Astypalea is the butterfly shaped island of the Dodecanese with the charming of Cyclades. The combination is the astonishingly beautiful settlement of Hora of white-washed cubic buildings hanged on the steep hill till the ruins of the Venetian Castle on the top. Astypalaia is the hidden gem of Aegean has developed tourist facilities with many hotels and restaurants serving fresh fish. Don’t miss the chance to explore it.

 

Astypalea or Astypalaia means old city in Greek and that what this island is. The long history of the island hasn’t escaped from the common path of the rest Dodecanese Islands. Astypalea was recognized as a free state by the Roman emperors. It went under Byzantines and then it was given as a fee of the Querini, a noble Venetian family. Astypalaia got occupied by the Ottomans until 1912, when it became the first island of the Dodecanese to be occupied by Italy. It joined Greece in 1948.

Astypalea an area of 96,85 sq. km. with a total population of 1.238 residents. The islets nearest to Astypalaia are Pontikousa, Ofidousa, Fokionisia, Chondro, Glyno, Agia Kyriaki, Koutsomyti and Kounoupi and are not inhabited. The islands closer to Astypalea are Amorgos on the northwest, Anafi on the southwest and Kos on the northeast.

By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens.

From June till September.