Astypalaia

Astypalea located between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese is an island with a permanent population of approximately 1,300 residents. The island is extremely small. Just 97 square kilometers is the total area of the. Although administratively it belongs to the Dodecanese, the style and the architecture remind more of a cycladic island. It is a beautiful, romantic island, which is gaining more and more fans. Its trademarks are the pristine beaches, the picturesque streets and the impressive castle, which rises in the centre of Chora.

The name is attributed, according to mythology, to a sister of Europe, mother of king Minos. During Roman times, the island was the base for a variety of travelers, who used its port for their various trips. From 1537 to 1912 the Island belonged to Turkey. The Turkish name was Istanbulya. In the last few years, the island knows a particular great development, which is due to the fact that more and more travelers are discovering the beautiful natural landscapes. Of course, if even it has been developed, special care is given to keep intact its traditional character.

Astypalaia is an impressive island, despite its small size, has a lot of points of interest that are worth to visit. At the top of Chora you will find the venetian castle of the Querini built of local dark stone. Inside the castle, you will find 2 beautiful churches, that of St. George and the Panagia Evangelistria. Behind the castle are eight windmills with red roof, one of which has been converted into a bookstore-library, and this is a truly architectural jewel. Also, for lovers of history, the Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia, is a very good option to admire the island's history from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

Start browsing the beautiful beaches of the island by visiting Tzanaki, which offers unbeatable views to the castle and Chora, and is easily accessible. No visitor should leave the island unless having passed by the beach Kounoupes, where access is possible only by boat or caique. There, the scenery will amaze you, but make sure that you are properly prepared, having purchased the necessary, as it is not an organized beach. The beach that gathers a crowd because it is a well organized is the Kaminakia. Located in the western part of the island, the access to it is particularly easy and pleasant. The Vatses, Agios Konstantinos and the Plakes, are a few more of the beaches that will amaze you with their crystal clear waters and the beautiful landscape.

The cuisine of the island is something special.Even the options in restaurants are somewhat limited, those which operate will compensate you to the fullest. The island's cuisine is rich in flavors with a focus on pies, local cheeses, and a lot of recipes with goat, while the island is famous for its seafood and the magnificent honey. Taverns by the sea and dishes with fresh ingredients, make up the culinary landscape of Astypalea.

Astypalaia is a relatively quiet destination, which has managed to distance himself from the frantic pace with which the rest of the Greek islands move. Of course, this does not mean that you will not find traditional fiestas, with dancing and music until the morning, as well as some bars with excellent choices for wine and cocktails. You can choose to spend the night on the beach, as a number of locals prefer to do, especially during the warm summer evenings.

Currency: Euro Time zone: (GMT+2) The Area Code is: 22430 To move from the airport to the country of the island, you can use the local buses, which stop outside the airport of Astypalaia.