Astypalea island

General info:

The island of Astypalea, lies between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese island clusters. Though relatively small in size, covering 100 square km approximately and with a population of some 1,300 residents, Astypalea distinguishes for its enchanting identity; an attractive blend of the arid Cycladic landscape  interrupted by fertile valleys of fruit-bearing trees and buildings with evident the influences from the  Dodecanese architecture.
White-washed houses and delightful chapels, Venetian castles and old remarkable churches scattered around the island add to its natural charm, while its coastline of some 10 km embraces quiet pristine beaches, rocky coves, tranquil capes and smooth sandy shores.
 It is the authentic identity and the pure natural beauty that makes Astypalea an ideal destination for alternative holidays away from the massive tourism. Nevertheless, the island offers a variety of accommodation and entertainment choices that promise a comfortable staying always with respect to its unique character.

Historical profile:

According to excavation finds at the site of Archavali, the island has been inhabited since the Prehistoric Times by the Carians and it was later colonized by people from Megara and Argos. The island became a significant naval and commercial power and during the Hellenistic Times it developed trade relations with Egypt. In later centuries and due to its position, Astypalea was used by the Romans as a base for combating the pirates. In 1204 the Venetians took over the island until 1537 when it came under Ottoman occupation that lasted for almost 400 years.  In 1912 it was ruled by Italians and it was finally liberated and integrated to the Greek state in 1948.

Villages:

The town of Astypalea (or Chora/Hora) is the island’s capital. Perched on a hill and reaching  down to the sea, the town is connected with the area of the port forming two bays; the Pera Yialos (Gialos) and the Livadi bay.

Bright white houses with doors and windows in bold blue hues, old churches, picturesque square, narrow winding alleys and beautiful windmills and an impressive 15th century Castle compose the idyllic picture of this capital. Here you will find several accommodation facilities as well cosy coffee-bars, traditional taverns and night bars.
The Venetian Quirini (Querini) Castle is a well-preserved fortified settlement overlooking the port. In  its boundaries it  encompasses the wonderful churches of Panagia of the Castle (or Evangelistria) and the one of Agios Georgios, both admirable for their elaborated tower-bells.  Another remarkable church is that of    Panagia Portaissa, which was built in the 18th century. Its wooden temple and its bell-tower are quite impressive.
The Castle of Agios Ioannis (St. John), a natural fortress  that stands opposite to the homonymous Monastery, and the Archaeological Museum in which finds from the Prehistoric to Medieval Times are exhibited, are also worth-visiting.

Maltezana (or Analipsi) is a quaint coastal village at a distance of some 10 km northeast to Chora.  The village which was named after the pirates, who used its bays as a shelter, is spreading along a green valley breathes a serene yet lively atmosphere.  Besides its natural beauty, Maltezana is an ideal starting point for exploring the island’s hidden beaches and also the neighbouring islets, since there are tour boats that organize frequently daily excursions.
History lovers will appreciate the ruins of an Early Christina Basilica with magnificent mosaics and the Baths dating back to the Hellenist Times with notable colourful mosaics depicting the seasons and the zodiac cycle.

Livadi, situated 2 km approximately southwest to Chora, is a delightful seaside village, surrounded by a smooth and fertile valley.  Its charming houses with blooming courtyards that seem to  emerge through fruit-bearing trees and vineyards combined with the small tranquil harbour and the sweet-scented air composes an idyllic picture.
The Cave of Negro, the splendid beaches at the cape of Vatses  are extra reasons for visiting this quaint village.

Vathi (Vathy) is located 20 km northeast to Chora. Built in a secluded serene bay, the village consists of two settlements; the Mesa Vathi, at the entrance of the bay and the Exo Vathi at the mouth of it.  The ruins of a Minoan settlement and the Cave of Drakos (Drakou Cave) with outstanding formations of stalactites and stalagmites, in which according to tradition the pirates used to hide their treasures, are the most worth-seeing sites.


Beaches:

In its rugged coastline of some 110 km, Astypalea hides beautiful tranquil  beaches , sandy or pebbled, ideal to enjoy uninterruptedly the sun and the sea, and also for fishing or water sports.

The beach of Agios Konstantinos, a long stretched sandy beach with blue clear waters, offering sun-beds and umbrellas and a wonderful view to Chora, the Maltezana beach, a pebbled one with crystalline waters surrounded by a beautiful    scenery and the beach of Livadi, a long sandy beach with trees-shadow and waters ideal for sea sports are some of the most popular beaches of Astypalea.
Alternatively, if you enjoy privacy and you seek more remote beaches, you may visit the one of Psili Ammos (accessible only by boat) a mixture of  sand and  pebbles  with amazing crystalline waters, the Vatses beach, that is embraced by a rugged landscape and consists of sand and thick pebbles and the pebbled beach of Vathi with clear shallow waters.

Access:

Astypalea is connected by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port, and also with the island of Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Donousa (Donoussa), Kalymnos, Kos, Nisiros, Tilos, and Rhodes especially during summer season.

There is also regular connection with the islands of Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Kythnos, Kea and Syros.

By air , the island is linked  via regular flights with the International Airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”  either  directly or via the Airports of Leros and  Kos.