My Account

    Astypalea

    Where light, white, and blue write their own eternal story in the Aegean.

    Astypalea, also known as the “butterfly of the Aegean”, enchants with its authenticity and tranquil energy. Its main town, Chora, with whitewashed houses and a Venetian castle perched on top, is one of the most striking among the Greek islands. Beaches like Vatses, Kaminakia, and Livadi combine crystal-clear waters with calmness. Boat trips to Kounoupes and Koutsomyti reveal an exotic character. The island keeps a genuine pace of life. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, hiking, or a romantic escape, Astypalea offers a perfectly balanced experience between Cycladic charm and Dodecanese spirit.

    Highlights

    Beaches

    All beaches offer clean, crystal-clear waters and are much quieter compared to other islands. Popular ones include Pera Gialos, Agios Konstantinos, and Livadia.

    Church of Panagia Portaitissa

    Located beneath the Castle of Chora, this church was built in the mid-18th century. Nearby is a small ecclesiastical collection with old icons.

    Traditional Windmills

    Eight traditional windmills line the path toward the castle of Chora, offering one of the village's most picturesque sights.

    Venetian Castle

    The Venetian Castle of Astypalaia crowns a hill above Chora. Its walls are still standing and offer panoramic views of the island.

    Search destination

      IDEAL DESTINATION

      The authentic heart of the Aegean, with views, serenity, and Cycladic soul

      Astypalaia is the ideal destination for its authenticity, tranquility, and exceptional aesthetics. Chora with its Venetian castle is breathtaking, while beaches like Kaminakia and Kounoupes amaze with pristine waters. The island blends Cycladic architecture with Dodecanese spirit, offering experiences for those seeking peace, genuine flavors, and island moments without the crowds.

      Gastronomy – Local Flavors & Hidden Gems

      Astypalaia has a rich culinary tradition. The island is known for its fresh cheeses, such as xyinomyzithra, savory pies, chickpea stews, and honey-based sweets. Local wine and raki accompany meals served in traditional courtyards in Chora and Livadi.

      Best Time to Visit

      A perfect summer destination to visit from May to October.

      How to use transportation in Astypalea

      Airport/port transportation

      For Astypalea you can travel either by ferry from the port of Piraeus (duration from 8 to 11 hours) with several itineraries in the summer but also with the surrounding islands of Dodecanese and Cyclades, or by plane from Athens airport ( duration 1 hour).

      Public transportation

      To move inside Astypalea, it is good to have your own car, but also in case you do not have one, local bus routes that connect the town and the port with the beaches and other settlements can assist you.

      Alternatively, you can rent a car there or take a taxi.

      Questions / Answers

      Q&A

      Its unique Chora with the castle, its peaceful atmosphere, and its exotic beaches.

      By ferry from Piraeus or the Dodecanese, and by plane from Athens.

      Yes – Livadi and Steno offer comfort and calm waters.

      Hiking, boat excursions, diving, gastronomic experiences, and photography.

      Absolutely – it offers romance, tranquility, and stunning landscapes.

      TRAVEL BLOG

      Travel Inspirations

      Αthens :  The Ultimate City Break Guide to Greece’s Timeless Capital

      Ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, authentic food, and easy day trips—everything you need to experience Athens like a local Athens is...

      Enjoyable escape in Thessaloniki: Flavors, wine, and urban explorations

      The ultimate city break destination for strolls, culture, and gastronomic delights.

      Three unique excursions from Grevena

      Discover three enchanting routes that will take you on a journey through the unparalleled mountainous charm of the region.

      10 Amazing Greek Castles That Stand Out

      Τhe Castles of Greece: Monuments of History and Culture

      Discover the luxury of the top 7 spas in Europe.

      The tradition of thermal tourism has deep roots in history and continues to captivate visitors even today.

      They said about us...

       Savita
      2025-07-21
      Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
      My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
      2025-05-09
      Group from India
      Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
      During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
      2024-03-27
      BDA - Scientific meeting
      Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
      Fabiola Cano
      2023-11-29
      Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
      It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
      RAK
      2023-05-05
      One more Thank You
      Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
      Kleopatra M
      2021-09-15
      Very helpful office…
      Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
      Aris Konstantinidis
      2021-09-07
      The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
      The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis