What to see in Astypalea?

The main charm of Astypalea comes from its natural beauties, such as the large Maltezana Bay with its rocks and islets, and the spectacular blooming in spring. Below are some things worth seeing or doing on this Dodecanese island, which actually resembles one of the Cyclades.

Astypalea (Chora)
Dominated by a powerful and panoramic Venetian castle, Chora is characterized by narrow and steep alleys, passages with stairways and porticos. The houses are all white, small, close to each other, with colorful details, wooden balconies, and rich in flowers. Behind the village, there is an evocative series of old windmills.

Castello
It resembles a fortress and includes two important churches. Seen from the inside, it looks like a miniature city rich in arches, covered passages, stairways, and small squares. The view from the castle is beautiful.

Panagia Portaitissa
A beautiful church with a wooden iconostasis carved and decorated with a very thin gold leaf.

Biblioteca comunale
It houses some archaeological finds but above all the reconstruction of a typical Astypalea house with its traditional furnishings.

Grotte
Beautiful caves with stalactites and stalagmites in the localities of Vathi and Vetses.

Processione di Ferragosto
A beautiful procession from Panagia Portaitissa, during which women wear the beautiful traditional costumes.