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Astypalea

Astypalea is located between Cyclades islands and Dodecanese islands. This island is rather quiet during summer, which ensures that you will enjoy swimming in peaceful beaches.

This most western Island of the Dodecanese has had many names: lchthyoessa (abundant fish) in ancient times; Stampalia or Astropalia, as the locals call it today. The name Astypalaia means "old city".

A mountainous island with an indented coastline concealing numerous delightful coves, Astypalaia (or Astipalea) in fact resembles two islands joined by a ribbon of land only 105 metres wide.

Some of the most interesting and beautul places of visit are the Panagia Poraitissa, which is one of the most beautiful churches in entire Dodecanese, with an impressive wood carved shrine decorated with thin leaves of gold. Beautiful beaches: Livadi, Agios Vasillis, Tzaneki, Agios Ioannis, Deftero Marmari, Trito Marmari, Maltezana. The caves in Vathi and Vetses with stalagmites and stalactites. A row of windmills on the pass of the hill provides an additional picturesque note.

It is a must to visit the Venetian castle of Gourini. One enters this castle from the southwest side of the hill. Inside it are two churches, dedicated to St. George and to the Annunciation (Evangelismos). The former contains a noteworthy carved iconostasis. Below the castle stands one of the most beautiful churches in the Dodecanese; the 18th century church of Our Lady Portaitissa. It too has an impressive iconostasis, covered with gold leaf.

Livadia, Analips! and Vathi are charming fishing hamlets on the south and north coast of the island, while among its many beaches, Tria Marmara, Schinontas and Vathi stand out. You will enjoy also walking in the narrow streets of the town of Astypalea, which has been built on the top of a hill, with a breathtaking view.

To get around Asypalea you will use mainly buses and boats. The capital of the island (Chora) is built amphitheatrically on the top of a hill. You have to walk through the narrow streets of the city to admire the architecture of the houses and the exquisite view of the Aegean Sea. From Chora, buses will transfer you to the main villages of the island, Livadi, Analipsi, Ag. Andrea. The boats will also take you to the main beaches of the island. It is even better if you have your own yacht or small boat and explore the beaches, which cannot be reached otherwise.

The island has also many churches, some of which are very old.

The Castle of Astypalea actually had a key, which closed its doors so as not to reveal its beautiful girls. Now, Astypalea is open and welcoming, as are the welcoming hearts of its inhabitants, ready to show its beauties. That’s why she continuously wins over not only more, new visitors but also true friends.

There are enough folklore activities during summer, which you will enjoy participating in. The biggest one is on August 15 where the dancing with local dances is taking place until early in the morning.

Astypalaia is an island with little tourism and thus has retained its genuine Greek atmosphere. The people are warm and hospitable. Its splendid beaches, small taverns and the uninhabited islets nearby, can be reached by kayaks, are good reasons for choosing the island for a relaxing holiday.

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