Greece
A butterfly-shaped island combining Cycladic architecture with Dodecanese hospitality. Its Chora, crowned by the Venetian Querini castle, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Aegean.
The 13th-century Venetian castle is built with dark local stone and surrounded by white houses. Inside are the churches of Saint George and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary with its elaborate bell tower.
Located right below the castle and considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Dodecanese. It features an impressive wood-carved iconostasis dressed in gold leaf.
Tour of the Windmills
Chora Central Square · 30-45 minutes
Start your day at the eight iconic windmills with red roofs that are the trademark of the island. You can visit the interior of some of them, as they function as a lending library and information center.
Why it's worth it: It is the central meeting point and the best place to feel the pulse of Chora before the heat begins.
Ascent to Querini Castle
Chora Summit · 1-2 hours
Walk up the labyrinthine alleys to the 13th-century Venetian castle, built with the characteristic dark stone of the area. Inside you will see the white churches of Saint George and the Annunciation with stunning views of the open sea.
Why it's worth it: The ascent requires effort, so morning temperatures make the route more pleasant.
Visit to Panagia Portaitissa
Restaurant · Traditional Astypalaian · €€
Kitrinokouloura and lambriano goat.
Ouzeri/Tavern · Seafood · €€
Fresh calamari and grilled octopus.
Family Tavern · Greek · €€
Casserole dishes with vegetables from local gardens.
Remote Tavern · Local · €€
Goat in the pot and handmade pasta.
Traditional Cafe · Sweets and Meze · €
Xerotigana with honey and walnuts.
Astypalaia National Airport 'Panagia Portaitissa' (JTY), located near the settlement of Maltezana (Analipsi).
Chora is ideal for walking, but requires good physical condition due to the many steps and terrain slope. Most alleys are paved and cars are prohibited.
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Sign inBest time to visit
June, July, September
Recommended duration
3-4 days
Estimated cost
100-180€ per person/day
Climate
Dry Mediterranean climate with cool meltemi winds
Language
Greek
Eight traditional stone windmills with red roofs standing in a row in the central square. Today, some of them operate as a lending library or information office.
One of the most famous beaches of the island, protected from winds, with fine pebbles and sand. Access is either via dirt road or by boat from Pera Gialos.
In the area of Maltezana, you will find the ruins of Roman baths with well-preserved mosaics depicting the zodiac signs and geometric shapes.
Rodia, below the Castle · 45 minutes
Admire one of the most beautiful churches of the Dodecanese with the impressive bell tower and the gilded iconostasis. The church is the religious center of the island and is surrounded by a wonderful courtyard.
Why it's worth it: It is located right on the descent path from the castle, offering a spiritual and refreshing stop.
Exploration at the Archaeological Museum
Pera Gialos · 1 hour
Visit the small but comprehensive museum housing findings from the prehistoric to the medieval period. You will see important exhibits testifying to the island's long history as a bridge between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
Why it's worth it: It is an excellent indoor activity for hours when the sun is still strong.
Stroll at Pera Gialos Port
Pera Gialos · 1-2 hours
Walk along the waterfront of the old port, where fishing boats rock in the crystal clear waters. You can take a quick swim at the settlement's beach or enjoy a coffee by the wave.
Why it's worth it: The area offers a more relaxed, maritime aura compared to the mountainous Chora.
Chora (Square)
Chora (Square) · Traditional
Enjoy your breakfast in one of the cafes around the windmills overlooking the movement of the square.
Caption: Astypalaian poungia (cheese pies with chlori cheese and honey).
Pera Gialos
Pera Gialos · Seafood
Try fresh fish and meze at tables touching almost the sand of the old port.
Caption: Grilled octopus and marinated anchovies.
Chora Alleys
Chora Alleys · Creative Greek
Dine in the atmospheric alleys under the castle, where architecture creates a unique setting.
Caption: Lambriano (goat stuffed with rice and offal).
Daily trip to Kounoupa and Koutsomytis
Astypalaia Islets · 6-7 hours
Embark on a boat from Pera Gialos to visit the 'exotic' uninhabited islets with turquoise waters. Kounoupa features an impressive double beach, while Koutsomytis is ideal for snorkeling.
Why it's worth it: It is the ultimate sea experience in Astypalaia that no one should miss.
Electromobility experience with astyMOVE
All over the island · 1 hour
Use the astyMOVE app to call an electric mini-bus (astyBUS) or rent an electric vehicle. Astypalaia is the first 'smart' and sustainable island of the Mediterranean.
Why it's worth it: It is a pioneering way of getting around that aligns with the ecological character of the island.
Stop at the 'Steno'
Center of the island · 30-45 minutes
Visit the narrowest point of Astypalaia, where a strip of land of just 100 meters separates the 'Inner' from the 'Outer' island. The view from both sides of the sea is unique.
Why it's worth it: It is the geographical landmark that gives the island the shape of a butterfly.
Visit to Tallyroura Baths
Maltezana (Analipsi) · 45 minutes
See the ruins of Roman baths with famous mosaics depicting zodiac signs and geometric motifs. The mosaics are exceptionally well-preserved and testify to the luxury of the era.
Why it's worth it: It offers a short but significant dose of history next to the coastal settlement.
Night walk in Maltezana
Maltezana Settlement · 2 hours
Walk in the quiet settlement of Maltezana, where fishermen spread their nets. The atmosphere here is more family-friendly and serene compared to Chora.
Why it's worth it: It is the best place to end your day peacefully by the sea.
Livadi
Livadi · Mediterranean
Have your breakfast overlooking the lush green valley of Livadi and the castle in the background.
Caption: Local yogurt with thyme honey.
Aboard / Kounoupa
Aboard / Kounoupa · Light meal
Usually, boat trips offer lunch on the boat or you can have local products with you.
Caption: Dakos with Astypalaian chlori (fresh cheese).
Maltezana
Maltezana · Fish tavern
Dine in one of the taverns on the sand, enjoying what the boats brought in the morning.
Caption: Lobster pasta or kakavia fish soup.
A Regional Multipurpose Medical Center operates in Chora. For serious incidents, evacuation is usually done to Rhodes or Athens. There are pharmacies in Chora and Maltezana.
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