Astypalaia Island
like a huge “butterfly”
Astypalaia Island
Where the Cyclades encounter Dodecanese, Astypalaia island (18 km long and 13 km wide at most) lies like a huge "butterfly" in the middle of Aegean sea.
Chora is the islands capital
Chora overlooking the port and the beach of Skala (Pera Gialos beach). it is one of the most picturesque towns in the Aegean, perched on a rock that advances into the sea, so forming two bays.
Skala (Pera Gialos beach) is the old port, a waterfront village with a small sand and pebble stone beach. Traditional fish tavernas, table and chairs placed on the beach.
Steep steps link Skala (Pera Gialos beach) and Hora. Bus also available for a short journey.
The windmills
With its characteristic windmills located at the main square in Hora town feels more of a typically Cycladic settlement than Dodecanese. You can visit two of the windmills. In the past, there used to be 12 and now eight of them are preserved.
They belong to the xetrocharis category, a horizontal axis type with the roof turning according to the wind direction.
On the top of the town, you will see Hora’s castle towering over the town with the strikingly blue domes of Evangelistria and Agios Georgios churches, visible over the walls.
Around the castle lie Hora’s houses with their whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows, and wooden balcony rails.
The 18th-century Panagia Portaitissa church situated below the castle is one of the most beautiful churches in the Dodecanese with a wood-carved, gilded iconostasis. Right next to it there is an interesting Ecclesiastical Museum.
Sleeping in Skala and Hora
Make your reservation for your sleeping quarters before arrival especially for July and August
Studio Kilindra is a 4-star boutique hotel. Located 200 metres from the centre and the castle, 1 kilometre from the port and Livadi, Apartments and studios. Free parking is possible, free Wi-Fi in public areas. Outdoor pool, wellness centre. Shuttle and airport shuttle service additional fee. Equipped Kitchen with hob, refrigerator, Basic kitchen utensils, Satellite channels, Flat screen TV. All en suite bathroom/shower,
Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel Located Just 50 metres away from the main square and approximately 500 meters to the nearest beach. Kallichoron is an eco-friendly, art boutique hotel offering breath-taking views of the Astypalaia, including the Venetian castle, the old windmills and the sea. Kitchen with refrigerator basic kitchen utensils, en suite bathrooms/shower. Flat screen TV, cable channels. Free Wi-Fi. Wellness centre. Free parking is possible nearby.
Saluti Da Stampalia Suites, 4 star, 7 suites. The rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Rooms include a coffee machine, while certain rooms have a balcony and others also boast city views. Wellness centre with hot tube, massage and beauty treatment. Located in Astypalaia Town, within 600 metres of Tzanakia Beach and 800 metres of Livadi Beach,
Hotel Paradissos 1 star, virtually on the beach (100 meters) Pera Gialos/Skala. The sandy beach of Livadia is one mile from the property. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and free public parking can be found nearby. Air-conditioned accommodations with a balcony. The basic rooms are simply decorated with wood furnishings, bright and airy unit comes with a TV, a fridge and a telephone. En suite bathroom.
Most of the above hotels (in no particular order) can be Book direct or you can find them all and more alternatives on
Beaches
Thank you! Fabrizio Parenti
Astypalea, a tiny dodecanese islet closer to Turkey than to the Greek mainland, makes for a welcome change of pace. The great Vatses, Kounoupa, Kaminakia beaches, the mood and the culture invites you to join the real greek atmosphere.
My equipment is: Iphone X - Ipad 2018 - DJI Mavic -AirQumox SJ5000
Agios Konstantinos sandy/pebble stone beach.
Pretty deep water. One beach taverna open in the summer. Sunbeds and parasols are available. The beach located south of Hora, approximately 7km.
Pera Gialos beach
within walking distance from Hora. A pleasant beach, sandy with some areas of pebble stones, Sunbeds and umbrellas available. There are many tavernas here.
Marmari beaches
it’s not just one long beach, but several small bays that stretch along the coastline. The shadow from the Tamarisk trees is an added bonus, sandy beaches. One small beach bay organised. Located around 3km north of Hora,
Maltezana beach. Maltezana (Analipsi)
is a seaside resort that attracts most of the island’s tourism. It has been named after the Maltese pirates who made their hideout on the island. This is where the French Admiral Bigot set his ship on fire in 1827 so that it could not be captured by the pirates. Located 9 km north-east Hora. Sandy beach. Shallow waters.
Vathy beaches.
The best way to describe Vathy is that it looks more like a lagoon due to its protected inlet (having an opening of about 50 m.). Located just over 21km north-east of Hora.
Steno Beach.
It is ideal for small children as it is the shallowest beach on the island. Sandy beach. Organised beach, sunbeds and a bar/taverna. Bus stop. Very close to the unorganised Mikro Steno Beach, pebble/sandy beach. Shallow water.
Livadi Beach
and seaside village with few residents, built in a fertile valley, creating a delightful setting next to a lovely beach. Located 2 km south-west of Hora.
Boat tours to Vatses, Koutsomitis and Kounoupes and other tours by Astypalea Tours
Getting to Astypalaia
By Air
Astypaalea Island National Airport, JTY also known as "Panaghia" Airport, The airport is located nearby the village Analipsis, and approximately 12 km northeast of the Hora.
Search availability, and book your Domestic and International flights with Aegean Airlines
By Sea
There are regular ferry routes from mainland Greece (Athens / Piraeus) to Astypalea throughout the year. There are also frequent ferry crossings to the Astypalea from many islands in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
Astypalea has 2 ports the old and the newer one located in Agios Andreas, 6km from Chora, and is the island’s main port. Local bus is scheduled to meet all arriving ferries.
Skala the old port is located close to Chora and it is mainly used by sailing boats and other leisure boats.
Search availability and book your ferry crossing with Ferries in Greece