Chora of Astypalea
Chora is the capital and the main tourist resort of Astypalea. The settlement is built amphitheatrically on a hill that advances into the sea. On top of the hill there is the Venetian Castle of Querini that provides wonderful views.
Having a stroll on the narrow alleys in Chora is a highlight of any trip while in Astypalea. The houses of Chora have an architecture, which strongly resembles the Cycladic Islands. The whitewashed houses spread around Querini Castle with their blue windows and doors, wooden balconies and outdoor stairs give Chora its unique character. There are also eight windmills located at the top of the hill near the main square that add to its charm.
It’s a lively place in summer months with many tourist facilities; rooms to rent, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Best things to do in Chora
- Visit the Venetian Castle of Querini
- Stroll at the narrow alleys
- Take a photo by the picturesque windmills
- Visit the Church of Panagia of Portaitissa
- Visit the infant cemetery
- Enjoy a cocktail with the best view of Chora from Palaio Mylos
- Have an evening coffee at the Archipelagos Cafe enjoying the views
- Enjoy some food and drink at the one of the restaurants near the square
Photo Tip: For the best viewpoints of Chora see here.
Pera Gialos
Pera Gialos (the old port) is literally a continuation of Chora and it’s difficult to distinguish between the two as the houses stretch from the castle all the way to the old port.
Pera Gialos used to be the main port of Astypalea. Today, it serves regular trips to the nearby islands and some remote beaches on the island.
It has a nice pebble beach and many tourist facilities, from hotels and rooms to let to cafes, tavernas and bars.
Chora and Pera Gialos are the heart and soul of the island and the best place for shopping, dining, and strolling.
Best things to do at Pera Gialos
- Have a stroll at the harbour
- Have a swim at the beach
- Enjoy an evening meal at Akrogiali or Akti Restaurant
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Astypalea
Livadia (or Livadi)
Livadia is a nice seaside village and a small summer resort located only 1km west of Chora. It has a beautiful beach (mix of sand & pebbles) and it is the most popular and well organised on the island with lots of tourist amenities.
It lies in a valley with fertile soil, citrus groves and cultivated fields and it seems like an oasis among the arid landscape surrounding the village.
There are a few cafeterias, traditional tavernas and bars in Livadia as well as hotels and rooms to let.
Best things to do at Livadia
- Relax at the beach
- Enjoy an evening meal at one of the restaurants by the sea (Astropelos)
- Visit the Dam of Livadia
Photo Tip: For the best viewpoints of Livadia see here.
Analipsi (or Maltezana)
Analipsi or Maltezana is the largest settlement on the eastern part of the island (Exo Nisi), about 8km from Chora. It is located near the airport. It was named Maltezana probably after the Maltese pirates who used the area as a hideaway for their ships.
It’s also the second seaside resort on the island with a nice beach and small jetty and attracts tourists during the summer months. It offers a few accommodation options, like hotels and rooms to let and also has some restaurants and bars.
You can visit the small jetty with the fishing boats and also the Memorial of Hippolyte Bisson, who gave his life fighting the pirates in the early 19th century.
Near Maltezana is also the beach of Schinondas with some nice tavernas with fresh fish and local cuisine.
Best things to do in Analipsi
- Relax at the beach of Schinontas
- Enjoy a meal at Astifagia restaurant
- Walk to the jetty
- Visit the monument of the French Captain Hipollyte Bisson
Vathi
Vathi is the smallest and most remote settlement located on the eastern part of the island, 20km from Chora. It is situated on a closed off bay with a small opening that resembles a lagoon and it has some beautiful turquoise waters. The road to Vathi is tarmac but becomes a dirt road for the last 3km.
It consists of Exo Vathy, which is at the mouth of the bay and has a small dock with a few fishing boats and a nice self service taverna, and Mesa Vathy, which is located at the inner part of the bay surrounded by fields with some crops.
The most interesting part is Exo Vathy, where you can have a stroll at the tiny harbour, have a meal at the taverna and enjoy the remoteness of this spot.
On high season there might be boat trips available from there to nearby Drakos Cave that has an impressive formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
Best things to do at Vathi
- Enjoy the views of the lagoon
- Have a meal at the taverna
- Hike to the Drakos Cave
Tourist Map
Check these villages and its attractions and other information about Astypalea on the following map.