Discover Astypalea

The Capital of Astypalea

The Settlement of Hora is the capital of Astypalea located on the south side of the island. . The main village of the island has an authentic traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Whitewashed houses and blue windows, stone windmills and light blue domes, labyrinthine alleys and flowery courtyards spread amphitheatrically on the slope of the hill of the Venetian castle of Guerini. Hora is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of the Aegean. It is worth wandering around the labyrinthine alleys of Hora. Monuments worth visiting include the beautiful church of Panagia Portaitissa and the castle of Guerini.

The Beach of Steno

The Beach of Steno is one of the most impressive beaches of the Aegean. It is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the central part of the island. It is actually a thin strip of land that separates the eastern part and the western part of Astypalea.

The Castle of Guerini

The Castle of Guerini is located in Hora. The castle was constructed on the traces of the ancient acropolis from the Venetian official of the Duchy of Naxos, Giovanni Guerini, in 1413. The architecture of the castle is one of the most impressive of the area of the Aegean as it has only one entrance on the southwest side. The surrounding defensive wall of the castle speads around the reinforced house walls, known as xokastra, and form a protective ring. However, the majority of the houses in the area of the castle have been collapsed owing to the massive earthquake of 1956. Inside the castle, one can visit the beautiful church of Panagia Kastriani, the church of Agios Georgios and the Tower of Saray. The castle of Guerini offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas and it.

The Infant Cemetery

The Infant Cemetery is the unique infant cemetery of the world located at the hill of Katsalis on the southern side of Hora. The infant necropolis was used continuously from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period. Archaeological excavations brought to light jar burials and bones. The site is not open to the public. however, you can see the cemetery from outside the fence.

The Festival of Astypalea

The Astypalea Summer Festival is the most important festival of the island. The festival hosts numerous cultural and special events for a period of five months.

The Infant Cemetery is the unique infant cemetery of the world located at the hill of Katsalis on the southern side of Hora. The infant necropolis was used continuously from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period. Archaeological excavations brought to light jar burials and bones. The site is not open to the public. however, you can see the cemetery from outside the fence.

The Vaulted Tombs of Astypalea are located at the area of Armenohori. Archaeological excavations brought to light traces of vaulted tombs and grave goods that date back to the Mycenaean period. Findings from the archaeological excavations are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Astypalea. The site is not open to the public.

The Castle of Guerini is located in Hora. The castle was constructed on the traces of the ancient acropolis from the Venetian official of the Duchy of Naxos, Giovanni Guerini, in 1413. The architecture of the castle is one of the most impressive of the area of the Aegean as it has only one entrance on the southwest side. The surrounding defensive wall of the castle speads around the reinforced house walls, known as xokastra, and form a protective ring. However, the majority of the houses in the area of the castle have been collapsed owing to the massive earthquake of 1956. Inside the castle, one can visit the beautiful church of Panagia Kastriani, the church of Agios Georgios and the Tower of Saray. The castle of Guerini offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas and it.

The Fortress of Agios Ioannis is a natural fortress located opposite the Monastery of Agios Ioannis on the southwest coast of the island. The construction of the fortress coincides with the periods of the pirate invasions of the Aegean. The fortress of Agios Ioannis is located on the highest point of Astypalea. Today, the traces of the fortress are the sole significant remains. According to a legend, the fortress has a secret passageway to the next hill. The fortress is accessible either from a mountainous pathway or by boat.

The Church of Megali Panagia is located within the Castle of Guerini in Hora. It is a beautiful complex that consists from five churches. Here, one can admire panoramic views over the surrounding islands from the charming cobblestone courtyard.

The Church of Panagia Kastrou (Virgin Mary of the Castle) and the Church of Agios Georgios are two whitewashed churches with blue domes located within the Castle of Guerini in Hora. The churches offer panoramic views over the surrounding islands. Inside the church of Panagia, one can admire a beautiful carved iconostasis with gold leaf while one can admire an impressive wooden temple within the church of Agios Georgios.

The Church of Panagia Portaitissa is one of the most beautiful churches of the Dodecanese islands located in Hora of Astypalea. Panagia Portaitissa is the religious center of the island. The church was built from Agios Anthimos from Kefalonia in 1762. The construction of the church lasted for a period of nine years. The church celebrates in honour of Virgin Mary on August 15. This is considered to be the biggest traditional festival of Astypalea.

The Church of Panagia Poulariani is located on a rocky hill close to the village of Vathi. Panagia Poulariani is the saint protector of the sailors. According to fishermen stories, a light glimpsed from the church during the night and helped the fishermen find their way back to the island. To this extend, the fishermen built the church in honour of Virgin Mary. The church is accessible either from a path starting from Vathi or by boat.

