Pigadia is today the main port of the Greek Island of Karpathos. With the largest natural harbor on the island, in ancient times it was the site of the ancient port of Potidaion, which was also known as Poseidion or Poseidium. It served as the port of the ancient city of Karpathos (one of the three city-states on the island), which was located somewhere in the highlands of the island’s rugged interior, the site of which has not been identified but may have been near the modern village of Aperi.
Although various finds have been made over the years, such as ancient cemeteries on the outskirts of Pigadia and sanctuaries a bit further to the south, there is not much left to see of ancient Potidaion. There are some traces here and there, such as the fairly large excavation area which takes up an entire block on the west side of town and is easily visible from the street.
The ancient acropolis of Potidaion was located on the top of the rocky hill overlooking the harbor from the northeast. Most of the rockpiles that can be seen there today appear to be the remnants of farming terraces that do not seem to be ancient, so it is unclear at a casual glance what ancient remnants there are to see there, but the views are impressive.
Probably the most interesting site related to the Potidaion’s ancient past is a roadside cave located at Myli, 1 km southeast of the town. It appears to be the remnants of a monumental tomb, although some sources we found identify it as possibly a sanctuary to either Poseidon or Aphrodite.
There are also traces from the early Christian period, the most notable and visible being the ruins at Afoti on the northwestern edge of town of the 5th- or 6th-century Christian basilica dedicated to Agia Fotini.
A brief overview of the island’s ancient past can be had from a visit to the three rooms of the Archaeological Museum of Karpathos, located in the west wing of the town hall complex in the town’s main square.
Tips for Visitors
Pigadia is often called by the name of the island in its identification as a destination, such as by some ferry companies which connect the town to ports in other Greek islands. There is also an airport at the southern tip of the island, 13 km south of Pigadia.
The ruins of the Church of Agia Fotini are fenced in, but the gate is unlocked, so it is possible to enter the site and stroll through the ruins. The site is on the main coastal road at the northwestern edge of town.
Of the two main roads that lead out of town to the southwest, you can reach the cave at Myli by following the narrower, western road until after about 1 km you will find a stone staircase on the left side of the road, which will take you to a path leading to the cave overlooking the road.
Location Map