📍Astypalaia is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese and is located southwest of Kalymnos and Kos, halfway toward Amorgos and the Cyclades.
▪ Although it belongs to the Dodecanese group, Astypalaia features typical Cycladic architecture. It serves as a kind of border between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
▪ A hidden gem of the Aegean and one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese! Astypalaia is shaped like a butterfly and is often called the “Butterfly of the Aegean”. The island almost splits into two parts in the middle narrow part about 100m wide.
✔ Astypalaia is a wonderful island with a magnificent Chora, stunning landscapes and amazing & beautiful beaches with clear blue waters.
▪ An island with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, it has played a significant role for centuries thanks to its strategic position and natural resources.
▪ Due to its remote location, Astypalaia has preserved a traditional, peaceful atmosphere untouched by mass tourism.
▪ The true jewel of the island is the picturesque main town of Chora, which takes your breath away at first sight with its unique beauty and irresistible charm!
Magnificent Chora
Magnificent Chora is a medieval settlement built on a peninsula, perched on a hill surrounded by the sea, and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque on the Aegean Sea.
At the top of Chora stands an impressive 13th century Venetian fortress, which is the island’s main attraction.
Inside the fortress there are 2 beautiful churches with blue domes – Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios. Panagia Evangelistria was built in 1853 near the arched entrance to the fortress. The church of Agios Georgios was built in 1790.
From the top of the fortress and around the churches, there is a fantastic panoramic view of Chora, the island and the endless blue of the sea!
Below the fortress with a wonderful view on the open sea, lies the Panagia Portaitissa church from the 18th century. The religious center of the island and one of the most beautiful churches in the Dodecanese, known for its carved, gilded iconostasis.
The outer walls of the fortress are joined with houses that were built directly next to the fortification due to lack of space. Only a few medieval houses have retained their original appearance.
Cycladic white houses with blue windows and wooden balconies spread around and below the fortress. Narrow streets surrounded by bougainvillea and flowers will delight every visitor!
Adding a special touch to the beautiful setting are 8 picturesque windmills at the crossroads of the road leading down the hill to the port. There are great traditional taverns nearby with fantastic ambiance and delicious food. The perfect place to enjoy.
The portrait of Chora with a row of white houses and the blue sea around, enchants visitors with its dreamlike beauty and perfect harmony!
Top 10 Astypalaia beaches
Astypalaia has really amazing natural & beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water!
Due to its rugged coastline and numerous islets around, there are many pristine beaches that can only be reached by hiking or boat.
▪ Top 10 Astypalaia beaches. My recommendation! ⬇
1️⃣ Kaminakia
2️⃣ Vatses
3️⃣ Steno
4️⃣ Agios Ioannis Makris
5️⃣ Agios Ioannis Richtis
6️⃣ Tzanakia
7️⃣ Agios Konstantinos
8️⃣ Plakes
9️⃣ Maltezana (Analipsi)
🔟 Schinontas
Ps. Kounoupa & Koutsomiti are separate islands and that’s why they aren’t on the list!
Island Tour
The island consists of two parts – The western part Mesa Nisi & the eastern part Exo Nisi.
I) The western part – Mesa Nisi
Pera Gialos
Pera Gialos is the island’s port, nestled around the bay and climbing up the hillside all the way to Chora, forming a harmonious whole that captivates with its seductive beauty.
Narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed houses and lovely flowers invite visitors to explore every corner.
Pera Gialos features a small pebbled beach with plenty of greenery that offers natural shade.
The beach is organized with numerous taverns and cafes around the beach, adding to the comfort and convenience.
From the marina, where yachts and sailboats are moored, boats depart for cruises to the nearby islets of Kounoupa and Koutsomiti.
Livadi
Livadi is a small seaside village located in a fertile valley near the main town, about 1.5 km away.
A beautiful pebble beach with plenty of trees providing abundant shade for enjoyment and relaxation.
The beach is organized with taverns and cafes, as well as accommodations surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
Agios Vasileios beach
Agios Vasileios is the first beach that follows after Livadi.
A nice pebbled beach nestled in a small cove, with a few trees that offer natural shade.
Tzanakia beach
Next comes the splendid pebble beach of Tzanakia with lovely turquoise transparent water.
The pristine landscape is enhanced by picturesque rock formations and a captivating view of the majestic Chora.
An ideal spot for naturists and lovers of swimming and snorkeling.
Agios Konstantinos beach
An excellent beach with fine pebbles and crystal blue water, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
On the hill on the right stands a small church after which the beach is named.
The enchanting ambience is embellished by tamarisk trees offering shade and a fascinating view of Chora in the distance.
There is a restaurant on the beach where you can try delicious local dishes.
➡️ An unpaved road leads further to the true pearls of Astypalaia.
Kaminakia beach
A fantastic sandy-pebble beach set in a sheltered bay, located 8 km southwest of the main town of Chora. My first choice for the most beautiful beach on the island for a reason.
An incredible natural landscape with impressive high steep hills and wonderful turquoise crystal-clear water that take your breath away!
An ideal beach for lovers of stunning wild beauty, and for swimming and diving in deep transparent water!
The idyllic setting is embellished by trees offering natural shade. There is also a tavern on the beach where you can try delicious local specialties.
Vatses beach
A fascinating scenic bay located 7km soutwest of the main town of Chora.
A splendid sandy-pebble beach surrounded by stunning high steep cliffs with mesmerizing turquoise-blue crystal waters.
