THE ASTYPALAIA local guide.
We've been renting cars on this island for 25 years. This is what we tell every guest who asks "where should we go?" β the beaches, sights, activities and secrets the guidebooks miss.
We've been renting cars on this island for 25 years. This is what we tell every guest who asks "where should we go?" β the beaches, sights, activities and secrets the guidebooks miss.
The most remote and wild beach on Astypalaia. Crystal-clear water, no facilities, no crowds. Worth every bump on the track to get there.
A magical hidden lagoon in the west of the island. Turquoise water, surrounded by mountains. One of Greece's most beautiful hidden spots.
The most popular beach on the island. Easy access, shallow water, beach bar. Great for families and a full beach day.
The most accessible beach β a short walk or drive from Chora. Beach bars, sun loungers, tavernas. Perfect for an easy afternoon.
Beautiful quiet beach with turquoise water. Less crowded than Livadi. Great for snorkelling.
The beach at Astypalaia's second village. Sandy, calm, with excellent fish tavernas alongside.
At the narrow isthmus of the island β two bays side by side. You can literally walk from one sea to the other.
A stunning natural harbour, completely untouched. Crystal water, dramatic scenery, virtually nobody there.
Famous remote beach, only reachable on foot. The hike is worth it β completely wild and untouched.
The medieval Venetian castle built by the Querini family in the 15th century. Perched above Chora with views over both bays. Two beautiful white churches inside the walls.
Eight restored windmills standing above Skala, just below the Kastro. The most photographed spot on the island β and for good reason.
Ancient Roman baths with remarkable floor mosaics β unique in all of Greece. Located near Maltezana village, dating back 2,000 years.
Beautiful 18th-century church below the castle, housing a revered icon brought to the island in 1762. The religious centre of Astypalaia.
Daily boat trips to Koutsomitis and Kounoupes β tiny uninhabited islands with Caribbean-style water. Group trips from β¬25pp, VIP private boats from β¬130.
A tiny uninhabited island 25 minutes by boat from the port. The water here is unlike anything in the Aegean β turquoise, crystal-clear, completely wild.
The waters around Kaminakia cove are among the clearest on the island. Rich marine life, underwater rocks and excellent visibility.
The classic walk from Skala port up to the Kastro through Chora village. Narrow whitewashed alleys, bougainvillea, cats everywhere.
The most famous off-road route on the island. Rocky, steep in places, totally worth it. The reward is one of Greece's most beautiful wild beaches.
The road in to Vathy lagoon is one of the most scenic drives on the island β and one of the roughest. The lagoon at the end is magical.
Remote west coast monastery accessible only by 4WD on the final stretch. Incredible views over the open sea β virtually no tourists ever go here.
We give every 4WD rental guest a hand-drawn map of the best off-road routes β including tips on which tracks to avoid after rain.
Olympic Air flies AthensβAstypalaia year-round (1 hour). Ferry from Piraeus takes 10β12 hours. Also connections from Rhodes, Kos and other Dodecanese islands.
Chora (main town) and Maltezana (Analipsi) are the two villages. Most accommodation and restaurants are in or near Chora. Maltezana is quieter and less touristy.
June and September are ideal β warm, not overcrowded, prices lower. July and August are peak season β beautiful but busy. Off-season (April, May, October) is quiet and peaceful.
One ATM on the island (sometimes runs out in August β bring cash). Most restaurants and larger shops take cards. Petrol station on the main road.