Why rent a car in Karpathos?
Karpathos is one of the most unspoiled islands in the Dodecanese, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages and some of the finest beaches in the Aegean. A rental car is essential for exploring the island fully, as many of its highlights, including the remote village of Olympos with its centuries-old traditions and the pristine beaches of Apella and Achata, are only accessible by road.
Pick up your car directly at Karpathos Airport and start exploring the island immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the islands, see car rental in the Dodecanese Islands.
Exploring Karpathos by car
Routes and highlights across Karpathos
Karpathos is one of the most rewarding and least over-touristed islands in Greece, and a rental car is by far the best way to explore it. The island is long and narrow, running roughly north to south, with the main town of Pigadia (also called Karpathos Town) in the south and the remote mountain village of Olympos in the far north. The road between the two takes around 90 minutes and passes through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Aegean. Olympos is a genuinely traditional village where older women still wear traditional dress and local dialect has been preserved for centuries. The beaches of Apella and Achata on the eastern coast are among the finest in the Dodecanese and are accessible by a short drive followed by a walk down a rocky path. The beach of Kyra Panagia on the west coast is reachable by a winding mountain road and rewards the effort with complete seclusion. For more destinations, see car rental in the Dodecanese Islands or car rental in Greece.
Driving conditions in Karpathos
The main road in the south of the island is paved and in good condition. The road to Olympos in the north is more challenging, with steep gradients, sharp hairpin bends and narrow sections where passing oncoming vehicles requires care. It is fully driveable with a standard rental car but requires concentration and is best avoided in wet conditions. Many of the beach access roads are unpaved tracks, so checking conditions before attempting them is advisable. Karpathos Airport is located about 14 km south of Pigadia and has car rental facilities on site.
Best time to rent a car in Karpathos
May, June and September are the best months for exploring Karpathos by car. The island is known for its strong winds, particularly in July and August when the Meltemi blows consistently from the north, which can make driving on exposed mountain roads more challenging and sea conditions rough. Spring and early autumn bring calmer weather, quieter roads and the most pleasant conditions for driving through the mountain interior. The island is significantly quieter than the major Greek tourist destinations throughout the season.
Car rental price in Karpathos
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Karpathos, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €194 |
| Mid-size car | from €250 |
| Large car / SUV | from €453 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
