The rugged Greek island of Karpathos has been ranked among the world’s top remaining "untouched paradises," a distinction local authorities are racing to protect with new sustainable tourism investments and infrastructure upgrades.
News18.com placed Karpathos sixth on its list of destinations to visit before mass tourism alters their character.
The report praised the island’s wild beaches and traditional mountain villages, citing them as a "refreshing experience away from the usual" compared to saturated hubs like Santorini and Mykonos.
The recognition aligns with Athens' strategy to diversify the country's tourism product.
Local officials are actively reinforcing this "quality" model by developing new rock-climbing sites and hiking networks funded by the South Aegean regional government.
"Our goal is to showcase Karpathos as a quality destination," said Mayor Michalis Fellouzis.
Mr. Fellouzis emphasized that these initiatives are designed to improve residents' quality of life while attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
To support this growth without depleting resources, the municipality has secured €2.8 million ($3 million) from the Ministry of Environment to solve chronic water shortages.
New permanent desalination plants will provide up to 2,000 cubic meters of water daily to the main town and the community of Aperi year-round.
As Greece approaches the 2026 summer season, Karpathos stands as a test case for balancing development with the preservation of the deep-rooted local identity that landed it on the global map.