Where the “meltemi” winds (Aegean summer north winds) blow mightily, finding a beach in Karpathos for kids is a lot about finding calm (unless they enjoy tempestuous waves). The island’s east coast presents gentler conditions, more sheltered than the exposed west from the usual prevailing wind direction. Moving from north-east to south, the shoreline graduates from gravelly with an exotic blue-green beauty, to the sandier bays of the south-east that sparkle in the colours of the Caribbean.
We list our favourite paddle-friendly finds here. Hats might still fly off, and unsecured beach towels risk fluttering into the sea, so bring towel clips and ponchos or bathrobes (instead of towels) for kids. There’s also snorkeling fun to be found in waters teeming with sea life – don’t forget goggles or masks.
DAMATRIA
Like a scattering of sapphires and diamonds stashed at the foot of a gentle mountain slope, Damatria is a bejeweled sliver of paradise. A sea of mushroom-shaped parasols fill its wisp of a shoreline from end to end, but fails to feel crowded. Generously spaced out over two rows, the beauty of nature engulfs.
As we work our way down a short, rocky slope, pebbles give way to sand. Little D yells “I want to swim there!!”. It’s like a pool. She effuses excitement in every new discovery in her first 10 minutes. “I can see a thousand fishes mama! I’m still walking and it’s still not deep!”
Poseidon delivers cocktails, coffee and bites on a lone motorbike shuttling between the beach and its restaurant above. They have a reputation for good food (of the inventive variety) and the longest wine list on the island. With an enchanting terrace set above the beach, it’s a sensible place to move onto for pre or post swim meals.
Arriving at 5 p.m. (when many beach trippers start leaving), we found parking right next to the entrance. Either start early in the morning, or early in the evening to ensure you secure a sunbed.
AMOOPI
The two sparkling bays of Amoopi (“Big Amoopi” and “Little Amoopi”) are framed by ruggedly handsome rock cliffs that attract young jumpers. Pale blue and shallow for an impressive distance, its waters are thoroughly welcoming. Little snorkelers paddle all around, popping up each time they discover a hermit crab or other on the seabed.
The beach coves are small, and crowd out quickly. We are told by the sunbed warden of Little Amoopi that you need to arrive by 9 am or 9:30 am to secure a spot. If you are as poorly organised in the mornings as we are and fail to find a spot, head up to Nymfe’s cafe for drinks and set your base there instead.
DIAKOFTIS
Elysian Instagram images of diakoftis are drawing attention to this known secret paradise off the southernmost tip of Karpathos. A dirt road (still navigable if you don’t have a four-wheel drive) takes you right up to the beach with two sides, and a café sitting in-between. Partly-organised, shade and loungers are also available here if you arrive early enough.
LEFKOS
A small tourist village in north Karpathos, Lefkos is a family hotspot. Backed by tavernas, mini marts and cafes, the main settlement overlooks the sea from elevated ground one floor above the shoreline. It’s perfect for first swimmers, with honey-hued sand gently slipping into a light blue pool. Kids build sandcastles on the beach, frolic in doughnut floats in the water, and sit with popsicles from the mini-mart above the beach. Before you reach for the same, consider Lyra and friends for homemade baklava or brownies instead. Parking is tucked into the right hand corner of the beach (as you face the sea).
