Astypalaia’s History
In Byzantine times, the Dodecanese was rife with pirates. As a result of the pirates, Astypalaia’s residents gradually moved away from the water and started building inland. The rulers of the island slowly decided to construct more castles in order to have better protection. When the Ottomans came, Astypalaia was still self-governed. They fought in the Greek Revolution of 1821, but remained under Turkish control like the other islands in the Dodecanese. Next, the Italians controlled Astypalaia. The island finally became a part of independent Greece in March of 1948.
Churches in Astypalaia
The island of Astypalaia has 4 small villages: Chora, Analipsi (or Maltezana), Vathi, and Livadia. These villages are known for their characteristic small churches. When you move outside of these villages, you will also find churches scattered in the rocky countryside. Like many of the villages with white houses in Greece, the churches are also white and blue.
Hiking in Astypalaia
Much like the other Dodecanese Islands, Astypalaia is crisscrossed with walking paths. For the more adventurous, you can walk these footpaths between small villages, to chapels, and to secluded beaches.
How to Get to Astypalaia
A ferry runs regularly between Astypalaia and the Piraeus port in Athens. The trip’s duration is about 9 hours, and the ferry runs about 3 times per week. It is also possible to get to Astypalaia from Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donoussa, Rhodes, and Tilos.
The Stalactites and Stalagmites at Negrou
For the adventure-minded, we recommend visiting the Cave of Negrou at Vatses, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. From the waterfront at Vatses Beach, you can get to the cave by hiking for about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the Cave of Negrou by boat.
Pace of Life in Astypalaia
Life in Astypalaia is rather quiet. There aren’t any big clubs like in Mykonos or Santorini, so you won’t hear any loud music at night. There is some nightlife in Chora, but you are more likely to find homely coffee shops and family-run taverns. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind, Astypalaia is the ideal location for you!