The only one in the world and whose origins are lost in the centuries of history and in the legends of the Mediterranean.
As an artist best known for colourful paintings of foreign landscapes, part of my work schedule is travelling somewhere new every year to sketch and take photographs for source material. In the 1980s and 1990s, my wife and I went to many different Greek islands. We decided to visit Astypalea in 1994 despite the long and fairly arduous journey from Scotland.
Everyone chooses Astypalea for its aura and energy! An alternative and butterfly-shaped destination, invites you to discover its colors and scents at Easter. Visit beautiful Astypalea and immerse yourself in the worshipful atmosphere of the wonderful "Cyclad" of the Dodecanese.
"Looking towards the distance, we see a mountain in the shape of a wide cone with strange buildings and an oblong Castle at the top, a few white houses that seem to be rolling downwards, and a line-up of windmills to their side on a lower mound." Athena Tarsouli, Astypalea, 2001
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD NOT MISS DURING YOUR TIME IN GREECE
It’s often said that you get to truly know a place, once you’ve met the people who call it their home. Once you hear their stories and share their happiness. Once you’ve spent time together and put every day worries behind you.
Although in Astypalea you will find interesting archaeological finds across different periods that testify to the prominent position of the island since early antiquity, the trademark and jewel of the island remains its famous Venetian Castle, which stands haughtily at the top of the hill of Chora.
The island festivals have always been a good opportunity to experience a genuine traditional fete with plenty of music, dancing and local delicacies. The island smartens up, the streets and cobbled streets are whitewashed and the locals, with great joy open their doors to visitors, who relish the Greek hospitality.
The Castle was Astypalea’s only settlement until the 19th century. Some barns were attached at its outskirts; structures that served various purposes for the villagers, whilst others were found near the farming fields which better served the farmers. Some pens catered to the stockbreeders' needs.
