Astypalaia is a hospitable Greek island, embodying records, the sea, untamed splendor, scenic landscapes, leisure, and boundless azure. It is the fourth biggest and westernmost island of the Dodecanese, spanning 97 rectangular kilometers. The shoreline extends for 110 kilometers, and while accounting for close-by islets, the overall place reaches 128 square kilometers.
If you dream of visiting a Greek island with crystal-clear waters and enthralling scenery without the crowds of mass tourism, look no further—Astypalaia is the perfect vacation spot. The island boasts 365 churches and monasteries, thoughtfully scattered throughout its terrain, together with pristine beaches and fashionable vistas. Astypalaia, or Astropalia as the locals call it in their dialect, is an unforgettable gem for every traveler.
Map of Astypalaia Island
| Name | Astypalaia Island |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Kalymnos |
| Coordinates | 36°33′N 26°21′E |
| Area | 114.1 km2 (44.1 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +2 |
| Population | 1,376 |
| Heliport | Astypalaia Island National Airport (JTY) |
Things to See and Do on Astypalaia Island
Settlements
Astypalaia, meaning "old town," serves as a bridge between the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, blending the characteristics of both. It is the fourth largest and westernmost island of the Dodecanese, covering an area of 97 square kilometers. The coastline stretches for 110 kilometers, and including nearby islets, the total area reaches 128 square kilometers. The island is divided by a 100-meter-long sand strip into the Mesa Island and the Outer Island, forming a strait. Without this land bridge, Astypalaia would consist of two separate adjacent islands.
Chora and Pera Gialos (Χώρα και Πέρα Γιαλός)
Until the late 19th century, Chora became the island's sole settlement, topped by using a Venetian fortress at its height. Over time, whitewashed houses started to emerge out of the doors of the castle, extending right down to the port of Pera Gialos. Thus, Pera Gialos with its marina is a microcosm of Chora.
Livadia (Λιβάδια)
Livadia is a fertile valley and a nearby excursion retreat. The estates are embellished with lush vines, citrus bushes, and fig timber, exuding aromatic aromas and developing a vibrant, picturesque panorama. Livadi Beach is the busiest on the island, offering tavernas, cafes, and small shops.
Analipsi (Ανάληψη) or Maltezana (Μαλτεζάνα)
Analipsi, also called Maltezana, is a coastal settlement on Exo Nisi boasting sizable sandy beaches. It is located approximately 10 kilometers from Chora. It is known after Maltese pirates who used its sheltered bay as a hideout and base for their Aegean piracy.
Samos (Βαθύ)
Vathi is the northernmost and smallest settlement on Astypalaia, about 20 kilometers from Chora. It includes Exo Vathi on the eastern side of an enclosed bay and Mesa Vathi near the western bay front.
Beaches
Astypalaia's dramatic terrain creates several coves and numerous lovely beaches. The crystal-clear waters and deep blue sea are favorable to go away a long-lasting effect. Many shaded seashores function as big tamarisk trees, even as organized seashores offer sunbeds and small stores for essentials. In the summertime, tour boats transport traffic from Pera Gialos and Maltezana to the greater far-off seashores of Vatses, Kaminakia, and Agios Ioannis, in addition to the close-by islets of Koutsomitis, Kounoupa, and the remarkable Kokkino Gremos.
Beaches worth traveling: Livadi, Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Kaminakia, Agios Ioannis, Ble Limanaki, Schiniondas, Tzanaki, Plakes, Golden Sands, Steno, Mamounia, Koutsomytis, and Kounoupa.
Attractions
Venetian Castle
The Venetian Castle, situated at the highest point of Chora, was constructed on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress and the island's ancient acropolis. Constructed via Giovanni I Querini after he seized the island in 1207, it became generally for protective purposes and was completed in 1413 via Giovanni IV Zanachi Querini. The citadel serves as a landmark of the island, housing two churches, Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios, with terrific wooden-carved icons. The settlement inside the citadel started to be abandoned in 1830 and became wholly deserted through 1948. It is open day by day with unfastened admission.
Infant Cemetery of Kylindra
This is the arena's only little cemetery, maintaining hefty archaeological, anthropological, and ancient fees. To date, 2,760 infant burials in clay vessels (amphorae) have been found, with a relationship from the late Geometric duration (750 BC) to the Hellenistic period. This burial approach, called entrism, derives from the word hydra, symbolizing a mother's womb, and has taken into consideration the most common way of burying newborns or small children in historical instances. The pots had been located in deeper layers of rock pits. The massive number of these burials and the duration of the practice mark Astypalaia as a vast and strategic ancient node. Samples of the pottery may be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia in Pera Gialos.
Panagia Portaitissa Ecclesiastical Museum Astypalaia
Panagia Portaitissa, with its stunning bell tower overlooking Chora, is one of the most picturesque church buildings in the Dodecanese. Located on the foot of the Querini Venetian Castle in the Rodia district, it was founded by Saint Anthimos in the mid-18th century. The church is super for its wooden-carved, gilded iconostasis, which is unique among similar church buildings. Tradition holds that the icon of the Virgin Mary imprinted itself on wood, comparable to the icon at the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos. Adjacent to the church is a thrilling ecclesiastical museum housing a small series of ancient and rare icons.
Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia
The Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia has been operational since September 1998 and is located in Pera Gialos. It is organized chronologically from prehistoric to medieval instances, and it encompasses numerous artifacts, such as clay vessels, jewelry, cash, bronzes, and stone equipment. Votive offerings introduce us to the deities worshipped in historic Astypalaia, alongside elements of early Christian basilicas and other unearths from across the island. The museum also features the marble coat of hands of the Querini's own family, who ruled the island until 1537, and different relics. It is open each day besides Tuesdays, with an admission fee of three euros.
Activities
Diving in Crystal-Clear Waters
Astypalaia boasts seashores that cater to all tastes, from secluded coves to expansive stretches of sand, from completely organized with sunbeds, seaside bars, or tavernas to absolutely deserted shores. Their function is the crystal-clean water that revitalizes you with each dive. Numerous places are worth touring, each offering a unique experience.
Boat Tours
During your stay in Astypalaia, a boat excursion is exceedingly endorsed. Daily trips go away from the ports of Pera Gialos and Maltezana, heading to the uninhabited islets of Koutsomytis and Kounoupa, which feature stunning beaches and stunningly clear blue waters, with stops at staggering pink cliffs. You can also hire a speedboat for an afternoon or lease an inflatable boat with a skipper.
Hiking
Hiking in Astypalaia is an ideal manner to connect to nature and explore every nook of the island. Each season offers specific points of interest, hues, and scents, inviting you to discover them. Even through hiking, you can delve into the island’s rich records. If you find yourself on Kyriaki Island, it’s well worth becoming a member of one of the "Pardalo Katsiki" hiking club’s excursions to study Astypalaia from a local perspective.
Cycling Tours
In Astypalaia, you will find gentle slopes alongside the beaches, even as more traumatic inclines wait for inland. Whether you’re in a competitive temper or indeed exploring, you may now cycle in opposition to the countless blue backdrop of the Aegean and find a distinct side of Astypalaia. Perfect for biking fans and sea enthusiasts! Rent your desire for a mountain bike or an electric-powered motorbike and revel in specific moments.
Local Cuisine
Astypalaia's cuisine is renowned for its combination of sweet and savory flavors, epitomized in its famous small pastries. Savoring the island's culinary delights is a critical part of the cultural revel and an essential aspect of any visit. Every day in Astypalaia is a celebration of traditional flavors and particular neighborhood merchandise, passed down through generations from the Neolithic technology to modern Aegean cuisine, preserving all its secrets.
Saffron (or crocus) holds an enormous place in Astypalite cuisine. It is derived from the stigmas of the crocus flower (Crocus sativus). The sensitive deep-pink stigmas of saffron impart a unique flavor and a rich yellow hue to dishes.
Besides saffron, Astypalaia produces many different excellent and unique products, such as mainly flavorful cheeses, nuts, fragrant thyme honey, and sweet potatoes.
Hotels on Astypalaia Island
Caldera Studios
Caldera Studios' complex exudes minimalist, luxurious, and colorful colors, reflecting the tranquility of the Aegean Sea. Its top place gives residents unique perspectives of the Venetian Castle, traditional settlements, and the island's marina. From every terrace, you can still marvel at the fantastic full moon and new moon growing over the deep blue sea.
Gerani Deluxe Houses
Gerani Deluxe House is just 400 meters from Pera Gialos Beach and 1.3 kilometers from Livadi Beach, situated between Chora is Astypalea and Pera Gialos. It offers stunning views of the sea and the castle and is conveniently close to the local market, tavernas, restaurants, and bars. Fully equipped, it is the ideal place for a comfortable and relaxing holiday.
Paradissos Hotel
Paradissos Hotel boasts 18 beach rooms, seamlessly mixing present-day and traditional structures with the settlement's functional charm. The island exudes warmth, consolation, and cleanliness. Guests can experience breakfast at the stunning terrace, taking inside the endless blue sea and picturesque island backdrop, which is reminiscent of a painting. It's like being in paradise. The lovely Pa Gialos Beach is just 30 meters away, with the sea most effective 10 meters from the hotel.
Stampalia Luxury Studios
Stampalia Luxury Studios uniquely blends simplicity with understated luxury, ensuring a high standard of comfortable accommodation just 50 meters from Pera Gialos central beach with its tavernas, cafes, and more. Overlooking the harbor, Chora, and the medieval castle, these luxurious and cozy studios are furnished with tasteful, immaculate decor and equipped with the most modern amenities, promising an unforgettable holiday!
How to Get to Astypalaia Island
Astypalaia Island is easily accessible by plane from Athens or by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) and many other Aegean islands.
By Ferry
There are approximately three ferry routes weekly between Astypalaia and Piraeus Port (Athens), with a journey time of nearly 9 hours. You can also reach Astypalaia from Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donousa, Rhodes, Tilos, and other islands.
By Air
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" operates flights to Astypalaia Island National Airport "Panagia" only during the summer. The flight duration is about 50 minutes.
