AstypalaiaDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Astypalaia

Astypalaia (or Astypalea) can be found in between Santorini and Kos, although it belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands. Also known as the ‘butterfly of the Aegean’ due to its winged shape, it is a really spectacular destination that will fulfill all your desires to find the ultimate Greek island getaway. The main settlement of Chora is one of the most impressive of its kind, with tiny whitewashed houses straggled along a hill and an imposing Venetian castle at the top. With only a handful of other villages and small beaches, life on Astypalea beats to a tranquil drum, where visitors go to walk, eat and relax. The small population of about 1,330 inhabitants was mainly involved in the fishing industry for their livelihood and although they now rely on tourism too, there isn’t much of a developed infrastructure as yet. This means that you will discover all the charms of an island still immersed in its cultural traditions and customs, which offer you a unique experience. Be sure to check out the Archaeological Museum and the Monastery of Saint John while you are there.

Astypalaia is only 18 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide, making it easy to explore on foot or bike, and you can also check out several smaller, uninhabited nearby islets by boat. During your stay, you will learn more about its colorful past and its place in Greek mythology. The island was named after the Phoenician princess Astypalea – daughter of King Phoenix, sister of Europa, and lover of Poseidon. Inhabited since the 2nd millennium BCE, the island saw Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans pass through, and evidence still exists today of its vibrant history. From ancient architectural remains to scenic beauty spots and secluded beaches, Astypalaia has a charm of its own that you will never forget.
 

Routes and Ferries to Astypalaia

Book your ferry to Astypalaia with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus in Athens with Blue Star Ferries. The journey takes around 10.20 hours and stops off at several other islands along the way. Book ferry tickets to Astypalea and sail from Paros (5 hrs), Naxos (3.45 hrs), Donoussa (2.20 hrs), and Amorgos (1.25 hrs). You can also book your ferry tickets to Astypalaia and sail from Rhodes in 5.35 hours, or from the islands of Chalki (4.15 hrs), Tilos (3.30 hrs), Nisyros (2.45 hrs), and Kos (1.50 hrs) with Dodekanisos Seaways. Ferry tickets can also be booked to Astypalaia with Ferryscanner from the islands of Kalymnos (3.25 hrs) on a ANE Kalymnou vessel, as well as to Kastelorizo (10 hrs), and Symi (18.40hrs) with Blue Star Ferries.

If you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can take a connecting flight to Astypalaia Island National Airport ‘Panaghia’ during the summer season. Otherwise, make your way to the port of Piraeus on arrival at Athens International Airport with the X96 express bus, or hop in a taxi and reach the port in about 40 minutes.
 

Ports of Astypalaia

Astypalaia has two main ports, both of which still serve incoming ferries and boats. If you are sailing from Athens, you will arrive at the new port of Agios Andreas, from where you can take a taxi to Chora. If you are on the ferry from Kalymnos, you will arrive at the old port of Astypalaia, which is the one closest to the main town. It is also used as a harbor by sailing yachts and local fishing boats.
 

Capital & Villages

The little villages of Astypalaia are all seaside settlements with very few permanent inhabitants, most of whom are still engaged in fishing and agriculture. Chora is the island’s capital and it is here that most tourist amenities can be found.

Chora

Also known as Astypalaia Town, Chora is the island capital and is built amphitheatrical-style on the hillside, making it a picturesque place to explore. The Venetian Querini Castle sits high on the hilltop, affording stunning views across the Aegean. The tiny chapels of Agios Georgios and the Virgin Mary can be found within the castle walls and the whitewashed little Cycladic-style houses adorned by blue windows surround the castle. Nine windmills make for lovely stopping points on your way up the hill and there are plenty of taverns serving delicious local dishes.

Pera Gialos

Pera Gialos is the next most popular resort for tourists and is a small fishing village close to Chora. Once the main port of the island, it is now the departure point for boat trips around the coast and to the islets of Kounoupes and Koutsomytis. There is a nice sandy beach where you can enjoy a dip and plenty of waterfront cafés and taverns to serve all of your needs.

