Astypalaia tours, Astypalea Greece, hotels, travel, villas for rent, events

Astypalea island. A Butterfly amid the Aegean

Located exactly where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades, the island of Astypalea boasts a centuries-old history, whitewashed villages and sun-drenched beaches. Embark on a fascinating trip where the deep blue of the sea meets the bright white colours of beautiful island houses…

Hotels and rooms to let in Astypalea island

Astypalea, the westernmost island of the Group, is naturally separated into Mesa Nisi (western part) and Exo Nisi (eastern part) by a thin strip of land less than 100 m. wide.

The island was named after Astypalea, the daughter of Phoenix and Perimede. In the old days the island was also called Ichthyoessa due to its abundant fishing grounds. It was first inhabited in prehistoric times. In 1204 it came under the Venetian rule enforced by the Guerini family until 1537 with the exception of a brief period in time (1269-1310) when the Byzantine Empire took over again. In 1537 the Turks occupied the island. As is the case with the other Dodecanese islands, Astypalea remained under Turkish rule until 1912; it was then conquered by the Italians, the British, and the Germans until it was finally integrated in Greece in 1948. There are ferries to Piraeus and Kalymnos and flights to Athens and Rhodes Airports.

Chora
Chora is the island’s capital town and port. It is one of the most picturesque towns in the Aegean, perched on a rock that advances into the sea, forming two bays. On the top, you will see Chora’s castle towering over the town with the strikingly white domes of Evangelistria and Agios Georgios churches, visible over the walls. Around the castle lie Chora’s houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows, and wooden balcony rails.

Events

Panagia Flevariotissa feast, the winter reunion event for Astypaleans on February 1st.
The island’s biggest celebration takes place at Panagia Portaitissa church on Panagia’s feast (August 15th) and lasts for three days (August 14th-16th). On August 16th, the municipal authority and the Cultural Organisation arrange special sports contests called “Koukania”.
Religious procession taking place in Chora, on September 4th with the icon of Panagia Portaitissa as well as the holy relics of Osios Antimos placed at the head.
Agios Panteleimon feast on July 27th; and Sotiras Christos feast (Christ Saviour) on August 6th.
Astypalea Festival, involving many concerts, from June to October.
Panagia Poulariani feast on September 8th.
Panagia tou Thoma feast, at Vathy, on September 8th.

Activities

Swimming at the beaches: Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Plakes, Kaminakia, Agios Giannis, Panormos, Pachia Ammos, Pera Gialos and Livadia.
Boat excursions for swimming in secluded beaches in the nearby Koutsomyti and Syrna isles.
Caving
Climbing to “Ftera” terrain that involves 20 climbing routes
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Hiking
Spear fishing
Scuba diving
Camping at Chora

Source: GNTO

Accommodation
For your stay in Astypalea, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In the town of Astypalea (Chora), as well as in many other areas of the island, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
You can use either the local bus or a taxi. You can reach the beaches by car or by boat.

By ship:
From Piraeus to Astypalea. Also there is coastal link to Cyclades, Rhodes and Kos. Twice a week there is a trip from and to Kalymnos.

By plane:
From the airport of Athens, flight duration is 45 minutes. Also there is air link to Rhodes, Kos and Leros.

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.