A Complete Guide to the Butterfly of the Aegean: The Island of Astypalaia

Astypalaia, the jewel of the Aegean, remains a hidden travel treasure, boasting exotic, secluded beaches and a charming capital built across three hills, exuding the authentic summer scent of Greece. Astypalaia, also known as “Astropalia” by locals, possesses unique beauty, as it resembles a butterfly from above! When you first see its crescent-shaped bay embracing the Aegean Sea, passing by its imposing fortress, you realise you are on an idyllic Greek island.

Secluded between Kos and Mykonos, Astypalaia is accessible only by ferry or private jet. Secondly, the island emanates a sense of wildness and adventure, with most of its roads still unpaved and narrow, offering a unique driving experience. Thirdly, accommodation on the island is limited, so you should make your reservations as soon as possible.

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But what truly captivates is the island’s distinctive summer atmosphere, free from the crowds of tourists found on other popular Greek islands.

The best activities in Astypalaia

Astypalaia offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences, from dazzling beaches to picturesque landscapes, as well as idyllic islets and charming fishing villages. The beautiful capital, Chora, with its castle, windmills, and white houses, stands impressively in a unique spot on the island.

Discover the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

– Astypalaia Old Town, Castle & Port: Explore the island's historical heart.

– Old Windmill: Enjoy the view from this spot, which offers a wonderful panoramic horizon.

– Kaminakia Beach: Ideal for relaxing in an earthly paradise.

– Kounoupa Island: Visit for ultimate tranquility and its crystal-clear shores.

– Koutsomitis Island: A small oasis with an endless sea.

– Maltezana Beach & fishing village: Get to know local life and traditional customs.

– Livadia Beach: Ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.

– Plakes Beach: Another picturesque destination for swimming and sunsets.

– Red Rock: A unique natural monument worth your attention.

-Agios Konstantinos Beach: Excellent for those seeking peace and serenity.

On this map of Astypalaia, you will easily find all the top attractions you can visit on the island. Although distances are not great, keep in mind that many of Astypalaia's roads are narrow and unpaved. For example, the driving time from Chora town to Kaminakia beach is approximately 45 minutes.

Chora of Astypalaia

Astypalaia's Chora is one of the most picturesque capitals in the Greek islands. Embraced by three hills and with its port seamlessly merging with the natural landscape, the town captivates you with every view. The castle, windmills, white houses with blue domes, and church steeples create a distinct character, reminiscent of a butterfly.

A visit to Astypalaia Castle is essential. Built in the 13th century to protect the island from pirates and hostile raids, the castle offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island, making it an almost unconquerable fortress.

The castle is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free through a single entrance gate on the south side. Two churches located within the castle grounds were built in the 18th century and can be visited. The best view is on the left/east side of the castle.

As you head towards Astypalaia Castle, you'll pass by the eight windmills of Chora, which are among the most iconic sights of the town, along with the castle and the port. Built in the 18th century, the windmills were used for storing and grinding grain, rotating according to the wind direction. Previously there were nine, but one was destroyed by fire. Today, the windmills are used for exhibitions, small shops, and there is even a small library. The best spots for photos are from the eighth windmill or a little further up the road. If you have a drone, the shots will be even more impressive!

On the route between the windmills and the castle, Astypalaia offers an incredible labyrinth of streets that lead you to every corner of the town. Indulge in exploration, enjoying the bougainvillea, balconies, and houses in white and blue hues.

View from Astypalaia's old windmill

An old, solitary windmill, directly opposite the castle hill, offers breathtaking views over the island, Chora, and the stunning coastline. This spot is ideal for admiring the sunset or sunrise, providing one of the island's most picturesque horizons. It is accessible with a 20-25 minute walk from the centre of Chora or just a 5-minute drive. And right next door is a cafe to relax and enjoy the view!

You can reach it from the centre of Chora in 20-25 minutes on foot or five minutes by vehicle. Near the windmill, there is a beautiful café perfect for enjoying the sunset.