Livadi

Livadi is another quaint seaside hamlet 2 km west of Chora with a wonderful sandy beach. It sits in a verdant valley of citrus groves and once inspired Homer to talk of Astypalaia as the ‘table of the gods’. You will see a number of windmills on the hillside and there is also an artificial lake to the northwest sourced by mountain streams. Enjoy some fresh fish at one of the taverns and wait for the sunset, which is definitely worth seeing.

Vathi

Vathi (or Vathy) is the most remote community of Astypalaia. Located in a lagoon-like bay, it is made up of Exo Vathi at the harborfront, and Mesa Vathi, which is surrounded by vineyards. You will see the old lime kilns that used to provide work for the villagers but now only a handful of families live there. You can enjoy fresh, homemade food at a beachfront tavern while admiring the various yachts and fishing boats moored in the little marina. Visit the Drakos caves if you have access to a boat and explore their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Analipsi (Maltezana)

Analipsi is on the eastern part of the island situated in a fertile plain and is the second-largest settlement. It is located on the isthmus that separates Astypalaia‘s two ‘butterfly wings’ and takes the name of Maltezana from Maltese pirates who used to hide out there. Visit the chapels of Analipsi and Agia Varvara, the latter of which was built on the site of the ancient temple of Artemis. At the neighboring Makrigialos, excavations revealed a Minoan villa, and close to the beach you will find the well-preserved Tallaras Baths with their blue and terracotta mosaics.
 

Best Beaches

All of the beaches in Astypalaia have sparkling blue water and remain untainted by tourism, making them truly serene spots. Some are easy to reach on foot, while others are more remote and favored by nudists.

Agios Konstantinos Beach

Agios Konstantinos is located 7 km south of Chora and is a long sandy cove with turquoise waters. The surrounding scenery is a mix of rocky mountains and orchards, making it an appealing beauty spot. You will find a few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as a tavern serving freshly caught seafood in summer. Next to this beach, sits the little beach of Tzanaki, which is popular with nudists due to its private setting.

Livadi Beach

Only 2 km away from Chora, Livadi is a small seafront settlement with a wonderful bay in a fertile valley ( Livadi is the name for a valley in Greek). The main beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for you to enjoy and there are several secluded coves nearby. The water is crystal clear here and is perfect for watersports, while you can also explore the surrounding area on foot.

Maltezana Beach

Maltezana Beach (also called Analipsi) is one of the busiest resorts on the island and can be found 9 km south of Chora. You will find a memorial there, of a French admiral who chose to set fire to his ship rather than be captured by pirates. The pebbled beach consists of numerous bays, some of which are totally secluded, and boats leave from here to the other bays and islets of the island, such as Agia Kiriaki, Chondro, and Ligno.

Kounoupes Beach

Kounoupes is a tiny islet you can easily reach by boat from Pera Gialos and it is definitely worth visiting. In reality, it is a double beach made up of a narrow strip of pebbles and sand that join the two parts of the islet. The island itself has an exotic character and the waters are transparent and shallow, allowing you to bathe in total serenity.

Pera Gialos Beach

This beach is a sheltered bay close to the old port of the island and sits under the shade of the old castle. The waters are crystal clear and the beach is lined by trees while several cafés and taverns are on the waterfront. Small souvenir shops offer a range of locally made products, such as ceramics, hand-woven fabrics, thyme honey, and Hlori cheese. From here, you can also catch one of the daily boat trips to the beaches around the island and the islets of Kounoupes and Koutsomytis.
 

Transportation Around Astypalaia

Astypalaia is a very small island and public transportation is not needed on a large scale. Nevertheless, you can catch one of the local buses that run between Chora and other villages on a daily basis. There are a handful of taxis available too and, as most of the island is covered with dirt roads, it is worth renting a jeep or 4×4 if you wish to explore on your own. There are many hiking trails too for you to wander along as you enjoy the spectacular scenery on your way to the beach.