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis is located twelve kilometres away from Hora. Nestling between two steep slopes, the monastery offers panoramic views to the deserted isles of Ktenia, Ofidousa and Pontikousa. Access to the monastery is possible either by boat or by a hiking path that starts from the northern slopes of Vardia.

The Bath of Tallaras is located in the village of Maltezana. Archaeological excavations brought to light traces of a small bath complex dating back to the Roman Era. The most important finding were the mosaic floors of the bath, one of which was depicting Helios surrounded from the Zodiac Signs. Photographs from the mosaics are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Astypalea.

The Windmills of Astypalea stand on the top of the hill in Hora. In the old days, the windmills operated by wind as the islands of Greece are renowned for its gusty winds. Although the windmills are no longer operational, they continue to be a symbol of the long history of the island. The majority of them have been restored and repaired and two of them are used as the information centre of the island and as an exhibition centre.

The Monument of the French Admiral Bigot is located close to the beach of Shinoda. The monument was constructed in honour of the leader of the struggle against the pirate invasions that took place in the beginning of the 18^th century. The admiral bigot set his ship on fire in 1827 in order not to be captured from the pirates.

The Archaeological Museum of Astypalea is housed within the premises of the Narkisseios Municipal Gallery in Pera Gialos. The museum exhibits important objects found on the island. These include vases, bronze objects, tools, silver coins and inscriptions.

The Ecclesiastical Museum of Astypalea is located next to the church of Panagia Portaitissa. The museum exhibits rare relics of exquisite ecclesiastical art.

The Cave of Negros is located close to the beach of Vatses on the southwest side of the island. It is an impressive large cave with unique stalactites and stalagmites formations. The cave of Negros is part of the pirate myths about the island where pirates were hiding within the cave. Access to the cave is possible either from the dirt road that starts from Hora or by excursion boats from Pera Gialos.

The Cave of Drakospilia is located on the northern side of the island. It is an impressive cave with imposing stalactites and stalagmites formations. Keep in mind that access to the cave is possible through a quite dangerous pathway. The easiest way to visit the cave is by excursion boats from Vathy.

Hora is the capital of Astypalea located on the south side of the island. . The main village of the island has an authentic traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Whitewashed houses and blue windows, stone windmills and light blue domes, labyrinthine alleys and flowery courtyards spread amphitheatrically on the slope of the hill of the Venetian castle of Guerini. Hora is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of the Aegean. It is worth wandering around the labyrinthine alleys of Hora. Monuments worth visiting include the beautiful church of Panagia Portaitissa and the castle of Guerini.

Livadia is a seaside village located on a few kilometres away from Hora on the south side of Mesa Nisi. The charming settlement is blessed with verdant vegetation of citrus groves, tangerine and orange trees and vineyards. According to Homer, Livadia is the Table of Gods due to its rich fertility. The beach of Livadia is the sole organized beach of Astypalea with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities and taverns. The sunset from Livadi should not be missed, as the view of the surrounding isles in the astonishing colours of the sunset is a great spectacle.

Maltezana, else known as Analipsi, is a seaside village located nine kilometres from Hora on the central part of Exo Nisi. According to tradition, the village was named from the Maltese pirates who first settled on the village. The beautiful settlement has a traditional character with whitewashed houses, flowery courtyards spreading around a fertile plain. Maltezana offers panoramic views over the bay of Vai. Worth visiting sights include the chapel of Analipsi and the monastery of Panagia Poulariani. Also, one can visit the beaches of Shinonta and Vrisi. Maltezana is renowned for its delicious fresh fish taverns.

Pera Gialos is a charming fishing settlement found in a walking distance from Hora. It is quite difficult to distinguish the border between the two settlements, as the whitewashed houses of Pera Gialos are mingled with those of the castle and the central square of the Mills. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Pera Gialos to the neighbouring islets and deserted beaches.

Vathy is the remotest village of Astypalea located on the north part of Exo Nisi. The seaside settlement resembles a natural lagoon due to its sheltered bay that restricts access to the seawater. Vathy consists from the settlement of Exo Vathy at the entrance of the bay and the settlement of Mesa Vathy at the head of the bay. Vathy is the greatest shelter of the island, as it is protected from weather conditions. The surrounding area of the village is ideal for hiking and natural exploration, as it is blessed with sceneries of wild beauty.

