Nick Kontis, μπορεί να γυρνά όλο τον πλανήτη, όμως η καρδιά του παραμένει στην Κάσο και την Κάρπαθο

Nick Kontis, μπορεί να γυρνά όλο τον πλανήτη, όμως η καρδιά του παραμένει στην Κάσο και την Κάρπαθο

“Πέρα από αυτά τα δύο μαργαριτάρια στο απέραντο Αιγαίο Πέλαγος, τη Μύκονο και τη Σαντορίνη, μαζί με τις κοντινές Κυκλάδες, όπως η Πάρος, η Ίος και η Νάξος, υπάρχουν  από 112 έως 227 άψογα νησιά για να επισκεφτείτε,  με πολυσύχναστες πόλεις με λιμάνι, άλλα με γαλήνια ζωή στα χωριά”.

Ο σπουδαίος ελληνοαμερικανός ταξιδιωτικός συγγραφέας και φωτογράφος Νικ Κόντης μας ξεναγεί σε αυτά τα λιγότερο γνωστά σημεία. Και ανάμεσα στα νησιά που φωτογραφίζει και μας ταξιδεύει είναι η Κάρπαθος και η Κάσος! Και τα δυο νησιά φαίνεται πως κέρδισαν μια θεση στην καρδιά του.

Ο ταξιδιωτικός συντάκτης Νικόλαος Κόντης έχει κυριολεκτικά γυρίσει όλο τον πλανήτη, γράφει και φωτογραφίζει με χαρακτηριστικό προσωπικό στυλ και ευαισθησία αφού καταφέρνει σε σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα να ενσωματώνεται με τις μικρές κοινωνίες που επισκέπτεται και λατρεύει τη δουλειά του.

Με τον Δήμαρχο της ΗΝ Κάσου το καλοκαίρι 2021

Beyond Santorini and Mykonos: Explore the lesser-known Greek islands

 

When travelers consider a first-time visit to the Greek Islands, the chances are that volcanic Santorini, with its incredible caldera vistas, white-washed settlements, and burnt orange sunsets at Oia, makes the glitzy island an attraction to newlyweds and couples from around the globe.
To the same degree as crowded Santorini, also on the American tourist radar is Mykonos. Its delightful windmills, utterly idyllic Little Venice, slightly mimicking the actual Venice, and sunbathing or open-air nightlife on Paradise Beach make the island have evoked Cyclades splendor since the 1980s.
Beyond these two pearls in the vast Aegean Sea along with its nearby divulged Cyclades neighbors the likes of Paros, Ios and Naxos, there are anywhere from 112 to 227 impeccable islands to visit coming in all constellations with bustling port towns, others with serene village life. Travel writer and photographer Nick Kontis takes you on a tour of these lesser-known spots.
Karpathos is the second largest island in the Dodecanese chain of less frequented clusters. The nearly 30-mile long mountainous interior island is rich in topography with various geological formations and sheer cliffs. The rocky mainland is rich in archeological sites dating back to prehistoric times.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Visiting Karpathos, an island of ancient colorful villages clustered on hillsides and sheer cliffs is like taking a step back in time. Its crown jewel village is Olympos, with narrow pathways and colorful houses and old-world locals. Isolated for centuries until 1980, the lofty settlement, cut off from the rest of the island, retains its vintage allure even with tourism/

Visiting Karpathos, an island of ancient colorful villages clustered on hillsides and sheer cliffs is like taking a step back in time. Its crown jewel village is Olympos, with narrow pathways and colorful houses and old-world locals. Isolated for centuries until 1980, the lofty settlement, cut off from the rest of the island, retains its vintage allure even with tourism/
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

In Karpathos' time-forgotten villages perched far-reaching in cloud-covered mountains, original island traditions maintained through rich folklore and gallantry prevail today. Older women wear distinguished embroidered dresses symbolizing their bravery and pride as matriarchs and caretakers of the village and families.

In Karpathos’ time-forgotten villages perched far-reaching in cloud-covered mountains, original island traditions maintained through rich folklore and gallantry prevail today. Older women wear distinguished embroidered dresses symbolizing their bravery and pride as matriarchs and caretakers of the village and families.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Despite direct flights from Athens and summer travelers arriving from many European cities, the island has yet to be overwhelmed by tourism. Well-maintained beaches of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout Karpathos attract varying travel styles. To access some of the unreachable beaches by land and the nearly-connected island of Saria, a boat trip is required.

