Saria is a small island north of Karpathos. Those two islands used to be connected a few million years ago, now there’s a narrow strip of sea separating them.

The landscape is identical to that of northern Karpathos, with barren lands, rugged relief, gorges and mountains.
The only way to get there is by boat, either by Diafani or Pigadia.

Saria is today an uninhabited island, though it hasn’t always been the case, as it used to be home to the ancient cities of Saros and Nisiros. Also, in the Palatia area (where the boats dock), there’s an old Arab settlement.
If you take the trail towards the north, you will find the chapels of St Panteleimonas, St Spyridon and St Zaharias dating back to the 5th century AD. In the north you’ll also come across the ruins of the ancient settlement of Argos. During the Medieval times it served as a shelter for pirates.

Bonus info: The 4 Ancient Cities of Karpathos

Alongside its interesting historical background involving pirates and the Roman Empire, Karpathos is famous for its four ancient cities that together made up the Karpathian tetrapolis, dating back to the Ancient Greek times. Let’s take a quick look at them!

1. Possidion - Ποσείδιον in Greek, was located in today’s Pigadia, the main town and main port of Karpathos. It flourished during the Roman and Paleochristian times, you can still visit and see its acropolis in Pigadia.
   

2. Vrikounda - On the north westernmost point of Karpathos, a completely deserted area of very much significance in terms of ecosystem. The ancient necropolis of Vrikounda is located right on the edge of the cliffs, next to the sea. You can reach it through the Avlona - Vrikounda hiking trail which takes around an hour and a half.
   Along the cape of Vrikounda, and a couple of wild donkeys!
   

3. Arkasa - a fortified town built on the acropolis of Arkasa (called Paleokastro) during the Archaic (700-508BC) and the Hellenistic periods (323-146BC).

4. Nisiros (or Saros) - this city was built on today’s Palatia location in Saria island. Nisiros was part of the Athenian Alliance. Today it’s accessible via boat from Diafani or Pigadia.
   

Nowadays, only a few shepherds live there for some months every year. 

Pro tip: ask your skipper to show you where the underwater cave is. They will know!