Spot: Beach of Steno, West Side of Exo Nisi

Spot: Monastery of Agios Ioannis, West Side of Mesa Nisi

Spot: Venetian Castle of Guerini, East Side of Mesa Nisi

Spot: Village of Livadia, East Side of Mesa Nisi

Boat Trip: The Island of Amorgos boasts a mysterious atmosphere with its whitewashed houses in the labyrinthine alleyways draped in bougainvillea flowers and stunning sunsets. Amorgos was dominated from various conquerors while its strategic geographical position made the island vulnerable from pirate attacks resulting in the desertion of the island. Maybe this is the reason that when you travel to Amorgos, it feels like it has been untouched from the passage of times. An island with a dramatic mountainous morphology, rocky seashores and beautiful coves is rising from the sea in a in an elongated shape reminiscent of a gigantic snake that creates a captivating beauty that will immediately embrace you. Hora is the charming capital of Amorgos and the protagonist of the show of the island, as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of the Cyclades. When the night falls, Hora is invisible from the sea and transforms into a seducing landscape borrowing the magic of the full moon. The wild beauty of Amorgos overlooking the deep blue will enchant you in the sounds of the sea accepting her in order to discover the delighted beauty of hers; winding paths, charming chapels, stone windmills, beautiful villages in a place of a rich history. It is an island that can be discovered in every single journey, as one of the few places that keep alive the local traditions.

Boat Trip: The Island of Kalymnos is an island with rare natural beauty strongly tied with myths and adventures combines the charm of the wild mountainous landscapes with the authentic hospitality. Characterized as the island of sponge for its long tradition in sea sponge harvesting, Kalymnos is an island with sceneries of virgin natural beauty. If you observe it from a distance, Kalymnos resembles a brownish and reddish rock emerging from the dark blue waters of the Aegean. Undoubtedly, Kalymnos is ready to excite every imagination! The beauty of Kalymnos is exceptional. The unique geomorphology of the island is blessed with sceneries of bare mountainous, steep slopes, imposing rocky formations, giant vertical rocks and volcanic valleys. Blessed with the finest of wild nature, Kalymnos is surely a natural climbing field! Hosting more than 1300 climbing tracks, Kalymnos is a paradise for rock climbers. However, the surprises are not yet uncovered! The rich marine life of Kalymnos hides outstanding cape slopes, underwater caves, ancient shipwrecks, vibrant colour reefs and a thriving aquatic life! Proud for the authenticity of its island character, Kalymnos is waiting for you to discover her million beauties!

Camping: Are you a camping lover? You will find an organized campsite at the beach of Marmari.

Diving: The varied coastline of Astypalea offers numerous exciting explorations for diving enthusiasts. The cave of Chiotis, the reef of Maltezana, the rocky formations Plakes and the crystal waters of Koutsomitis Isle are some of the most interesting diving spots. One will find a diving center at the beach of Livadi.

Driving: The countryside of Astypalea is an ideal place for driving explorations. One of the most beautiful driving routes of the island includes the one that starts from the village of Maltezana that passes through verdant sceneries of wild beauty.

Hiking: Astypalea hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. The fragmentation of the land and the scattered coasts along with the division of the eastern and western parts of Astypalea will make your hiking experience memorable! (1) One of the most beautiful routes includes the one that runs on the west side of the island. The trail begins from the village of Livadi, and passes through the areas of Tzanaki, Agios Konstantinos, Kaminakia and Vatses on the south side. If you choose to head towards the northern part, you will pass from the impressive monastery of Panagia Flevariotissa and the beaches of Agios Ioannis and Prodromos. (2) Another interesting route includes the one that runs on the east side of the island. The trail starts from the village of Maltezana, and passes through the areas of Vrysi, Vai and Castellanos before reaching the settlement of Exo Vathi. Discover more information from the Official Website of Astypalea.

Mountain Biking: The rich natural diversity of Astypalea is highly recommended for lovers of mountain biking. Exciting trails from rural roads are available in various parts of the island.

Rock Climbing: The wild topography and limestone rocky terrain of Astypalea makes it an ideal destination for the lovers of climbing. The climbing field of Ftera is located just twenty minutes away from Hora by car. There are twenty different tracks of varying difficulty equipped with stainless plugs M10. Ftera is an ideal climbing location for those who want to stimulate their adrenaline!

Sailing: Astypalea is an ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts. The major anchorages of the island include the municipal marina in Pera Gialos and the marina in the port of Agios Andreas. Other anchorages include the cove of Vathy that provides shelter against all weather conditions. Moreover, the coves of Maltezana and Livadi provide an excellent anchorage point when there are no southwest winds blowing.

Agios Konstantinos is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity and isolation. One will find a tavern at the beach. It is highly advisable to visit also the deserted beach of Tzanaki.

Agios Giannis is an isolated sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the west side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Astypalea. Although accessibility to the beach is difficult, the route through the homonymous area is wonderful. The beach is also accessible by a boat.

Kaminakia is a sandy and pebbled beach with azure waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity and isolation. One will find a canteen at the beach. Kaminakia is also accessible by a boat.