Despite direct flights from Athens and summer travelers arriving from many European cities, the island has yet to be overwhelmed by tourism. Well-maintained beaches of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout Karpathos attract varying travel styles. To access some of the unreachable beaches by land and the nearly-connected island of Saria, a boat trip is required.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

In Karpathos' vibrant capital harbor of Pigadia, eating small plates of meze, transfixed by local Lyra player Mihalis Zografidis, whose titillating limericks (mantinades) improvising and rhyming of traditional stories of past and present Karpathos is a highlight of festivals, dance and merriment lasts well into the morning hours.

In Karpathos’ vibrant capital harbor of Pigadia, eating small plates of meze, transfixed by local Lyra player Mihalis Zografidis, whose titillating limericks (mantinades) improvising and rhyming of traditional stories of past and present Karpathos is a highlight of festivals, dance and merriment lasts well into the morning hours.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Karpathos seamlessly blends the best of the Dodecanese with a lively port capital, rich folklore, world-class beaches, evocative villages. Menetes, five miles from the capital of Pigadia, is the historic village of Menetes. Built on the slopes of a hillside, its most striking feature is the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses with flowered balconies/

Karpathos seamlessly blends the best of the Dodecanese with a lively port capital, rich folklore, world-class beaches, evocative villages. Menetes, five miles from the capital of Pigadia, is the historic village of Menetes. Built on the slopes of a hillside, its most striking feature is the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses with flowered balconies/
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

The future of remote Karpathos is positioning itself as an eco-tourism destination for curious experiential travelers. "Our island offers memorable down-to-earth cultural and culinary interaction, amazing hikes, with a deep appreciation for ecology," says Ecotourism Karpathos, which spearheads the sustainable and responsible travel movement on the island.

The future of remote Karpathos is positioning itself as an eco-tourism destination for curious experiential travelers. “Our island offers memorable down-to-earth cultural and culinary interaction, amazing hikes, with a deep appreciation for ecology,” says Ecotourism Karpathos, which spearheads the sustainable and responsible travel movement on the island.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Traversing the chiseled mountain of uninhabited Saria Island highlights any Karpathos visit where otherworldly rock formations meet blue water horizons, archeological sites dating back to prehistoric times and span the classic years of both the Roman and Byzantine eras. Stone houses dot the landscape, wild goats and sheep roam freely as the island's caretakers, olive trees are in abundance.

Traversing the chiseled mountain of uninhabited Saria Island highlights any Karpathos visit where otherworldly rock formations meet blue water horizons, archeological sites dating back to prehistoric times and span the classic years of both the Roman and Byzantine eras. Stone houses dot the landscape, wild goats and sheep roam freely as the island’s caretakers, olive trees are in abundance.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Kasos Island, situated between the massive islands of Crete and Karpathos The landscape is mountainous and rocky and offers rare wildflowers and bird species. The island plays a prominent role in Greek history with a long nautical tradition. The residential architecture follows the classical layout of the captain’s houses (kapitanospita) with a white exterior and colored windows with high ceilings interior.

Kasos Island, situated between the massive islands of Crete and Karpathos The landscape is mountainous and rocky and offers rare wildflowers and bird species. The island plays a prominent role in Greek history with a long nautical tradition. The residential architecture follows the classical layout of the captain’s houses (kapitanospita) with a white exterior and colored windows with high ceilings interior.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Although ferries arrive from both Rhodes and Karpathos to Kasos, there is also an airport with flights to both islands hubs; the tourism levels are lower than other Dodecanese islands. Sadly, many island-hoppers miss this eternal classic island. Those who visit are mesmerized by this windswept isle of craggy peaks, pebbly uncluttered sun-drenched beaches, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Although ferries arrive from both Rhodes and Karpathos to Kasos, there is also an airport with flights to both islands hubs; the tourism levels are lower than other Dodecanese islands. Sadly, many island-hoppers miss this eternal classic island. Those who visit are mesmerized by this windswept isle of craggy peaks, pebbly uncluttered sun-drenched beaches, and a sedentary lifestyle.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

If you seek a more relaxed off-the-beaten-track Greek Island void of package deal tourism, Kasos flaunts a more straightforward way of life. You'll enjoy the simplicity of the island, the slower pace, and the friendly natives who look out for each other. Sip on a Greek coffee while the men play an animated game of cards.

