In Karpathos for Makarounes

This summer, I had the honor of traveling to Karpathos, one of the most authentic and enchanting islands of the Aegean. My experience there, especially in the picturesque village of Olympos, revealed the deep connection between the local cuisine and the tradition and history of the region.

Karpathos | A Gem of the Southern Aegean
Karpathos is the second-largest island of the Dodecanese, located between Rhodes and Crete. It is a land full of contrasts, with towering mountains that descend into beaches with crystal-clear, turquoise waters. The landscape combines the rugged beauty of nature with the tranquility of traditional villages that seem to have escaped the passage of time.

Although not as well-known as other Greek islands, Karpathos offers an authentic experience that transports you back to a time when life followed simpler rhythms. The locals keep their customs and traditions alive, which is particularly evident in their cuisine.

Makarounes | The Soul of Karpathian Cuisine
One of the dishes that best represents this authentic, traditional cuisine is makarounes. These are handmade pasta made with simple ingredients such as flour and water, but the technique of making them is an art passed down from generation to generation.

In the village of Olympos, I watched the local women skillfully craft makarounes. They take small pieces of dough, shape them into long, slender forms, and twist them around a fork, giving the pasta its distinctive texture and form that contributes to its unique flavor. The makarounes are then boiled and mixed with sautéed onions, local cheese, and marjoram, creating a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish.

Olympos | A Village That Feels Like a Living Museum
The village of Olympos, located in the northern part of Karpathos, is the heart of tradition on the island. Perched on top of a mountain with stunning views of the endless blue Aegean Sea, Olympos feels like a village from another era. Its isolation from other parts of the island, due to the rugged terrain, has helped preserve the customs and traditions of the past.

Here, women still wear traditional clothing and cook in the same way their ancestors did, while men participate in festivals and traditional dances that keep the memory of the place alive. In Olympos, I learned that tradition is not just a piece of history, but a living way of life.

Closing this journey through the enchanting Karpathos, I was left filled with images, flavors, and emotions. It was an experience that exceeded all expectations, revealing not only the culinary traditions of the place but also the soul of the island.

The authentic flavors of Karpathos are not just food; they are living memories of the island's history and culture, with every dish telling a fresh story. The people, with their warm hospitality and devotion to tradition, made me feel truly like a part of the family.