Astypalea

The “butterfly of the Aegean” as many call her due to its shape, is going to win you over with its wild beauty and its minimalism. Beaches that seem like no human has set foot on them, simple and warm people that seem to be coming from another era when you would go out in the street and greet every person you ran into, homemade food like mom’s. For all these reasons the energy of the island is different and unique.

So, if you are looking for the magic of simplicity, find the available ferry routes from Piraeus to Astypalea now on justferry.gr. Book cheap ferry tickets to Astypalea online with Just Ferry. 

Surely on your vacation you will take a walk in the Castle (also known as “Astroplia Castle”). It will remind you of the Cyclades, but you will still be in the Dodecanese! The ascending road and the stairs may seem a little intimidating, but the magical view to the Chora and the endless blue of the Aegean will be worth it.

Starting with Pera Gialos, the traditional port of Astypalea, you will see the pure white Chora up to the Venetian Castle. Walk upwards until you find the windmills that welcome you to the Chora.

The word “freedom” is hidden in each of the beaches and their refreshing energy:

  • Vatses: A small sandy bay with pristine waters. It is organized.
  • Maltezana: Organized beach with crystal clear shallow waters.
  • Livadi: Swim looking at the Chora and do some water sports!
  • Plakes: A closed cove with a wonderful clean seabed.
  • Tzanakia: Crystal clear waters and ceaseless quiet.
  • Kaminakia: Organized beach with beautiful waters and tamarisks at the edge of the beach to enjoy some shade.
  • Agios Konstantinos: If you ask the locals, they will tell you this beach is the loveliest of all.
  • Chrysi (Psili) Ammos: Golden sand and shallow, blue-green waters are to be found here.

Extra tip: Take the boat from Pera Gialos to visit Kounoupoi and Koutsomitis. Two small isles “united” by a sash of beach under the butterfly. A magical scenery with incredible blue waters.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the three caverns of the island with first and foremost the Cave of the Dragon.

You cannot leave the island without having tried the local cheese which can be found in all the little taverns. Labriano (stuffed lamb), chlori cheese pouches and labrokouloura as well as numerous other traditional dishes will impress you.

*You must not leave the island without walking around the picturesque villages for the experience to be complete. Maltezana and Vathi are first on the list.

*If you find yourself on the island on the 15th August you must not go away unless you join the fair of the Panagia of Portaitissa.

Compare cheap ferry tickets to Astypalea online with Just Ferry.

Useful Telephone Numbers for Astypalea Island:

Port Authority of Astypalea: +30 2243061208
Rural Clinic: +30 2243061222
Municipal Tourism Office: +30 2243061412
Pharmacy (Pera Gialos): +30 2243061444
Police: +30 2243061207
Taxi Astypalea: +30 2243061204