General Information

Astypalaia connects the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands thus combining elements form both.
An island with rich history, tradition and unique pictures of white houses with limed courtyards and graphic chapels is an ideal place for quiet vacations.
Chora (Astypalaia) the capital and port of the island is built on a rock and enters the sea forming two gulfs. On one side is the port and on the other the gulf of Livadia with a nice beach.
On the top of Chora is the Venetian castle of Gouerini, built with the local dark stone and is surrounded with white houses. The external walls of the houses create a wall with small windows and loopholes. In the castle are two beautiful white churches with nice campaniles, the church of Virgin Mary Evagelistria and the church of St. George.
On the other side is St. John’s castle that according to tradition is impregnable and was the shelter of the people during the raids of pirates.
Steno a narrow sandy lane divides the island in two parts, the Inner Island and the Outer Island.
There are a lot of beaches and gulfs around the island. Agios Ioannis, Panormos and Pahia Ammos are some of them. Little boats take the visitors to enjoy solitary beaches in the nearby islands Koutsomiti and Sirna.
Famous are the summer feasts of the island with people wearing local traditional suits and dancing.