896, 27.189858
Nati beach
Nati beach (Paralia Nati, Παραλία Νάτι) is located just about one kilometer away from Agios Minas beach, and looks similar to it. Nati beach is also a sea exit of a small valley, and characterized by grey pebbles, a few rocks in some places and clear waters. In the background of Nati beach there are some steep cliffs, which provide some natural shade only late afternoons.
- Nati beach coordinates: 35.698300, 27.190243
Agnotia beach
Agnotia beach is a wide bay width a lengh of 180 meters, and it is surrounded by the grey hills of Karpathos. The beach has coarse sand with grayish pebbles and clear calm waters. You can find some natural shade under the tamarisk trees of the beach. Usually the quality of the dirt road which leads to Agnotia beach is bad, so if you would like to reach Agnotia beach, you have to drive an off-road vehicle.
- Agnoti beach coordinates: 35.668257, 27.176712
Forokli beach
If you would like to discover Forokli beach (Paralia Forokli, Παραλία Φοροκλη), catch a boat in Diafani, which is the nearest settlement. The dirt roads of the area are usually in very poor condition, which make the visit of Forokli beach more difficult (even if you have 4×4) than other beaches of the north. This is beach is totally unorganized, there can be find only grey rocks, pebbles and tamarisks.
Apokapos beach (Papa Minas)
The dirt road which leads to Apokapos beach start in Diafani village, but if you like hiking, the walk takes about 1 hour from the village in southern direction. The road is about 3,9 km long and its quality can be poor, so usually a walk is a better idea. Apokapos beach (Παραλία Απόκαπος (Παπά Μηνά) is a small bay with grey pebbles, and totally unorganized.
- Apokapos beach coordinates: 35.736651, 27.217130
Vananda beach
Vananda beach is located about 2,5 kilometers from Diafani in the north, and can be reached on foot or by a car through a narrow dirt road (but the road is usually in poor condition for smaller cars). You can find here a tiny, secluded bay with grey pebbles and stones, with on the north hill the small church of Agia Anargyri.
Vananda beach (Paralia Vananta, Παραλία Βαναντα) is a calm place with snorkeling capabilities when the sea is calm.
- Vananda beach coordinates: 35.770810, 27.209242