Perfect choice for lovers of natural scenery, as well as for swimming and diving!
On the beach there are several trees providing shade, as well as a beach-bar with sunbeds and umbrellas.
Agios Ioannis Richtis
The beautiful church of Agios Ioannis Richtis is perched on top an impressive mountain, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding wild landscape.
An extremely steep and demanding path leads to the secluded beach of Agios Ioannis Richtis. The real challenge is the hard and difficult descent, but the reward is an untouched gem – well worth every step and effort!
An amazing small beach surrounded by imposing high mountains and striking rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea.
It is ideal for enjoying the authentic wild landscape, as well as for swimming and diving in the deep blue sea rich in underwater world!
Agios Ioannis Makris
The beautiful church of Ioannis Makris is located about 10 km west of Chora. Built on an impressive landscape on the slope of a high mountain with a divine view of the blue sea and the surrounding landscape.
One of the most stunning locations to visit, thanks to the great Agios Ioannis Makris beach lying at the foot of a steep cliff!
A demanding trail starts from the monastery, winding through a scenic and striking landscape.
Along the way, you pass by greenery where you can rest in the shade. Then the steep path passes alongside a stream adorned with greenery and flowers that gives an enchanting impression.
The incredible Agios Ioannis Makris beach is surrounded by steep high rocks with wonderful crystal-clear deep blue water.
Untouched setting and dramatic wild scenery are a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking solitude!
Panormos beach
If you are adventurous and ready for a challenging ride over difficult terrain full of holes and stones, visit the remote northeastern tip of the island and Panormos beach!
A quiet pebble beach with natural shade located in a large bay, is a location for complete seclusion and solitude.
Panagia Flevariotissa
The church of Panagia Flevariotissa is located 6km northeast of Chora, on a mountainside in unspoiled nature surrounded by wild mountain ranges.
The beautiful white church with a blue dome fits perfectly into the idyllic landscape that exudes silence and serenity.
The peaceful atmosphere and isolated location make this place ideal for relaxation and spiritual peace.
II) Eastern part – Exo Nisi
An overview of the locations in order, starting from the main town and passing through the narrowest part of the island, which is only about 100 meters wide.
Steno beach
Steno is a delighful sandy oasis nestled in a peaceful and picturesque bay, about 7 km away from the main town of Chora.
Enchanting landscape with fine golden sand and exotic turquoise-blue provides a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming.
Surrounded by gentle hills and greenery, Steno exudes a special charm and represents a true idyll for nature lovers and those seeking tranquil beaches.
The beach features trees that offer natural shade, along with a nice taverna and a well-equipped beach-bar for enjoying food, drinks, and comfort.
Plakes beach
Plakes is a small pebble beach located in a sheltered rocky cove between the beaches of Steno and Maltezana, about 8 km away from Chora.
Surrounded by stunning untouched scenery with steep cliffs and striking rock formations, it offers an authentic sense of wild nature.
Interesting rock slabs on the seabed and turquoise, deep and transparent water are perfect for diving and exploring the underwater world.
Maltezana (Analipsi)
Maltezana (Analipsi) is a seaside village and tourist location, which is adorned with lots of greenery and flowers.
It is located 9km northeast of the main town of Chora, and is near the island’s airport. It has a small marina where picturesque boats are moored.
Maltezana features a lovely sandy beach set in a bay, with fine sand and shallow azure waters.
There are a lot of tamarisk trees on the beach and it is an excellent choice for families.
The beach is organized with taverns where you can enjoy local specialties.
Schinontas beach
Next is a fine sandy beach with shallow transparent water and trees that provide natural shade.
The beach is organized with sunbeds and a restaurant where you can taste excellent local food.
The road continues further north and passes by Vai beach, which is exposed to the northern wind. The road passes further at a higher altitude and in the distance you can see Cape Limionaki.
Vathi
The road reaches the far north of the island and a large sheltered bay, where the secluded village of Vathi is located.
It consists of 2 parts – Mesa & Exo Vathi.
In Mesa Vathi, located on a hill, stands the Agios Nikolaos church, offering a gorgeous view of the bay.
Exo Vathi consists of a few houses and a picturesque tavern right by the sea, where colorful boats are moored.
Nearby is a beautiful sandy beach with plenty of greenery that provides natural shade.
Due to its remoteness, Vathi is rarely visited and offers a very tranquil atmosphere.
🚤 Astypalaia boat cruise
Discover Astypalaia’s hidden gems
Kounoupa & Koutsomiti islands – Hidden gems in the vicinity of Astypalaia!
An unforgettable cruise adventure takes through pristine nature, surreal landscapes and shades of deep blue sea. Islands of enchanting beauty with amazing waters that take your breath away, waiting to be explored.
1️⃣ Kounoupa
Kounoupa is a small island with a unique double beach, where a thin strip of fine pebbles connects two parts of the island, creating two beaches with mesmerizing turquoise waters that invite to swim!
2️⃣ Koutsomiti
Koutsomiti is a fascinating islet with a pristine white pebbled beach, and stunning shades of turquoise-blue color of the sea leave you breathless!
3️⃣ Red Cliff
Red Cliff is one of the striking locations on the cruise. A small cove surrounded by imposing steep, picturesque cliffs of reddish color, with deep transparent waters that call to dive in. A true adrenaline adventure!
This unique adventure is ideal for lovers of cruising, exploring and enjoying in the charms of untouched nature!
