The enchanting Chora, the Venetian castle, the beaches, the food and the laid-back pace create a unique atmosphere on this island that wins you over from your very first visit. These are the reasons that will convince you to choose Astypalea for your holidays.
Astypalea, or Astropalia (for the locals), the “Butterfly of the Aegean” (thanks to its shape), is one of those islands that win you over from the very first visit. The island’s beautiful Chora evokes the Cyclades, even though it belongs to the Dodecanese, while the beaches are pristine and wild.
An eco-forward island, a model of sustainability with rich history and tradition, Astypalea has many fascinating stories to tell and its own way of captivating you.
One of the Aegean’s most beautiful Choras
Built on a rocky promontory that juts into the sea, creating two bays, Pera Gialos and Livadi, Astypalea’s Chora is one of the most beautiful island capitals in the Aegean. With its whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and traditional windmills, it resembles a Cycladic Chora despite belonging to the Dodecanese. This is where all the island’s life gathers. At its summit stands the Venetian castle which, when lit at night, you can’t take your eyes off.
TheVenetian castle,built by the Querini family in the 13th century, stands out as you approach the island and captivates you even more as you climb through the narrow alleys and steps - the view unfolding before you is unique. It is a fortified settlement, as the outer walls of the houses form the rampart. Inside the castle there are two beautiful churches: Panagia tou Kastrou and Agios Georgios.
The beaches of Astypalea
Pure and alluring, with gorgeous crystalline waters, the island’s beaches invite relaxation and endless swims. Kaminakia, Vatses and Ai Giannis are the musts. At Agios Konstantinos (one of the 22 best beaches in Europe according to the organization European Best Destinations), the deep-blue waters, the small white chapel on the hill, the taverna, the beach bar and the tamarisks create a beautiful summer scene. Other lovely beaches include the long, organized beach at Livadi, pebbly Tzanaki, Plakes (true to its name), tiny Ble Limanaki and the sandy shore at Steno.
Boat trip to exotic islets
The uninhabited islets of Kounoupes and Koutsomitis form Astypalea’s “exotic zone”. You hop on the boat from Pera Gialos and enjoy swims at beaches with white sands and amazing waters in every shade of blue.
Hidden treasures
If you’re in the mood for exploration, it’s worth visiting one of the island’s caves, such as the Dragon Cave near Vathy or the Negros Cave at Vatses with its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The latter is linked to various legends of pirates and treasures they hid inside the cave.
The island also boasts archaeological riches. In Maltezana (Analipsi) lie the famous Talara Baths, a landmark for their blue and terracotta mosaics from the Hellenistic period. One of Astypalea’s important ancient monuments is the world’s only Infant Cemetery. It is located in the area of Kylindra and is estimated to date from 750 BC.
The food
In Astypalea you’ll eat wonderfully, whether you choose fresh fish straight from the fishermen’s nets or local goat. You’ll also love makarounes, xerotigana with local honey, saffron biscuits and the local chlori cheese. Linda in Kaminakia makes a superb fish soup and salads with vegetables from her garden. In Chora you’ll eat very wellat Akti and at Barbarossa. Also note the little taverna Galini in Vathy, Astropelo and Gerani in Livadi, Maestrali in Pera Gialos and Astakouko on Schinonta beach.
