A gem of Karpathos, Kyra Panagia is one of the most beautiful villages of the island, a small, but beautiful seaside resort. The secret is its exceptional location, because the the apartments and hotels are surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and one of the most picturesque beaches in Greece.
Visitors of Kyra Panagia (you can meet also as Kira Panagia or Κυρά Παναγία in Greek) often say that this tiny village is one of the best places in Karpathos island, a real hidden gem of Greece, which should not be missed on a holiday.
Location and access
Kyra Panagia is located about 15 kilometers north of Pigadia, on the eastern side of Karpathos. Its houses were built by a sea exit of a deep valley, which is characterized by steep cliffs and high walls. If you would like to visit Kyra Panagia by car or motorcycle, just follow the road signs of the main road, after you have leaved Aperi village about 1 kilometer.
You should know that the asphalted road that leads to Kyra Panagia is extremely winding and filled with hairpin bends, but this road section is usually not as narrow as elsewhere in Karpathos. But after you reach the end of the road, you will understand, why is this village so famous in Greece.
The village is situated in a mouth of a large valley, surrounded by steep cliffs and huge mountains. This location is special even in Karpathos, and makes Kyra Panagia a hidden gem, which impresses the visitors with its natural beauty.
What to see here with photos
In Karpathos Kyra Panagia village is not big at all, there were built just a few apartments, taverns, and a small supermarket in the shade of the high cliffs. You can find free parking lots in the main street, directly next to the road.
A few other streets of the village are quite narrow, which were built primarily for pedestrian traffic. It’s definitely worth to take a walk here, because the sidewalks are filled with hundreds of flowers.
Oleanders, geraniums, mediterranean pine trees and tamarisks make this barren valley so alive and so beautiful, to the great delight for the residents and of course for the visitors of Karpathos island. In the summer months there is a small supermarket for the people, and of course some apartments can be rented here too, just check these below.
There are some boat trips from Pigadia to Kyra Panagia, but most of these make a stop in front of the beach, and offer for their guests swimming, and a chance to take photos from the boat. If you would like to discover the charm of the village, and take a walk on the streets, you have to drive here.
Kyra Panagia beach
In addition to its interesting location, Kyra Panagia is best known in Karpathos island and also in Greece for its beautiful beach. This magical place is one of the most famous trademarks: the panoramic views of Kyra Panagia beach are used often as symbols in Karpathos travel guides, blogs and magazines.
These photos are taken from the garden of Kyra Panagia’s church, which was built on a cliff next to the beach. When you visit the village, don’t forget to find the garden of the church for the best views! In the garden you can find shade of tamarisks and peaceful atmospheres, with the iconic views. Definitely a real gem, where a small bell hang from a tamarisk tree.
On maps you can find Kyra Panagia beach also as Kira Panagia beach or Παραλία Κυρά Παναγία in Greek, mostly with great reviews. The beach is a well organized place with grey pebbles, parasols and sunbeds, and also some taverns such as Kavos Beach Bar Restaurant.
From the garden the church you can see the the north cliffs of Kato Lakkos beach (Kato Lako, Paralia Kato Lakkos), but due to geographical conditions it can’t be accessed from this place.
Why Don’t Miss Kyra Panagia in Karpathos
The scenery of Kyra Panagia is impressive, the vertical walls of the gorge are breathtaking and enchants almost all of the visitors.
The village is a tiny but well-organised place, where the sea is often calm and has amazing emerald and turquoise colors. If you visit Kyra Panagia, you meet with one of the best places in Karpathos island.
Where to stay
This small seaside resort is located about 15 kilometers from Pigadia and 28 kilometers from the airport.
There are not so much apartments and villas in the area, but these offer definitely a unique holiday in Karpathos island.
A stay here is recommended for who like to spend a few days in a very picturesque place, far from the central areas of the island.
Villas
