Astypalea Mini Guide

Where to stay, what to do and where to eat on the butterfly-shaped island.


WHERE TO STAY

From luxurius boutique hotels to small traditional apartments, Astypalaia offers almost everything to its visitors.

Arhitektoniki Studios Offering breathtaking views over Chora, the studios and apartments are in harmony with the local architecture, featuring arches, wooden floors and built-in beds. Double rooms cost € 80 per night, breakfast included. Aghios Vassilis, Livadi • Tel. (+30) 22430.61339  • www.arhitektoniki.gr 

 

Mouras Resort Ideal for families and groups of friends, the resort offers five two-story villas with a living room and fully-equipped kitchen. Prices start from € 105 per couple, breakfast included. Livadi • Tel. (+30) 22430.61127 • www.mourasresort.gr

Kalderimi Hotel Built in traditional island neighbourhood style, there are a total of 11 individual houses, all of which have their own distinctive appeal. Double rooms start from € 63 per person, breakfast included. On the road from Chora to Livadi • Tel. (+30) 22430.61120 • www.kalderimi.gr

Tholaria Boutique Hotel Decorated in the uncluttered Cycladic style, the rooms and suites are luxurious and comfortable. The staff are extremely polite and service is impeccable. Prices are negotiable. Chora • Tel. (+30) 22430.62072 • www.tholaria.gr

Studios Kilindra Situated very close to the main square and the castle, this boutique hotel features white-and-blue studios with a sea view and outdoor swimming pool. Double rooms start from € 120 per night, breakfast included. Chora • Tel. (+30) 22430.61131 • www.astipalea.com.gr

 

Ixthioessa Hotel The hotel has cool, comfortable rooms decorated in traditional Aegean style, overlooking Chora. Double rooms start from € 70, breakfast included. A Pounta • Tel. (+30)  22430.61691 • www.ixthioessa.gr

WHERE TO EAT

In Astypalea there are many fine restaurants and tavernas offering delicious local dishes, as well as Greek cuisine.

Astyfagia Menu choices include a bird-nest green salad, tirokroketes (cheese balls), traditional meze and octopus. Nice view of the sea. Maltezana • Tel. (+30) 22430.64004

 

Maistrali Situated in the quiet small harbor of Pera Gialos, this restaurant is worth visiting for its meze that include shrimp saganaki, small fried fish as well as casseroles and other homemade delicacies. Pera Gialos • Tel. (+30) 22430.61691

Barbarossa The restaurant offers traditional, creative Greek cuisine and is situated close to Chora’s main square. The meatballs and the mushroom pork dish are highly recommended. Hora • Tel. (+30) 22430.61577

Astropelos With tables right on the beach, the restaurant is ideal for those seeking fresh fish and mouth-watering seafood. Livadi • Tel. (+30) 22430.61473

Astakoukos Astakomakaronada (lobster pasta) might be the house specialty, but visitors are advised to also try the fava (yellow split-pea purée) and the kolokythokeftedes (zucchini balls). Schinontas Beach, Maltezana • Tel. (+30) 22430.61865

ENTERTAINMENT

Astypalaia is ideal for relaxation. The island’s nightlife is lounge and the most bars are located in Chora.

Argo Coffee Bar Traditional Greek tsipouro, meze, a cozy atmosphere and frequent, impromptu live music are all part of the Argo experience. Pera Gialos • Tel. (+30) 22430.59854

 

Archipelago Coffee Bar Situated below the windmills of Hora, this all-day coffee bar has a terrace with sea view and plays feel-good music. Chora • Tel. (+30) 22430.61889

Marinos Pastry Shop Visitors can enjoy homemade sweets such as kataifi with chocolate, blueberry mille-feuille and ekmek served with kaymak, as well as coffee but also the traditional alcoholic beverages tsipouro and rakomelo, all served in a leafy arbor. Maltezana • Tel. (+30) 6977.746.880

Castro Bar Located at the heart of the main town, this bar is popular for its great view of the Venetian castle and the sea. Meanwhile the exceptional music and cocktails, which combine local and exotic flavors, make the Castle Bar a must destination for evening entertainment and more. Chora • Tel. (+30) 6946.761.230

GETTING THERE

Blue Star Ferries [Tel. (+30) 18130 • www.bluestarferries.gr] run every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from the port of Piraeus. Single tickets for the 9-hour journey cost 36,50 euros per adult (also some special offers for 20- and 27-euro tickets) and € 74 per vehicle. Olympic Air flights [Tel. (+30) 801-801.0101 • www.olympicair.com] run daily except Tuesdays. Ticket prices for the 65-minute flight vary, depending on availability.



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