In the past, Kyra Panagia was considered a beach you would only hear about from those familiar with Karpathos's beauties. After all, it is located on the island's eastern coast, considered comparatively more unexplored, being the seaside part of an abandoned settlement of the same name.
Now, however, this image has been reversed. Kyra Panagia is one of the most photographed beaches of all the Dodecanese - with a particular reputation on social media like Instagram - and you will hear about its good things if you come to Karpathos for the first time.
This reputation, in turn, has led to the general tourist development of the inland coast, where in the summer, several accommodation and catering infrastructures operate for those visitors who wish to spend a few days in the area.
In addition, the small church of Kyra Panagia, which dominates the beach – giving it its characteristic name – has become a popular choice for those who dream of holding their wedding or christening their children in a picturesque coastal landscape.
Even before it became famous as a beach, when no one combined summer rest with swimming in the sea, Kyra Panagia had gained fame thanks to the church of the same name, which today dominates picturesquely just above the coast (as we said before), on an elevated rock next to the waters of the southern Aegean.
The white church with the characteristic red dome is considered of Byzantine origin and very old, since its first form dates back to the 6th century, according to the data published by the Municipality of Karpathos.
Its newest form, however, can be traced back to 1833, when it seems that it was renovated by Captain Ioannis Romnakis, an old warlord from Crete, who settled in Karpathos after the failure of the 1821 Revolution in the area.
Another local story is also related to the Revolution, which wants a wedding in the bay of Kyra Panagia as the militant Antonios Kriezis was approaching it after the Holocaust of Kasos (1824). The bride, then, took off the double row of golden frills that adorned her traditional costume and offered them for the needs of the rebel Christians.
Today, many who got to know the beach – whether locals or visitors – choose the chapel for weddings and baptisms. Besides, it is highly convenient for such purposes, as a small area for catering has been set up in its courtyard, capable of serving up to 50 people.
The holy church celebrates every year on August 23, honouring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. From the night before, a Carpathian feast begins, with free food for everyone, music and dancing, which continues during the festive day.
The beach itself, now, is a sandy beach mixed with pebbles formed between rocks, with the sand leaving a white gold impression on the eye. The waters are crystal clear, have a "crystal" relaxed feeling, and have an intense blue colour on the coasts. They deepen sharply, however, while, as one moves inward, their colours tend towards the familiar dark blue of the Aegean.
The rocks on either side of the beach prove popular for snorkelers (with due care, however, as they are steep and have some height) but also provide exciting seabeds for those who like to snorkel. The coast is also organised with umbrellas and sunbeds, so you can come with peace of mind that you will find everything you need. But if you prefer to dig with your mat and equipment, there is room for that too.
Even if you only come here to swim, it's still worth sitting in one of the beach tavernas before you leave to taste some delicious local dishes. Freshly fried scarf, for example, or handmade macaroons cooked with "tsiknoma", as they say (with sheep cheese and fried onions).
And a "secret" that may be very useful to you if you come to Karpathos during the peak season: due to the steep and relatively high rocks, the sun in Kyra Panagia already sets quite early in the afternoon, so most visitors leave for the base them, leaving the coast in an almost heavenly calm for those who do not like the crowd.
Kyra Panagia is 15 kilometres from Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos, from which you can easily reach by road. After all, most of those who come here to bathe do so as an excursion, having their holiday "base" there.
Therefore, starting from Pigadia, you will move towards the northwest, approaching Kyra Panagia via the (asphalted) provincial road Aperiou - Spoas, after passing the village of Aperi. As you descend towards the coast, just be aware that quite a few bends exist.
Also, the beach is short, and parking is somewhat limited, so you may encounter difficulties if you come at lunchtime, at the height of the Greek summer. If you don't have your means of transport now, you won't have to worry.
The local KTEL operates routes to and from Kyra Panagia (see details by calling 22450 22338 and 22450 22206). At the same time, during the summer tourist season, there is the option of arriving by boat, which also departs from Pigadia (Karpathos Port Authority: 22450 22227).
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