Guide to Othos Karpathos with photos and all infos

Othos is the highest-lying village in the mountains of Karpathos Island, and it is one of the most picturesque, traditional mountain settlements. Exploring the narrow alleys and walking next to the well maintaned houses show the beauty of this place, which has a few sights as well.

Where is Othos in Karpathos Island and how to get there

The village of Othos is located just 12 kilometers away from Pigadia. It can be reached driving on the road which leads through Aperi and Volada villages. Othos (Όθος in Greek language) is situated about 520 meters above sea level on the slopes of the mountains, and there is no other settlement which was built as high in Karpathos Island. The houses were built amphiteatrically in the mountains and offer one of the best views to the bay of Pigadia.

Near the main road there are a few parking places in Othos, but due to the narrow and winding road always be very careful when you park your car! Always watch the yellow signs where parking is not allowed, and avoid parking in narrow bends. If you arrive from the east (from direction of Aperi), there is a mentionable parking lot (after the first houses of Othos, but before the big church in the bend), which is the best for parking in our opinion.

What to see in Othos

Most of the houses in Othos are well maintaned, a lot of them were rebuilt some years ago by the residents of the village. The atmospheres of the area are so idyllic and pleasant, that many visitors consider that Othos and its surroundings are one of the most beautiful places in Karpathos. When you walk around, you will see gardens filled with lemon trees, olives, grapes, plane trees, and of course bougeainvilleas and oleanders, which are so beloved in Greece.

Sights of Othos village in Karpathos island

Most of streets in Othos are narrow alleys, but also the main street which leads through the village is quite narrow. The area offers hiking trails which connect the villages nearby, and can be discovered Aperi, Volada and Pyles on foot. On the hills there are ruins of old windmills, but these are unused a long time ago, and symbolize the past.

Othos sights and attractions, which are worth to visit on a sightseeing

Othos village has a small Folklore Museum (Λαογραφικο Μουσείο Όθους) with some interesting things, which can be find next to the main road. On the exhibiton visitors can see old paintings and photographs from the past of Karpathos island, laces, musical instruments, wood carvings.

The Folklore Museum of Othos presents the traditions of Karpathos Island, but it’s opening times are limited. One of the local sights is a small workshop gallery, where traditional instruments and other hand-made objects can be seen, which were made of wood.

What to see in Othos Karpathos with local museums

During summer months residents organize some local festivals and traditional feasts, most of them are religious event. Another sight in Othos village is its largest church, near to the museum, directly next to the main road. This church is known as Ieros Naos Metamorfoseos tou Sotiros (Ιερός Ναός Μεταμορφώσεώς του Σωτήρος Όθος in Greek), and as we mentioned above, there is a spacious parking lot in Othos, on the east side of the church.

The family taverns which are usually recommended here are called Othitiko Taverna and Mezzaria Restaurant.

In recent years a tiny lookout was built next to the main road, with a sign of “LOVE OTHOS‘, making the settlement more popular among tourists. This place is a great lookout in Karpathos Island, and from here you can take a look from further distance to the highest lying village of the region.

Why visit Othos village in Karpathos island?

A pleasant walk in Othos is definitely always great, because it a charming mountain village with panoramic views and hiking trails. It’s quite easy to discover this area, because the other beautiful villages, Aperi and Volada are also near.