Travel Guide Diafani

A small port in the northeast of the island, Diafani is served by ferries to Pigadia, and by a solitary road that links it inland to the rest of the island. It's the ideal place to discover a world from another time, and to go hiking. Day trips are available to the islet of Saria, home to half-wild goats and the last Mediterranean monk seals. The same caiques can also take you along the east coast, to magnificent coves inaccessible by road. Diafani is a good base for hikers wishing to discover this remote wilderness. The paths are relatively well signposted in some places, much less so in others: refer to www.ecotourism-karpathos.com and you'll discover some fabulous natural sites. You can travel by caïque or on foot to the archaeological site of Vroukounda. Here, the ruins of an ancient city dominate lost places, while the magical underground church of Agios Ioannis hides in an incredible cave. At the end of August, unique panigyria are held here to celebrate the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. On the eve of August 29, women in traditional dress bring food by donkey, and in the evening a mystical service is held in the cave church. The festivities last all night, with dancing facing the sea to the sound of the lyre. The following day, the celebrations move back to the village of Avlona for two days.