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Astypalea
is at the west Dodecanese. Full of high rocks and hills, with beautiful
coasts and picturesque villages, it invites its visitors to a magic
journey to the light blue of the Aegean and the white of its houses.
The capital, Astypalea, almost connected to the harbour Pera Yialos,
is one of the Aegean Islands' most beautiful capitals. Built on
the ruins of Ancient Acropolis, at the hill's top, is Astypalea's
Castle, manufactured during 13th century by its Medieval Conquerors.
In the Castle are two churches of the 14th century, Panayia Portaetissa
and Ayios Yeoryios. At the Castle's west, white houses fill the
hill to meet the eight Windmills that point the beauty of the capital.
The
island of Astypalea is separated in two pieces from a narrow band
of ground, Steno. The west side, where the capital is, is called
Exo Nisi, while the east one is called Mesa Nisi.
At
Exo Nisi you should visit Ayios Ioannis and its Waterfalls, as well
as Livadi at capital's south with its long beach. At Livadi Area
you may admire the reach valley with its fruit trees and its beautiful
flowers. A multi-coloured picture that ties up splendidly with the
coastal landscape.
At
south, Mesa Nisi, you will see Maltezana (also called Analipsi),
the most crowded resort of Astypalea. Maltezana got its name after
Maltese pirate that had the island as their base. There, in 1827,
the French Bigot burned his own boat, for not to be captured by
his enemies. At the northeastern side of the island is the lagoon
Hameni Limni. At its coast is built the village Vathy. From there
you can visit the Spileo tou Drakou (Cave of the Dragon), the Spileo
tou Negri, or at the south the Italian fortress Castellano.
Enetian
Castle of Astropalia at the Cpital. It was built by the Guerini
family at the 13th century, on the ruins of Ancient Acropolis.
The
Church of Panayia Portaitissa with its silver parts and the church
of Ayios Yeoryios, built on an Ancient Temple, in the Enetian Castle.
The
Caves Drakou and Negri at Mesa Nisi and Castellano fortress, built
by Italians on 1912.
The
eight well maintained windmills of Astypalea.
On
15th August takes place the biggest feast of the island. It's Mother
Mary's day and the feast happens at Panayia tou Kastrou, with traditional
food and music. At the capital is also organized every year, an
important cultural festival.
To
Astypalea: With a ferry from Piraeus the trip lasts 12 hours. With
a plane from Athens you will be at Maltezana airport in almost 60
minutes.
At Astypalea: The road network of the island is not the best. For
that reason be careful if you drive a rented car.
Health
Centre:
2243061222
Police Department:
2243061207
Port Authority:
2243061208
Airport:
2243061410
Rhodes Municipality:
2243061412
Gastronomy:
Pougia (cheese pies with honey) are really tasty, as well as arntista
(lentils with rubbed dough). Also, try xerotigana, local cheese,
octopus meatballs and cream-filled pastry from Pera Yialos.
You should buy: Tasty cheese of Astypalea.
Fishing: Abundant and particularly reach variety of seafood.
Sport: A lot of walking, especially at Astypalea's northeastern
side.
Swimming: Even at the harbour, Pera Yialos, waters are clean. However,
the most beautiful beaches are Livadi, Ayios Konstantinos, Ayios
Ioannis, Vatses, Kaminakia, Panormos, Pahia Ammos, Marmari, Steno,
Vai and of course Maltezana. Tzanaki, a beautiful beach with crystal
waters, attracts a lot of nudists.
 
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