Time Out: Karpathos Island Among World’s Most Underrated Travel Destinations

Karpathos. Visit Greece.

The island of Karpathos in Greece was recently referred to as one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations by Time Out magazine’s travel writers and editors.

Time Out’s 2023 list of the 14 most underrated travel destinations in the world placed Karpathos 10th on the list that included islands, seaside towns, lakes and whole countries from around the globe. The list aims to give travelers “spectacular suggestions” on where new to travel to this year.

What sets Karpathos apart from more popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, is the unique experience it offers, away from the “hustle and bustle”, noted Time Out’s contributors.

Karpathos. Photo source: visit Karpathos Island.

Visitors can take a four-hour ferry ride from Rhodes to Karpathos to explore the island’s beauty and authentic Greek culture. In addition to its authenticity, Karpathos boasts a string of near-deserted beaches, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. These beaches are also home to the Mediterranean monk seal, a rare and protected species.

The island features a picturesque mountain village of Olympos, “where women still wear colorful traditional outfits and donkeys are the only form of transportation,” says Time Out.

Municipality looks to promote Karpathos to international markets

The Municipality of Karpathos is aiming to boost the destination’s tourism potential.

The island’s deputy mayor responsible for tourism, Manolis Parayios, attended the recent ITB Berlin 2023 tourism expo in Germany and promoted Karpathos during a number of meetings with tourism stakeholders, journalists and bloggers.

Karpathos. Photo source: visit Karpathos Island.

It should be mentioned that National Geographic included Karpathos on its annual list of 25 recommended world destinations for 2023, for the authentic tourism experience the Greek island offers.

“Our island’s raw beauty fascinates travelers who are in search of alternative experiences,” Parayios said in an announcement released by the municipality.

Women on Karpathos. Photo source: visit Karpathos Island.

While Karpathos may be considered an underrated destination, it is gaining travel momentum with guests expected to discover its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique local cuisine should they choose to visit it.

Mongolia topped Time Out’s list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations followed by Lake Bacalar, Mexico and Cuenca, Ecuador. Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico rounded up the top 5.

Time Out magazine is part of Time Out Group, a global media and hospitality business launched in 1968 in London. Time Out Group today is a global media and hospitality business that inspires and enables people to explore and enjoy the best a city has to offer.