Astιpalaia is an island in the Aegean and belongs to the prefecture of Dodecanese. Astypalaia joins the two large clusters of the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. The island was named so because its inhabitants found debris from an older settlement and that is what its name means. According to mythology, Astipalaia and Poseidon gave birth to the Argonaut Aggaeus and the king Eurypylos. Every summer the Cultural festival of Astipalaia is organized. The capital with its port is built on a hill that juts into the sea and forms two bays, the port and Livadia bay. At the top dominates the Venetian castle of Quierini with the dark local stone, from where the white domes of Evangelistria and Agios Georgios emerge, white houses with blue port windows hug the castle. From the Maltezana or “ANALYPSI” area, small boats pick you up and take you for a ride to the islands. The greenest village of the island is located in the seaside settlement ‘livadia’ and tradition links it to pirates and its treasures. You must try the local dairy products and local traditional pies.

Astypalaia (or Astropalia) is a calm island, with wild natural beauty, in the shape of a butterfly, which, although it belongs to the Dodecanese, is characterized by the Cycladic charm. Geographically, after all, it is located exactly where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades. Its land, built amphitheatrically on a huge rock, with the Venetian Castle dominating, offers unobstructed magnificent views from everywhere, remaining perhaps the most picturesque and beautiful part of the island. Its trademark is also the very well-preserved windmills, which are located in Chora.

Apart from Chora, there is another village called Analipsi (old name Maltezana or Martizana) at a distance of ten kilometers from Chora. Livadi, a coastal settlement near Chora, is also inhabited during the summer months. Finally, there is Vathi, a tiny settlement, northeast of the island. Among the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of the island are Pera Gialos and Livadi, the only organized beach of the island. Other popular beaches are Tzanakia, Vatses, Agios Ioannis, Agios Konstantinos, Panormos, Plakes, Pachia Ammos and Kaminakia. Mikro and Megalo Steno beaches are about 9 kilometers from Chora and are right in the middle of Astypalaia. Near the settlement of Analipsi is the beach of Schinontas. Other notable beaches are Tria Marmaria, Vathy, Karekli, Vrysi and Vai.

Where to head next?

Keep exploring the best of Greece! After Astipalaia, the top destinations to visit are Kos, Rhodes, and Kalymnos.