ASTYPALEA TRAVEL GUIDE

ASTYPALEA > OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Astypalea or Astropalia belongs to the Dodecanese island group and has around 1,300 permanent residents. Geographically and culturally it stands between the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. Its unusual shape is the first thing that impresses visitors, a small tract of land of 10 km and 100 m wide, called Steno, separates the island into two sections, the inner and outer island.

The island name means ‘old city’ and is attributed, according to mythology, to the brother of Europe, who was the mother of King Minos. Another version says that its name emanates from the words of asty and old, because the Dorians, who were installed on the island, found an older settlement built by the Phoenicians.

Hora, the capital and harbour, is built on a rock extending into the sea from one of the two capes; the other cape is called Livadi. Hora is linked to the harbour of Pera Gialos and thought by many to be one of the most beautiful capitals on any island in the Aegean.

The lacelike caped coastline has many beaches around the island such as: Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Kaminakia, Agios Ioannis, Panormos, Pahi Ammos to name a few. Boats transport visitors wishing to enjoy the more isolated beaches near the islets of Koutsomyti and Syrna.

There is a choice of hotels and rooms to rent on the island to meet the requirements of its visitors.