A visit to the village of Olympos or Elympos, as the locals call it, is a truly unique experience. Here the wretched time touched nothing. For centuries, it has respected the incredible beauty of the place and the unmistakable creations of island architecture that have transformed the village into a lively folk museum.
Olympos is located at the northernmost point of the island. The village is built in a mountainous and remote location. So, due to its geographical location and its isolation from the other villages of the island, the inhabitants of Olympos preserved their identity as well as their traditions.
It is characteristic that, even today, most of the residents are dressed in their local costumes and speak their local dialect – quite tricky for visitors to the area – which keeps a lot of Doric elements.
This village was founded about five centuries ago when a powerful earthquake destroyed the coastal town of Vrykounda.
For history, we mention that Vrykounda flourished during the classical era and was one of the largest and strongest cities in Karpathos.
In recent years, the village has been visited by more and more tourists, both Greeks and foreigners, who are fascinated by its uniqueness, are quick to get to know it, walk in its alleys, talk to the hospitable inhabitants and live for a while in the mysterious atmosphere that this special place exudes.
In addition to the old well-preserved houses, you will be impressed by the picturesque stone windmills and the old churches such as the 16th century Virgin Mary, Agios Onoufrios and Virgin Mary Chrysovalandou.
You can also visit the Museum of the Folk Artist Vasiliou Chatzivasilis, as well as the location of Ancient Vrykous, where ruins of the 4th century are preserved.
Two kilometers from Olympos is Avlona, the most traditional rural settlement in Greece. Here you will turn the time back … You will see how people lived and how the farmers of Karpathos worked.
