What is a …Cyclades island doing in the Dodecanese? Or, better yet, what is a …Dodecanese island doing in the Cyclades? Well, one way or another, this is the physiognomy of Astypalaia. An island on the “borderline”. A cultural bridge between the two large island groups. An island located between Amorgos and Kos that never succumbed to mass tourism and still is an ideal place for a quiet holiday. Astypalaia has many advantages. First of all, the island’s centerpieces are its capital and its castle. There are organized and pristine beaches, renowned for their crystal clear deep waters. There are also caves, a waterfall and other natural beauties that are worth visiting and exploring. Finally, the island offers elegant accommodation and taverns serving fresh fish, meat or cooked food that will definitely leave you wanting more!
Welcome to
Astypalea
View on map

Pserimos

Folegandros

Tinos

Syros

Sikinos

Schinoussa

Sifnos

Serifos

Santorini

Rinia

Polyaigos

Paros

Naxos

Milos

Mykonos

Makronisos

Kea-Tzia

Koufonisia

Kythnos

Kimolos

Keros

Ios

Thirasia

Iraklia

Donousa

Dilos

Gyaros

Antiparos

Andros

Anafi

Amorgos

Halki

Tilos

Telendos

Symi

Saria

Rhodes

Patmos

Nisyros

Leipsoi

Leros

Kos

Kastellorizo




Astypalea

Agathonisi

More Info
Early Christian Basilica of Agios Vasilios
The ruins of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century still stand on the hill of Agios Vasilios, in Livadi. The fact that such big chapels were built on the island during that period indicates that Astypalaia played an important role in the propagation of Christianity in the Aegean Sea.
Early Christian chapel of Agia Varvara
The chapel of Agia Varvara is located at another spot in Maltezana. It was built on the ruins of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century. There is even an Ionic column capital at the lintel of the chapel. Column bases and parts have also been preserved. The chapel is located next to a pen.
The Tallara’s Baths
Late Roman baths in Maltezana. Mosaics of great value portraying the four seasons and the zodiac constellations have been found. The location of the site is hidden by the wild vegetation of the area.
Early Christian church in Karekli
From the beach of Schinondas head towards the monument of the French admiral Bigot, about a kilometer away from the village of Maltezana. You need to ask the locals for directions in order to find the archaeological site since there is are no clear signs. A floor with mosaic fragments is what remains of the magnificent basilica of the 5th century that stood here once. It is surrounded by a makeshift fence.
The island is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. Here you can taste various kinds of fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as lobster with spaghetti, a delicious seafood soup, the traditional octopus balls and a fish soup with lemon. Additionally, the local rabbit cooked in various ways, the stuffed goat with rice and herbs,the lentil soup cooked with something like bulgur, the stuffed vine leaves and the courgette flowers stand out among the rest of the local dishes.
The aromatic amber honey of Astypalaia is excellent. Try anything with honey: “xerotigana” (fried pastries), donuts, sesame seed candy, baklava, “diples” (fried pastry strips) and the so-called “poungi” pie with kopanisti cheese and honey.
The “ladotyri” (on the grill), the “mizithra” (in a basket), and the “anthotyro” cheese are the most famous types of cheese on the island.
The microclimate of the island favors the cultivation of a special fruit: the thin-skinned mandarin.
There is a frequent service between the Airport of Astypalaia and the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport with several direct flights every week. There are also connecting flights from Rhodes, Kos and Leros.
Ships to Astypalaia depart from the port of Piraeus every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Ships to Piraeus depart from the island every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The journey has been reduced to 9 hours when the weather conditions are good.
The asphalt road network on the island extends from Livadi and the capital to Maltezana. All the other roads are dirt roads that are difficult in some places and can be dangerous for cars with low chassis.
Airport of Astypalaia:
+30 22340 61410, 61665
Municipality of Astypalaia:
+30 22340 61206
Municipal Travel Agency:
+30 22340 61412
Port Authority:
+30 22340 61208
Customs:
+30 22340 61317
Tourist Information:
+30 22340 61778
Health Center:
+30 22340 61222
Police Station:
+30 22340 61207
Buses:
+30 22430 61412
USEFUL LINKS