Astypalea (meaning “old city”) is the “bridge” between Cyclades and Dodecanese, combining elements from both island groups. Covering an area of 97 sq.km and with a coastline of 110 km, Astypalea is the fourth largest and the westernmost island of the Dodecanese. When considering the area of the nearby islets, its total area reaches 128 sq.km. The island is divided into the Inner and Outer Island by a sandy strip of land 100 meters long, "Steno". Without this strip, Astypalea would be two separate neighboring islands.

The villages with their chapels, archaeological treasures, rich history and local traditions, welcome every year numerous visitors willing to explore the hidden beauties of the island.

Until the 19th century, Chora was the only settlement of the island. It is built on a peninsula with the Venetian Castle of Querini standing proud on the top. Most of the island’s life is concentrated there.

Pera Yalos with the yacht marina is the seaport of Chora. In the old days and as the centuries progressed, little white houses began to appear outside the walls of the Castle and reached the port of Pera Yalos.

Livadi village is the fertile valley of the island and the summer resort from the locals. Citrus groves, pistachio trees, vegetable gardens and vines stretch the length of the creek running through the valley.

The gardens and courtyards of the houses are filled with flowers of all kinds creating a palette with bursts of colour. It is a very beautiful area with an equally beautiful beach with various cafes and tavernas.

Analipsi, also known as Maltezana, is a seaside village in the outer part of the island with a beautiful sandy beach and a long jetty for fishing boats. Located approximately 9 km from Chora, it was named after the Maltese pirates, who pillaged the Aegean and found refuge in the island's sheltered bays. The fearful Ottoman pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa, who secured Ottoman dominance over the Mediterranean during the mid-16th century, conquered the island of Astypalea in 1537 and was using the favorable position of the island and especially Maltezana bay for his naval victories.

Vathy is nestled in an almost closed-off bay with an opening of just 50 meters, creating a secluded and picturesque atmosphere. It is divided into two parts: Exo Vathy, located at the mouth of the bay, and Mesa Vathy, situated on the inlet of the bay. Mesa Vathy is characterized by its serene surroundings, with lush fields, a quaint church, a welcoming tavern offering delicious local cuisine, a handful of traditional houses, and a small dock dotted with a few fishing boats. Visitors can reach Exo Vathy by asphalt road and then continue towards Exo Vathy along a passable dirt track. Alternatively, one can arrive by boat.

Astypalea, with its rugged terrain, boasts numerous coves and several beautiful beaches. The crystal-clear waters and the azure sea will mesmerize you. Most beaches offer ample shade from large welcoming tamarisk trees, while organized beaches provide sunbeds and small shops for essentials. During the summer months, tourist boats offer daily excursions from Pera Gialos and Maltezana to the secluded beaches of Vatses, Kaminakia, and Agios Ioannis, to the nearby islets of Koutsomytis and Kounoupa, and to the impressive Red Rock.

Beaches worth your attention: Livadi, Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Kaminakia, Agios Ioannis, Ble Limanaki, Schinontas, Tzanaki, Plakes, Chrysi Ammos, Steno, Mamounia, Koutsomytis, and Kounoupa.

It is the island’s most important sight. Situated on Chora’s loftiest point, on the remains of the island’s ancient acropolis and of the Byzantine castle, it was initially constructed by Giovanni I Querini in 1207 and completed by Giovanni IV Zanachi Querini in 1413. The castle offered protection, which resulted in an increase of its population, reaching 4,000 inhabitants.

The strongly built castle with the narrow, cobblestone alleys also included two towers, one at the gate where the feudal owners resided and one with four storeys on the south side, the so-called “Sarai”. The abandonment of the castle began in 1830, when piracy was no longer a threat and by 1948 it was completely deserted.

You can read here more information about the history of the Castle.

The infants’ cemetery on Astypalea is the largest ancient children's cemetery in the world. According to the 22nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, this ancient cemetery was used from the Late Archaic up to the Roman times (600 b.C.-200 A.D.).

As was usual for ancient Greek cemeteries, the dead infants were placed in clay pots. Once the baby or infant had been laid inside, the door was replaced and the pot was buried in a small pit. The area of the cemetery is still being excavated by 22nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

There have been excavated more than 2,700 burials to date and one such vessel is on display in the Archaeological Museum of Astypalea.

You can read here more information about the Infantile Graveyard Excavation at Kylindra.

Near the Venetian castle of the island there is the church of Panagia Portaitissa, one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese. The church was built in 1762 by Saint Anthimos after nine years of construction and is the religious center of the island. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Iberian Monastery of Mount Athos. During your visit, it is worth noticing the wooden Chancel Table and the wooden carved chancel screen dated back in 1766 as well as the silver-plated icon of Panagia Portaitissa. Near the church you will also find the Ecclesiastical Museum of Astypalea, which exhibits precious and rare religious relics. Findings on display include a wooden, 17th century epitaph, a 15th century icon of Christ and rare heirlooms of unique craftsmanship.

The Archaeological Museum is located at Pera Yalos village and housed at a ground-floor hall granted to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture by the Ecclesiastical Charity Fund of Astypalea. The museum was inaugurated in September 1998 and exhibits findings from prehistoric up to medieval times. According to the 22nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, some of the exhibits are: a marble coat of arms of the Querini, clay vessels, jewellery and tools from Mycenaean tombs, silver coins of the Classical Period, inscriptions from the island’s shrines, findings of the Hellenistic and the Classical period as well as clay vessels of the Geometric up to the Roman times. The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays, with an entrance fee of €3.