Karpathos was chosen by the British newspaper Express as the best alternative quality holiday option in Greece to mass destinations suffering from overtourism https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/ 1948880/Karpathos-Greek-island-less- tourists-Santorini.
The British media emphasized the uniqueness of Karpathos among the 24 places on the planet that are worth visiting, instead of the “classic” places full of tourists. As the article usually says, “the history of Karpathos is spread everywhere. The oldest known human presence on the island dates back to 4,000 BC. that the island is also called the “land of the Titans” in Greek Mythology.
In Karpathos, the beautiful village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympus, preserves its cultural identity and traditions, as seen in the traditional clothes worn by the women and the ancient dialect spoken by the locals. . The popular newspaper also points out that the second largest island of the Dodecanese is a wonderful holiday alternative with high mountains, unspoiled landscapes, fragrant forests, traditional villages and turquoise waters that can be visited even after August.
The Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Karpathos, Tasos Milios, added that “expanding the tourist season is a goal that we try to approach through a multi-faceted tourist narrative in many markets with a focus on natural . beauty, local culture, gastronomy and alternative activities, as well as through events”. In this context, the 2nd Gastronomic Festival, organized by the Municipality of Karpathos on September 19, tries to highlight the undiscovered culinary treasures of Karpathos.
Many visitors enjoy tasting the rich cuisine and traditional products of the charming Dodecanese island. At the center of the event are recognized local chefs who present flavors based on culinary tradition and local products of the Carpathian land. Chef Akis Petretzikis did an honorary cooking demonstration using local raw materials.
The festival is not only limited to creative gastronomy, but also highlights the unchanging tradition of the island with live music and food, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy macaroons, local cheese and other delicacies of Karpathos as part of an off-peak travel experience. According to CAA figures, total air arrivals for the tourist season May – September 2024 showed an increase of 1.4% with 122,286 visitors.