Menetes. Menetes is, after Pigadia, the main town of the Greek island of Karpathos. It is located on the steep slope of a hill, 350 meters (1,100 feet) high, eight kilometers (5 mi) from Pigadia. The snow-white houses of Menetes can be seen from afar.
To reach Menetes, turn right five kilometers (3 mi) southwest of Pigadia and head up the steep mountain. This road is paved, but has many curves. The village of Menetes was built in the Middle Ages when people who lived on the coast searched for a safer place to live to guard against pirate attacks.
In Menetes you’ll find one of the well-known churches of Karpathos, the Kimissi tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin Mary) Church. This church was built in the 19th century, but the Virgin Mary icon that is present in the church, is much older. It is said that this icon performs miracles. On August 15th, one celebrates the name day of the Virgin Mary. August 6th is also a big celebration. Climb Mount Profitis Ilias in Menetes. On top of this mountain is a church. From the mountaintop you’ll have a spectacular view.
In Menetes you’ll find a combination of old traditional houses and new buildings constructed in beautiful neoclassical style by Greeks from the US. Menetes is a remarkably clean village. Throughout the town you will find signs warning that heavy fines will be imposed if the environment damaged or polluted.
About 350 permanent residents live in Menetes, but there are many more in the summer including Greeks from America who spend their holidays here. In Menetes you’ll find yet another beautiful church; Aghios Antonios. Here you can view fine Byzantine frescoes. Agias Mamas is also a beautiful church, located on the route to Arkassa.