Karpathos is the second-largest island in the Dodecanese — between Rhodes and Crete, more remote than either, and with a preserved traditional culture in the northern village of Olympos that is unique in the Aegean. Olympos — accessible by boat or an extraordinary mountain road — is one of the most genuinely traditional villages in Greece, where women still wear the traditional costume as daily dress rather than as a cultural performance, and where the Doric dialect of ancient Greek survives in the spoken language.

For Olympos. The northern mountain village — the colourful traditional houses, the windmills on the ridge, the women in traditional dress. A PP linen shirt in a warm earth tone or natural with linen trousers and leather shoes. The most culturally specific destination on the island rewards covered and respectful dress in natural fabric and natural colourways.

For Apella and the northeast coast beaches. Apella Beach — consistently ranked among the finest beaches in Greece, accessible by boat or a steep path. White PP linen over natural swim shorts, leather sandals. The beach is dramatic — blue Aegean water, dramatic cliff formations — and the natural fabric wardrobe responds to the natural setting correctly.

For Pigadia. The island capital and main port — the waterfront tavernas, the ferry connections to Rhodes. A PP linen shirt in white or a warm natural with linen shorts and leather sandals for the relaxed capital register.

For the kite-surfing at Afiarti. The bay of Afiarti on the south coast is one of the finest kite-surfing locations in Greece — the reliable Meltemi wind, the flat water of the bay, the growing kite-surfing infrastructure. For the kite-surfing context: natural swim shorts and a white PP linen shirt for the shore, leather sandals.

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