2-Day Discovery Vacation on Astypalea Island

Astypalea Island is a quiet and cozy corner of the Aegean. The island's butterfly-shaped silhouette, whitewashed houses and narrow streets warm everyone who encounters it. Spend your first day in Hora, feel the rhythm of the island as you walk the stone streets and climb the 13th-century castle on the hilltop for a bird's eye view. The next day, swim in the cool waters of Kaminakia Beach and explore hidden corners such as Drakos Cave. The small hotels you'll stay in on the island reflect the local architecture and allow you to experience tranquillity and naturalness. Astypalea is a place where you can find peace while enjoying the sea and the sun, away from the chaos of the city. You float like the “Butterfly of the Aegean”. The name of the island comes from the butterfly form.

Day 1 History, Streets and Hidden Bays

The coolness of the morning makes it nice to start the day with a light breeze. As you walk through the narrow stone streets of Chora, the bougainvillea and colorful doors hanging from the stone walls catch your eye. The sunlight filtering through the roofs of the houses seems to say “good morning” as you look through the windows overlooking the Venetian Castle. When you climb up to the castle, the deep blue waters of the Aegean and the islands floating on the horizon have a view that warms your heart. It is as real as the photographs, sometimes even more impressive. A visit to the Panagia Portaitissa Church just a little further on completes the rhythm of the day with a quiet historical elegance; stone walls, old icons and the faint smell of incense take you back in time. Towards noon, it's time to get in touch with the blue. When you take a small boat and sail off the shore, it is possible to discover the hidden beauties of the caves in the sea. The clarity of the water is so inviting that it is refreshing to let yourself go and swim, to watch the water dance with the light under the sun. Every corner is a surprise, every cave hides a different story; as you calmly walk along, you discover the hidden paradises of the island. As evening approaches, a walk to the top of Chora is a must. Watching the sunset among the windmills and watching the golden and orange tones envelop the Aegean is another pleasure. Wine in your hand, camera or phone at your side, savoring the moment, your eyes resting along with your soul. A gentle breeze caresses your hair and the silence on the horizon plays like a melody of peace. This is how the day ends, but the memory lingers for a long time.

Day 2 Bays, Beaches and Tranquility

Starting the day in the fishing village of Vathi is the perfect way to feel the cool morning air and the salty smell of the sea. As you sail across a narrow strait, the turquoise lagoons greet you and you think to yourself, “How did I get here so easily?” Stopping by the town's tiny taverna bar and tasting the home-cooked food prepared by “Aunt Stavroula” is the first surprise delight of the day: olive oil, fresh fish and warm bread. In the daytime, under the warmth of the sun, exploring the virgin bays is another pleasure. Walking to Plakes and looking at the sea from the cliffs is one of the most beautiful ways to be alone with nature. Ble Limanaki is a hidden paradise; you reach this bay at the end of a hike and the silence and crystal clear waters are all yours. Driving to Karikli and Tzanaki beaches makes you feel like you're spending time on your own private beach. If you are looking for a more organized beach experience, Livadi beach welcomes you with sunbeds and umbrellas. Accompanied by a small taverna service, both the eyes and the soul rest. You can spend the day for a reasonable fee of 5 euros per person, but the hospitality of the islanders with the coffee and fruits served in between doubles your pleasure. This second day, where you will find calmness and sincerity in every corner, engraves the peace of the island in your heart.

Astypalea Island Food & Entertainment Routes

It's a great habit to start the day with island chats over freshly brewed coffee at Meltemi Café, Notos Café or the small Kafenions in Chora square. The calm and sincere atmosphere makes you step into the day with pleasure. The sweet conversations hidden in small details and the cozy ambiance add bonus points to breakfast. For lunch, Akti Restaurant in the harbor satisfies both your eyes and your stomach with its sea view and fresh seafood. If you want to walk down the street, Chora's Kafeglikatzidiko Ouzeri offers a soul-nourishing break with its appetizers and friendly atmosphere. The feeling of full stomach and peaceful soul is fully possible here. As the evening approaches, the island night takes on a different atmosphere. Castro Bar in Chora or Athelas Cocktail Bar in the harbor are the ideal places to unwind from the day and mingle with the island's night rhythm. The light music, the cool evening air and the smell of the sea really relaxes you as you enjoy the island night.

Top 3 Most Beautiful Beaches on Astypalea Island

1. Livadi Beach is right at the bottom of Chora and the sand is so warm that you smile as soon as you step on it. You can both swim and enjoy the sun here, and it is very easy to reach.
2. Vatses Beach is a little paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts; you can admire the clarity of the water as you walk on the pebbles and the fact that it is a bit isolated makes it even more special.
3. When you get to Kaminakia and Plakes, you are alone with nature; hidden among virgin bays, these beaches are a breath of fresh air for those seeking peace and quiet.

Astypalea Island Accommodation Recommendations

1. Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa: Pylaia Hotel is a new luxury hotel located on the island of Astypalea, just 300 meters from Livadi beach. Offering spectacular sea views, it features rooms and suites with CD/DVD players, a spa and Wi-Fi access. It overlooks Agios Konstantinos, Pappou, Tzanaki bays and the sea.
2. Tholaria Hotel: Tholaria Hotel is located on Astypalaia Island, just 300 meters from Chora town center. The hotel's outdoor swimming pool offers views of the Venetian castle and the Aegean Sea. Livadi, the island's most famous beach, is 350 meters away.

Transportation to Astypalea Island from Turkey

• By ferry: First you go to Kos and from there you take the ferry to Astypalea. The journey between Kos and Astypalea takes about 3 hours, prices are about 13 € one way (1 trip per day).
• Airplane + Domestic: It is possible to fly from Istanbul or Izmir first to Rhodes and then to Astypalea by domestic route. The number of flights increases during the summer season.
• Crossing between the islands by ferry is easy and enjoyable; however, you need to be careful about planned movement, reservation and visa (Schengen) issues.