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Greek island in the Aegean Sea
Photo: Andreas Routsias, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Astypalaia is an island in the Dodecanese. It is shaped like a butterfly, with the two wings (the western Mesa Nisi and the eastern Exo Nisi) joined by a narrow strip of land. The island has high crags, fertile valleys, and dozens of small bays.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A single well preserved windmill. The main thing about this place is the view. It is high on the hill above Chora and you can see much of the island from it. There used to be a cafe but it is long abandoned. There is a dirt road to reach it but it is easy enough with any car. It is walkable if not too hot and you are fit.
This is an organised beach with plenty of restaurants and amenities, and is walkable from Chora (appx 25 min). A fairly steep hill leads down to Livadi, be prepared for this if walking.
Accessible via dirt road or by boat. Stunning with very clear deep emerald waters. There is a bar/restaurant. Renting a pair of sun-loungers and umbrella will cost €10 in 2025.
Accessible via dirt road or by boat. At the end of it is a bar with relaxing music and excellent cocktails. Renting a pair of sun-loungers and umbrella will cost €15 in 2025.
This is a small inlet on the eastern part of the island. Aside from the crystal clear water, it is a sheltered cove with a rock pool at the end. On the left soon after the entrance is a cave. The end of the cave has a short underwater exit to the sea. The light shining through the water is beautiful. The inlet can only be reached by boat and is part of most of the daily cruises.
Astypalaia is served by large ferries from Athens, and small ferries from some other nearby islands. There is also an airport on the eastern side of the island.
Read in the guideBy e-hailing
There is also an app called AstyGo/AstyMove that lets you pick up e-bikes, scooters, cars and minibuses from certain spots on the island or call an inexpensive shared on-demand minibus that picks you…
By taxi
There's only one taxi operating on the island. It can be booked through your hotel if you need it on arrival at the airport or port.
On foot
Some distances on the island are walkable, though most roads offer no shade. Roads around Chora can be quite steep.
By car/motorbike
There are a few rental agencies on the island that will rent motorbikes, quad bikes, small cars and small SUV type vehicles. Online prices are often higher than when booked on island.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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