Kaminakia Beach

Kaminakia beach is perhaps the best car-accessible beach in Astypalaia. The drive to the beach is one of the most idyllic in Greece, offering unparalleled views and a magical landscape that takes your breath away.

It is about 40-55 minutes by car west of Astypalaia Chora. Access is only possible by car or scooter, as the last part of the road is unpaved and quite steep.

En route to the beach, you'll traverse a landscape that appears almost otherworldly, ideal for photos that will transport you to another planet.

The beach is protected by two large rocks, situated in a secluded bay and offers ideal conditions for swimming, away from strong winds. It is a quiet beach, with few boats arriving and minimal crowds.

It also features one of the best tavernas and beach bars on the island, where you are sure to enjoy wonderful moments.

Koutsomitis Island

Koutsomitis Island is a heavenly destination in Astypalaia, just off its coasts. Access to the island is only possible by boat and for limited groups, making it a unique experience that you must have when visiting Astypalaia.

Boat trips to Koutsomitis Island depart at 11 a.m. from the port of Pera Gialos in Astypalaia. It is recommended to book your spots at least a week in advance, as few boats provide this service. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and includes stops at Red Rock and Kounoupa Island. The price of the excursion ranges from 25 to 50€ per person, with some organisers offering meals and drinks.

On Koutsomitis Island, you can swim or snorkel, enjoy hiking on the uphill side for great views, or simply relax in the sun (make sure to bring an umbrella and chairs). If you choose a larger boat, you will need to swim to the small beach, but the waters are calm with no strong currents.

Kounoupa Island

Kounoupa Island is one of the most outstanding beaches in Greece, especially within the island complex of Astypalaia! This small islet embodies the epitome of a paradisiacal coast and remains one of the area's best-kept secrets.

The final stop at Kounoupa beach is an incredible experience in itself, perfectly complementing the boat trip to the islands of Astypalaia.

On the island, you can swim on both sides of the beach, but the right side is more sheltered from the wind. There is a taverna for your lunch. There is a large stone platform on the right side to help you get into the sea as the beach has pebbles. You will be there around 3 pm, and this will be your last stop before returning to the main port of Astypalaia, which takes about 1 hour. Don't forget to bring your mask and snorkel to enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Maltezana Beach

Maltezana beach is a beautiful bay with vibrant blue waters, colourful fishing boats, and a picturesque small beach harmoniously complemented by the village of the same name. It's ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking or as a stop during your exploration of the eastern part of the island. Additionally, the area hosts the “Cat Café,” hidden down an alley behind the port, with an interior that stands out for its coolness, friendly owners, and of course, free-roaming cats!

Next door, there is an excellent restaurant and a small church with a blue dome, across the street, adding to the area's charm.

Livadia Beach

Livadia beach is very close to Chora, just a few minutes by car or scooter and even on foot. This beach is a beautifully sheltered bay with stunning views of the castle and the old town of Astypalaia.

The area also features good bars and restaurants along a cool pedestrianised beachfront, making it ideal for spending relaxing moments. Accommodation availability in the area is increasing, offering an excellent alternative for staying near Chora but with easy access to a quiet bay.

Plakes Beach

Plakes beach has a unique beauty, as it features a rocky landscape instead of sand. From the small parking area, you lead through rocky terrain to the shore, where these same stone slabs give the beach its name and create a unique atmosphere. You can easily dive into the crystal blue waters and just as easily return to shore!

The beach is located between Astypalaia's main town, Chora, and Maltezana, making it an ideal stop to cool off before continuing your exploration eastwards. Don't forget to enjoy the breathtaking view from the church hill before descending to the beach.

RED ROCK Point

The Red Rock point, as its name suggests, is characterised by its reddish walls, the result of millennia of erosion. Your boat will drop you at the entrance of this rocky cove, and you can swim to a small pebbly beach. At this particular spot, there is a small, narrow tunnel to the left, leading to a magical natural pool surrounded by tall cliffs. A short underwater tunnel leads you back to the sea, where you can easily swim towards Red Rock. This spot is only accessible by boat, so you might want to combine the visit with a tour that also includes Kounoupa and Koutsomitis islands.

Agios Konstantinos beach in Astypalaia is a wonderful secluded cove with fine, white sand stretching far under the sun. It is located just 15-20 minutes from Chora, and is accessible via an unpaved road, either by car or scooter.

Agios Konstantinos Beach

Despite its close proximity to the main town, it offers a rare tranquility, with few visitors, making it ideal for those seeking peace. The beach features sunbeds and umbrellas and a charming small taverna serving fresh seafood.

One of the beach's most magical features is the natural peculiarity it offers: on the left side, there's a spot where bubbles emerge from the seabed, creating a natural "jacuzzi". Although the water temperature isn't high, the experience is unique.

Additionally, the idyllic church with its blue dome next to the beach adds a picturesque aura, making the scenery resemble a postcard from a Greek island. The view towards Astypalaia's castle hill from this spot is another bonus.

For astronomy enthusiasts, the nights here are particularly magical, as the clear sky and minimal light pollution offer spectacular views of the constellation. And if you wake up early, around 5 am, and head up to the town, you will enjoy an unforgettable sunrise.

Where to eat in Astypalaia

Food in Astypalaia is absolutely unique, as the island offers almost exclusively locally produced and organic food. Nowhere else in the Greek islands will you find such variety and quality in local products.

In every corner of the island, you can enjoy organic juices, vegetables, and honey, which are unrivalled in taste.

Although the island does not have international restaurants or fast-food chains, you will find excellent Greek, Italian, and some other European restaurants. See below for some of the island's best restaurants.

Akti Restaurant: Offers fresh seafood and is excellently located next to the port.

Castro Bar: Right around the corner from the castle, this colourful café-restaurant wins you over with both its atmosphere and its food.

Antikastro: Offers excellent views of Astypalaia and the castle, and the food is superb.

Agni Grammi: A traditional Greek taverna with impeccable service, near the windmills on the way to the castle.

To Steki tou Kalofaga: This taverna offers traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices, just below the windmills.

Kaminakia Taverna: Fantastically located on one of Astypalaia's best beaches, offering wonderful organic dishes and drinks.

Marinos: A beautiful café-restaurant in Maltezana village, ideal for enjoying cakes, while in the same area you'll find Maltezos café bar.

How to get to Astypalaia

The most common way to visit Astypalaia is by sea, with a ferry or car ferry, as this is almost the only option, unless you choose a private plane for its small airport. To get there, you will first need to fly to one of the larger nearby islands, such as Kos, Mykonos, or Santorini, and then take the ferry to Astypalaia.

Ferry schedules are frequent during the summer, starting in May or June and continuing until September. There are a few ferry companies that offer these services, among them:

Book your ferry tickets through travelo.gr and secure the most economical prices and the easiest booking process.

How to get around the island

As a very small island, public transport and taxi options are limited, so the ideal means of getting around is by car or scooter. Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding islands and remote beaches with excursion boats.

To rent a vehicle, it would be wise to have booked it before your arrival, as available options may be limited. Additionally, the island offers an innovative solution: a fleet of shared electric cars. These can be booked for a few hours or more through a local application called AstyMove, which is supported by Volkswagen as part of a European pilot programme for sustainable mobility.

To use the application, you need to submit a valid driving licence and your personal details, as well as a payment method. Approval by the AstyMove administrators usually takes an hour, but it is possible to request expedited validation by phone.

If you don't want to drive, Astypalaia also offers a local bus service via an app, called AstyBus (it works like a taxi) which you can call at any time, although you might need a little patience until it arrives.

Astypalaia, this small island gem, is not just a destination. From its quiet beaches to its imposing rocky shores, every corner of Astypalaia hosts a piece of the history and tradition of the Aegean. With every visit and every dip in its crystal-clear waters, Astypalaia promises to charm you, calm you, and ultimately make you return.