If you seek a more relaxed off-the-beaten-track Greek Island void of package deal tourism, Kasos flaunts a more straightforward way of life. You’ll enjoy the simplicity of the island, the slower pace, and the friendly natives who look out for each other. Sip on a Greek coffee while the men play an animated game of cards.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Five villages line the eternal island of Kasos: the port settlement of Fry, the largest enclave of Agia Marina, the oldest village of Poli, mountainous Arvanitohori, and Panagia just above the old harbor of Emborio. A stroll around the photogenic island begins at the tiny inlet harbor of Bouka, lined with fishing boats in tranquil waters and some of the island's finest restaurants.

Five villages line the eternal island of Kasos: the port settlement of Fry, the largest enclave of Agia Marina, the oldest village of Poli, mountainous Arvanitohori, and Panagia just above the old harbor of Emborio. A stroll around the photogenic island begins at the tiny inlet harbor of Bouka, lined with fishing boats in tranquil waters and some of the island’s finest restaurants.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Kasos Island is situated between the massive islands of Crete and Karpathos. The landscape is mountainous and rocky and offers rare wildflowers and bird species. The island plays a prominent role in Greek history with a long nautical tradition. The residential architecture follows the classical layout of the captain’s houses (kapitanospita) with a white exterior and colored windows with high ceilings interior.

Kasos Island is situated between the massive islands of Crete and Karpathos. The landscape is mountainous and rocky and offers rare wildflowers and bird species. The island plays a prominent role in Greek history with a long nautical tradition. The residential architecture follows the classical layout of the captain’s houses (kapitanospita) with a white exterior and colored windows with high ceilings interior.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Kasos, located files from Karpathos, is of the smallest Greek islands with a population of just over 900 and a landmass of 19 square miles. But tTravelers are catching to the mountainous treasure as the population in the high season summer months has reached nearly 5,000.

Kasos, located files from Karpathos, is of the smallest Greek islands with a population of just over 900 and a landmass of 19 square miles. But tTravelers are catching to the mountainous treasure as the population in the high season summer months has reached nearly 5,000.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY
Beachcombers need not travel far from the port of Fry to find sun-soaked beaches. Emporios Bay is the home of the old port and a relaxing way to spend the day close to your stay. Right next to the port of Fri is the pebbly beach of Kofteri. Helatros is a beautiful, quiet beach with a small cantina and sunbeds. Off the coast is the island of Armathia, with the sandy beach paradise of Marmara, one of the best in Greece.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

The monastery of Agios Mamas, perched high on the island's south side with its mosaic floors, is one of over 100 churches scattered throughout the island of Kasos. Religion and festivals remain an essential place in island life. Agios Mamas, the patron saint of shepherds and flocks, is celebrated in a festival held Sept. 2.

The monastery of Agios Mamas, perched high on the island’s south side with its mosaic floors, is one of over 100 churches scattered throughout the island of Kasos. Religion and festivals remain an essential place in island life. Agios Mamas, the patron saint of shepherds and flocks, is celebrated in a festival held Sept. 2.
If you’re fortunate to visit during a festival or wedding, you’ll experience the most authentic Greek life. There are other opportunities to see witness the Kasian way of life. The island’s genuine residents are accessible and easy to mix with throughout its settlements. At vibrant festivals, the atmosphere always showcases traditional Kasian revelry.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

Visitors to Kasos can experience authentic Greek hospitality, food, wine, and merriment offered by the caring locals who open their doors for you.

Visitors to Kasos can experience authentic Greek hospitality, food, wine, and merriment offered by the caring locals who open their doors for you.
NICK KONTIS/SPECIAL TO USA TODAY

There are no trendy beach bars on Kasos, just a cold Mythos beer or a glass of ouzo on the rocks while dining on a grilled octopus. An island where locals and visitors mingle freely.

There are no trendy beach bars on Kasos, just a cold Mythos beer or a glass of ouzo on the rocks while dining on a grilled octopus. An island where locals and visitors mingle freely.
Πηγή: eu.usatoday.com/