Attractions, Sights & Things to Do on Astypalaia
Port of Pera Gialos (Skala), Astypalaia
The old island port that still can be approached by ferries in case of bad weather and north winds. Leisure and sailing boats moorn also here.
Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia
Inaugurated in 1998, it hosts findings that cover a period from the Prehistoric to the Medieval years.
Chora of Astypalaia
Built on the hill around the medieval castle has a wonderful view of the sea and stands for its architecture that reminds a Cycladic island.
Venetian Castle of Astypalaia
A 13th century medieval castle that was for centuries the only island settlement and hosts two impressive white churches with blue domes.
Panagia Festival of Astypalaia
« Panigiri »It lasts for three days and includes traditional dances, festive meals, and amusing competitions.
Panagia Portaitissa Church, Astypalaia
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the monastery of Iviron located on Mount Athos it started to be built in 1762 at the foothills of the castle.
Livadi (Livadia) Beach, Αstypalaia
A cosmopolitan organized beach with many facilities. It is very close to Chora and gets its name from the homonymous local settlement.
Port of Agios Andreas, Astypalaia
Protected from all apart from the north-east winds, it welcomes large ferries that connect the island with the mainland and nearby islands.
Astypalaia National Airport
« Panagia »A tiny but efficient airport that bears the name of the Virgin Mary & connects the island with Athens and other islands of the Dodecanese.
Kounoupa Beach in Kounoupi Island
Uninhabited island that can be reached only by boat and hosts a beach bar during the summer months.
Questions & Answers about Astypalaia
Why Visit Astypalaia?
- Probably the prettiest island-capital with white-blue houses built on a castle hill.
- The windmills and the well-preserved Venetian castle are the island trademarks.
- The island nickname is "Butterfly of the Aegean due to its distinctive shape.
What is Astypalea, Greece?
Astypalea is a Greek island with approximately 1500 inhabitants. It's known as the "butterfly of the Aegean" because of its shape, while it is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese. The ancient Greeks called it the "Bank of the Gods" because of the great number of flowers and fruits that existed on the island. Astypalea is surrounded by many small uninhabited islands, while it is composed of two parts joined by a narrow strip of land. The capital town Chora is said to be the most beautiful town in all the Aegean islands. Astypalaia, which means literally the "Old City", is an island with rich history and traditions. It has many churches, with the Virgin Portaitissa being the most important.
How someone can travel to Astypalaia?
The way to get there by ferry boat lasts about 12 hours from the port of Piraeus, and the local port of Skala is also connected to other Dodecanese islands. Furthermore, the island has an airport in Maltezana with a relatively good connection to the airport of Athens El. Venizelos and this of Rodos island.