gr.flights Karpathos Airport

Car hire at Karpathos Airport

Karpathos rewards a car more than most islands. The tarmac road runs the length of it, from the airport past Pigadia and up the east coast to Olympos, and the beaches that made the island’s name, Apella, Kyra Panagia, Achata, Lefkos, sit below it on steep side roads, some of them still dirt. Desks are at the terminal and the cars are outside.

Rental companies at Karpathos Airport

The airport is served mainly by Karpathian companies, some as agents for international brands, all with desks or a meet-and-greet at arrivals. The fleet is small: book well ahead for July and August, and reserve a car for any arrival on the winter Rhodes flights.

  • Karpathos companies with terminal desks (several act as agents for Avis, Hertz or Sixt)
  • Pigadia agencies with free delivery to the airport

Booking tips

  • For the dirt-road beaches, ask for a small SUV or jeep; most contracts exclude damage on unpaved roads, so read that clause
  • Take full damage waiver; the island’s roads are narrow, steep and shared with goats
  • Fill up in Pigadia or Menetes; there is no fuel north of Spoa on the road to Olympos
  • A credit card in the driver’s name is needed for the deposit
  • Licences issued outside the EU/EEA need an international driving permit

Driving from the airport

One road leaves the airport. North-east along the coast to Amoopi and Pigadia in 25 minutes; or north-west through Menetes to Arkasa, Finiki and the west coast to Lefkos. Beyond Pigadia the road climbs past Aperi and Spoa to Olympos, two hours from the airport with the last stretch above the cliffs; drive it by daylight the first time and give the buses room.

Frequently asked questions

Which car rental companies are at Karpathos Airport?

Mainly Karpathian companies with desks at the terminal, several acting as agents for Avis, Hertz or Sixt, plus Pigadia agencies that deliver to arrivals. Book well ahead for July and August.

Do I need a jeep on Karpathos?

Not for the main road, Pigadia, the southern resorts or Olympos, which are all paved. For Apella, Kyra Panagia and some west-coast beaches the last stretch is dirt, and a small SUV is more comfortable; check that the contract covers unpaved roads.

See also

Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.