Tradition says that Karpathos’ first inhabitant was a Titan Iapetus, the son of Uranus and Gaia and father of rebellious Prometheus. It is also believed that the latter lived here for the time being. The other version goes even far saying that all the Titans and even Giants lived on the island before the Titanomachy, the Clash of the Titans. 

There are several versions concerning the origin of the island name. One of the most common is that Karpathos owes its name to the plant “karpato” that grew here some time in the past. The island was inhabited since the Neolithic Age. According to Homer Karpathos also took part in the Trojan War sending its warships. It also fought against Sparta during the Peloponnesian War I of 431 B.C. In 42 B.C. Karpathos was under Romanian rule. It was also visited by Arabs and suffered from the pirates. Then Venetians and Turks followed. During the World War I the island was occupied by Italians and later on by the end of the World War II by the Germans. With 1948 came the long awaited freedom.

Among many local dishes one should first of all mention local handmade pasta (μακαρούνες), then “kopeles” (κοπέλες) – small vegetable pies. Do not miss the local fish skar (σκάρος), filled lamb “ofto” (“οφτό”) and filled pumpkin flowers. Then take a chance and try local sesame honey (σισαμόμελι) and baklava with honey (μπακλαβάς).