In this Picture perfect Astypalaia article, you will discover a beautiful Greek island, a hidden gem among the isles, which boasts gorgeous villages with traditional whitewashed houses and magnificent beaches.
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A brief intro into Charming Astypalaia island
The small butterfly-shaped island of Astypalea is one of the most beautiful places in the Dodecanese island group. It has maintained a relaxed atmosphere and has not become a crowded tourist resort. Its unorganized beaches are unique. Another interesting fact about the island is that its settlements have a Cycladic style of architecture.
Explore Astypalaia
Chora
Chora is the island’s capital town and port. It is one of the most picturesque towns in the Aegean, perched on a rock that advances into the sea, forming two bays. On the top, Chora’s castle (the 13th century Venetian Guerini Castle) towering over the town, with the white domes of Evangelistria and Agios Georgios churches visible over the walls. Around the castle lie Chora’s houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows, and wooden balcony rails.
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The Windmills in Chora Astypalea
The picturesque windmills in Chora always impress the tourists in Astipalea. There are eight windmills in Chora, on top of a hill, along with white houses and Byzantine churches. These preserved windmills present one of the most Instaramable places in Dhodekanes.
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Discover its beaches
All beaches here have clean water and are much quieter than beaches on other islands. Some Astypalea beaches are easy to access. You must take the bus to go to some other, more secluded ones, therefore, frequented by naturists. The most popular Astypalea beaches are Pera Gialos, Agios Konstantinos, and Livadia. You will find below a list of the best beaches in Astypalea island.
Drakos Cave
A beautiful natural attraction, Dragon’s Cave, boasts fantastic stalactites and stalagmites in various colors. Furthermore, it used to be associated with ravaging pirates. Consequently, people thought that the pirates hid their treasures.
Pouggia
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Astypalea salad
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Taste the local cuisine.
Though Astypalea is small, its cuisine is extensive and wealthy. Thanks to its culture and fertile lands, Astypalean traditional cuisine has some unique elements you will find nowhere else. Therefore, make sure you try local products and dishes.
The first thing you should try in Astypalaia is pouggia. These are pie-like deep-fried little wonders which can either be sweet or savory. Next, try Saffron cookies with added spices, kneaded with milk and butter.
Moreover, Astypalaia’s cheese pies and the handmade ravioli-like pasta filled with local cheese (chlori) and saffron are not to be missed. Last but not least, Astypalaia Island is renowned for its stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia) and exquisite seafood.
How to get there
Travel by Plane
Astypalaia Island National Airport lies near the village of Analipsi (12 km from Chora). It serves only a couple of national destinations (mainly the capital city of Athens). Many travelers fly to nearby Rhodes, Samos, or Kos, then take the ferry from there. The duration of the flight is about 50 minutes.
From the airport
A public bus circulates between the airport and the town during the summer. You should rent a car or hire a taxi away from Chora.
Travel by Ferry
There is a regular ferry connection between Astypalea and Piraeus Port (three times weekly). The trip usually lasts 9 hours.
More importantly, you can also reach it from Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donoussa, Rhodes, Tilos, and more. Consequently, the island is perfect for island hopping.
Tip: We usually book tickets via FerryScanner or FerryHopper, because both apps are easy to use.
Public Transport
Public buses frequently run in the summer, connecting the Chora (buses stop in Chora Square) to other destinations throughout the island, such as Pera Gialos, Maltezana, and Livadi. During low season, however, buses are infrequent. So, renting a car is recommended.
Where to stay
The most popular place to stay in Astypalea is Chora, the only village on the island. These hotels provide easy access to shops, taverns, and bars. If you want direct access to the beach, stay at a beach close to Chora, such as Pera Gialos and Livadia.
The next important thing is to know your preferences. For instance, if you are a party lover and want to spend your vacation on a lively beach, book your apartment there. The prices might be slightly higher, but you will spend less on transport.
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Final Thoughts: Picture perfect Astypalaia
Astypalaia is one of the most laid-back islands in Greece. As such, it’s the ideal destination for a relaxing, stress-free summer vacation. So, now that you know what to do in Astypalaia and why it’s worth visiting. Now it is your turn. Pack your bags, book a flight, and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Feature photo ©katsampu.com