Livadia is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is the most popular beach of Astypalea with numerous amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas, watersport facilities, cafeterias and taverns. The sunset from Livadi should not be missed, as the view of the surrounding isles in the astonishing colours of the sunset is a great spectacle.

Marmari consists from three pebbled and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters located on the eastern side of the island. The beaches are secluded ideal for those looking for tranquillity and isolation.

Psili Ammos is a sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the central part of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for peacefulness. Psili Ammos is accessible only through a hiking path from the church of Panagia Flevariotissa.

Plakes is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the central side of the island. The beach offers landscapes of wild beauty and it is a perfect place for those seeking for solitude among outstanding natural beauty.

Steno is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the central part of the island. It is actually a thin strip of land separating the eastern part and the western part of Astypalea. Steno is considered to be one of the most impressive beaches of the Aegean.

Tzanaki is a rocky sandy beach with azure waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a peaceful beach ideal for nature and nudism lovers.

Vathy is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the northeast side of the island. It is one of the remotest beaches of Astypalea ideal for those looking for total seclusion.

Vatses is a long pebbled beach with blue waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Astypalea with beautiful sceneries. The cave of Negros is located close to the beach of Vatses. The beach is also accessible by a boat.

Coffee Corners

Archipelago: Coffee and Pastries, Hora

Castro: Coffee, Hora

Kafeglikatzidiko O Marinos: Coffee and Pastries, Maltezana

Meltemi: Coffee and Pastries, Hora

Ο Mouggos: Coffee and Pastries, Hora

Vouli: Coffee, Pera Gialos

Gastronomic Delights

Ageri: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Agoni Grammi: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Akti: Seafood, Pera Gialos

Akrogiali: Seafood, Pera Gialos

Almira: Seafood, Maltezana

Astifagia: Seafood, Maltezana

Astropelos: Ouzo and Meze, Livadi

Barbarossa: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Gerani: Greek Cuisine, Livadi

Krokodeilos: Greek Cuisine, Livadi

Maistrali: Mediterranean Cuisine, Pera Gialos

Toxotis: Ouzo and Meze, Pera Gialos

Cocktails Inspirations

Archipelagos: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Artemis: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Ammos & Thalassa: Cocktails and Drinks, Livadi

Butterly Island Cafe: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Castro: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

En Plo: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Mylos: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Notos: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Plori: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Sti Thea: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

The local products of the island include tangerines and honey.

The local specialties of the island include pougia (cheesepie with honey), arantista (lentils cooked with shredded dough), goat stuffed with rice, chlori (cheese), rabbit, fresh fish, and sweet spoon.

Every 2^nd of February, the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place at the Monastery of Panagia Flevariotissa.

Every June, the Astypalea Summer Festival takes place in the island. The festival hosts numerous cultural and special events for a period of five months.

Every 6^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Sotiras takes place at the Church of Sotiras Christos.

Every 27^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Panteleimonas takes place at the Church of Agios Panteleimonas.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place at the Church of Panagia Portaitissa. This is the largest traditional festival of Astypalea. The festival hosts numerous traditional events for three days.

Every 8^th of September, the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place at the Church of Panagia Poulariani.

Mythology

According to mythology, Astypalea and Europe were the daughters of Perimede and Phoenix. From the union of Astypalea with Poseidon, Agaeos the Argonaut was born. 

History

Archaeological findings show that Astypalea was first inhabited from the Carians and the Minoans in the 2nd millennium BC. During the Classical times, the island flourished, as it is evident from the high tribute the inhabitants used to pay to Athens and from a series of temples on the island. Astypalea served as a naval base of Ptolemy of Egypt until its natural assets offered a beautiful spot for the voyages of the aristocratic navy against the pirates of the Mediterranean during the Hellenistic period. The abundance of ports of the island, which acted as a base against the pirates, were transformed into deserted locations owing to a series of outbreaks of piracy which led to the movement of the residents to the inner part of the island during the Byzantine period. The Guerini family conquered the island during the Venetian occupation, and built the famous Venetian Castle of Astypalea. However, Astypalea was dominated from the Ottoman Empire in 1537. As all the Dodecanese islands, Astypalea remained under Turkish occupation until 1912 that was conquered from the British, the Germans and the Italians. The island became a member of the Greek State in March of 1948.

By Air: Astypalea has a national airport operating flights on a daily basis from the International Airport of Athens. The journey usually lasts from thirty to forty five minutes. Book your tickets with AirTickets.com!

By Boat (198 Nautical Miles): Astypalea is accessible from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts from nine to ten hours. Astypalea is also connected with the islands of Amorgos, Kalymnos, Kos and Nisyros amongst others. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !