What To Do in Astypalaia – The Aegean Sea Butterfly

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Last updated on February 10th, 2026 at 02:45 pm

If you’re dreaming of an unspoilt Greek island with gorgeous architecture, mouthwatering food, and beautiful beaches, our travel guide on what to do in Astypalaia will help you plan your trip to this hidden gem.

The island’s nickname is Butterfly of the Aegean Sea, and a simple look at the map of Astypalaia is enough to understand why.

So, get ready for a remarkable flight on this beautiful butterfly’s wings as we unfold what to do in Astypalaia (also spelt Astypalea), or Astropalia as locals affectionately call it.

Where Is Astypalaia?

Astypalaia is a small island situated between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese Islands.

As Astypalaia is the westermost island of the Dodecanese, culturally, boasts a unique blend of characteristics from the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

In terms of architecture, the island is more like the Cyclades, but local tastes, traditions, and dialects are purely Dodecanesian.

The island’s capital is Chora, while there are a few more tiny villages across the island, like Livadi and Maltezana.

How Many Days in Astypalaia Greece

To explore the entire island and see the main attractions, two to three days are enough. However, feel free to stay longer to relax and enjoy the island’s vibes.

Best Time To Visit Astypalaia

When planning a trip to Greece, the island of Astypalea is one of those destinations you could visit even during the high season.

The small Greek island doesn’t feel crowded in July and August, although there are more visitors than in the rest of the season.

So, the best time to visit Astypalaia is during the summer months, from late May to early September, including July and August.

How To Get To Astypalaia

By Air

Astypalaia has a small airport with domestic flights only operating year-round. Astypalaia airport is a short drive from Chora, the island’s main town.

By Ferry

Ferry is the most common way to reach Astypalaia, with routes from Piraeus Port operating a few times a week.

The ferry ride from Piraeus to Astypalaia takes around nine hours. The new port of Astypalaia is a short drive from Astypalaia Chora.

Astypalaia is also well connected to the nearby islands of Amorgos and Donoussa. Our travel guide on which Greek Island to visit will help you plan the perfect island-hopping itinerary.

The best way to check ferry routes and timetables to Astypalaia Island, as well as book your ferry tickets, is through Ferryhopper.

How To Get Around Astypalaia

Astypalaia is a small island with one main road. The best way to get around Astypalaia is by public bus and taxis.

All useful information, such as bus routes and timetables and taxi drivers’ phone numbers, is displayed on a board near the traditional Windmills in Chora.

If you’re wondering whether you need a car to explore the island, Astypalaia is one of the best car-free Greek islands.

However, if you want to reach remote places like Kaminakia Beach or Vathy, avoid the scooter and rent a car.

Where To Stay in Astypalaia

Situated near Chora, the seaside Livadi is a very popular place to stay for its gorgeous beach and the facilities the village offers.

However, nothing beats staying in Chora. Although Astypalea Town has its fair share of uphill streets, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from staying in Chora.

Over the years, we’ve stayed at many hotels in Astypalaia as we’ve been visiting the island for over a decade. We’ve stayed in both Livadi and Chora.

No matter which area you choose for your accommodation, we’re sure you’ll find a fantastic boutique hotel to stay in Astypalaia.

Where To Eat & Drink in Astypalaia

Here’s a list of some of the best places to eat and drink in Astypalaia:

Castro Bar in Chora is more than just a bar. Situated under the shadow of the imposing Venetian Castle of Querini, there’s no better place to enjoy a sunset cocktail or a late-nightcap than Castro Bar.

Kafeneio Apanemia is everyone’s favourite meze restaurant in Chora. Don’t forget to try the traditional Pouggia there.

Meltemi in Chora is the ultimate hang-out for locals and visitors alike. Open all day for coffee, drinks, snacks, and sweets, it’s the latter you don’t want to miss.

Archipelago in Chora is an essential stop for your sweet tooth.

Kafeneio o Mouggos in Chora is a blend of a small-plate restaurant and a local culture museum, evoking history and nostalgia.

Akrogiali in Pera Gialos Beach is one of the best restaurants in Astypalaia for seafood.

Watch Our YouTube Video About What To Do in Astypalaia

Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Astypalaia Island

What To Do in Astypalaia – 10 Fantastic Things To Do

1. Be Enchanted By The Prettiest Castle in The Aegean Sea

Probably no other Greek Island boasts such a well-preserved, impressive, and breathtakingly beautiful castle.

Built in dark stone over the dazzlingly white Old Town (Chora) of Astypalaia, the Venetian Castle is a sight for sore eyes as it shimmers under the bright sun.

In the evening, when lit in golden brown hues, the gorgeous Querini castle dominates Chora’s skyline.

Constructed by the noble Querini family after the siege of Constantinople – the modern-day Istanbul – in 1204, the Venetian Castle served as a refuge in the event of pirate invasions.

Home to two lovely churches, Panagia tou Kastrou (Lady of the Castle) and Agios Georgios, Astypalaia Castle offers unique panoramic views that you won’t easily forget, especially at sunset.

2. Explore The Old Town

As mentioned earlier, Astypalaia is more like a Cyclades island than a Dodecanese one in terms of architecture.

This is more striking in Chora, the island’s Old Town, with its whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, and steps.

From traditional restaurants to all day café-bars and shops to buy Greek souvenirs, Chora is the place you’ll find everything you need during your trip to Astypalaia.

Wandering around Chora and getting friendly with the countless cute cats lazing around under the Greek summer sun is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Astypalaia.

Apart from being the ultimate meeting point on the island, the Windmills are also the most iconic landmarks in Astypalaia, second only to the gorgeous castle.

They are all restored and house various services. For instance, one of them is the island’s Information Centre, while another houses the island’s Library.

Another point of interest in Chora is the Ancient Infant Cemetery. Sadly, although an archaeological site of rare historical significance, the cemetery is quite neglected.

Last but not least, Chora is dotted with many picturesque churches. The island’s most significant place of worship is the Church of Panagia Portaitissa.

However, our favourite churches in Chora are the nine churches in the Karai neighbourhood. If you’re wondering what to do in Astypalaia, visiting these churches is a must.

3. Drive To Kaminakia, The Best Beach in Astypalaia

There’s no shortage of remote beaches in Astypalaia. Some of them are Agios Konstantinos Beach, Vatses Beach, and Plakes.

However, the unquestionably best among them is Kaminakia Beach, a pristine piece of heaven in the southern part of the island with Caribbean-like turquoise waters and white pebbles.

What we’d like to point out here, though, is that the drive to Kaminakia Beach deserves a place on our list of the best activities in Astypalaia in its own right.

A dirt road leads to the beach that’s generally easy, with only a couple of tricky parts. Yet, the wonderful views and the feelings you get while driving are absolutely rewarding.

Suffice it to say that you may feel you’re driving on Mars at times.

4. Taste The Local Food

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that an island as authentic as Astypalaia could only mean one thing: unique culinary experiences.

The local cuisine is simple yet delicious. All traditional dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, according to century-old recipes passed down by word of mouth.

The first thing you should try in Astypalaia is Pouggia. These are pie-like, deep-fried little wonders that can be either sweet or savoury.

Moreover, Astypalaia’s cheese pies and the handmade ravioli-like pasta filled with local cheese (chlori) and saffron are not to be missed.

Last but not least, Astypalea Island is renowned for its stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia) and fresh seafood.

In most Astypalaia restaurants you will have the opportunity to try some of the best vegetarian dishes in Greece, such as stuffed tomatoes or just a choriatiki salad.

5. Enjoy Steno Beach

Situated at the island’s narrowest part, the butterfly’s body that is, Steno Beach is one of the best beaches in Astypalaia. Steno is the Greek word for narrow, so it makes sense.

Apart from its gorgeous, crystal-clear waters, Steno Beach is home to the beach canteen Kantina Steno, which serves traditional Greek food on the sand.

6. Spend a Relaxing Day on Livadi Beach

Livadi is Astypalaia’s most popular seaside village. There are many restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels in the area, making Livadi one of the best places in Astypalaia for spending a full day to relax.

Although Livadi Beach is equipped with all the facilities, it is still laid-back and authentic, like the rest of the island.

7. Visit The Dam of Astypalaia

The dam of Astypalaia is a site of unique natural beauty and one of the best places to visit on the island.

All you can hear there is the birds singing and the bees buzzing. If you have time, it’s worth walking the path along the artificial lake created by the dam.

8. Chill At Pera Gialos Bay

Pera Gialos used to be Astypalaia’s main port.

Now that the port has been transferred to another location (Agios Andreas), Pera Gialos is a quaint seaside town with jaw-dropping views of the Castle and Chora and a fantastic sandy beach with tranquil waters.

If you ask us, Pera Gialos is also the ultimate place to have dinner. Just choose a table at a seaside restaurant, dip your toes in the cool sand and take in the beauty of the magically lit Castle and Chora.

9. Discover Maltezana And Its Surroundings

Maltezana or Analipsi is the second largest town in Astypalaia, after Chora.

There are a few serene beaches within easy walking distance from one another, such as Mple Limanaki, Maltezana and Sxinontas, and some easy-going cafés and restaurants there.

If you feel like exploring a bit, you can walk to the Monument to the French Admiral Bignon and learn all about it while taking in the magnificent views of Chora in the distance.

From Maltezana, you can continue to Vathy to check out the remotest village on the island.

Although the route is quite lovely, keep in mind that you must drive on a dirt road for the most part and that there’s not much to do once you get there. If you’re short on time, we’d suggest you skip Vathy altogether.

10. Join a Day Cruise To Koutsomitis And Kounoupes Islets

Enjoying a boat trip from Pera Gialos to the most secluded beaches and islets is high on our list of what to do in Astypalaia.

Koutsomitis and Kounoupes tiny islands will make you feel you’ve been teleported to someplace exotic without ever leaving the warm embrace of the Mediterranean Sea.

Astypalaia is one of the easiest-going small islands in Greece. As such, it’s the ideal destination for a relaxing, stress-free summer vacation like no other.

So, now that you know what to do in Astypalaia, why don’t you let this sweet butterfly carry you on its wings on a unique journey in the heart of the Aegean Sea? You’re sure to enjoy the ride!

WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina