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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.

Astypalea is a unique Greek island with its own distinct cultural and gastronomic identity. One of the most frequent compliments we hear from our visitors is how satisfied they are with the food and the flavorful treasures of Astypalea.

Kallichoron receives the Gold Hellenic Responsible Business Award for its Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Initiative “Kallichoron Room2Give” at Pireos 138 Benaki Museum!

The only one in the world and whose origins are lost in the centuries of history and in the legends of the Mediterranean.

"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

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.

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.

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.

The Castle was Astypalea’s only settlement until the 19^th 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.