Useful information 
Venetian Castle of Astypalaia
Destination
Astypalaia
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Astypalaia is the island you may have never been to but you will always want to visit. Or even if you found yourself there, you didn't have time to get enough of it and definitely want to go back. Justifiably, since the island's beauty is so great that it cannot be described in words. A butterfly in the middle of the Aegean, Astypalaia has been likened to this because of its butterfly shape. Where the Dodecanese islands meet the Cyclades, Astypalaia flutters carefree in the blue Aegean light. Although it belongs to the island complex of the Dodecanese, Astypalaia has the characteristic Cycladic architecture. Whitewashed square houses and churches, narrow alleys, blue windows and wooden balconies create a unique atmosphere that will fascinate you! The city of Astypalaia or as ti is called in the Cyclades, Chora, is undoubtedly the most emblematic part of the island. Built amphitheatrically, below has a view to the sea while at its highest point, dominates the imposing Venetian castle. Get lost in Chora, in its narrow streets with blue and white Cycladic houses. You don't have to follow a certain path. Indulge in the beauty of the place, feel the pulse of the locals and wander without a plan. Stop at a local tavern, where the locals enjoy a snack and taste the delicacies of the place, which he so generously yearns to give out, Walk to the traditional windmills of Astypalaia, the island's reference point. And as the sun sets, begin your ascension to the Venetian castle, which will give you a breathtaking view and one of the most spectacular sunsets. Astypalaia is also full of beautiful beaches. Calm but also a little more crowded, organized and freer, visible and...hidden...! Astypalaia has a beach for every taste. Whether you choose Livadi, with its sun loungers and taverns, whether you opt for Kaminakia for something less organized, or even if you decide to go by boat to Kounoupas and Koutsomitis, one thing is for sure: you will swim in some of the clearest and blueest waters of the Aegean! So don't wait! With direct flights from Athens and a unique island-hopping route from Rhodes, via Kos, Kalymnos and Leros, Astypalaia awaits you with its wings open to lead you to the most unique holiday experiences.
The history
According to Greek mythology, Astypalaia and Europe were daughters of Phoenix and Perimidis. The island of Astypalaia seems to have been inhabited for the first time in the 2nd millennium BC by the Carians, who came from the ancient region of Karia in Anatolia (today Turkey). The Minoans of Crete followed. Astypalaia seems to have been a rich place in the classical times, as shown by the high annual tax they paid in Athens. At that time there were many temples on the island, another symbol of prosperity. Fruit and flowers covered almost the whole island, which is why the ancient Greeks called it the Table of the Gods. During the Hellenistic period (4th-1st century BC), Astypalaia was an important naval base of Ptolemy of Egypt and remained as such until the Roman period, while the natural advantages of the island provided an excellent spot for the missions of the aristocratic navy against the pirates of the Mediterranean. During Byzantine times, (4th-13th century BC) the continuous attacks of the pirates forced the inhabitants to abandon their homes on the coast and create new settlements inside the island with the protection of the strong walls. At that time the castle of Agios Ioannis was built. The Venetians occupied the island of Astypalaia from 1207 to 1269, when it was handed back to the Byzantines. After the Fourth Crusade that almost destroyed Constantinople, the domination of Astypalaia passed to the noble Querini family of Venice who built the most important monument of this island. John Querini's family ruled the island of Astypalaia for 300 years and built several fortifications. The Venetians lost the island to the Turks in 1537. The period 1537-1912 was a climax for the history of Astypalaia, as the island enjoyed certain privileges that offered its inhabitants their autonomy. The island participated in the Greek revolution in 1821 but was still under Turkish rule. After its occupation by the Germans and the Italians, in 1948 it joined the Greek State.
Sightseeing
Traditional Windmills
The church of Panagia Portaitissa ("Keeper of the Gate")
Venetian Castle of Astypalaia
The Venetian Querini Castle in Chora is a magnificent attraction placed royalty on the top of the hill and made with black stones that show a strange contrast with the complex of houses with white walls around it. The history of the castle is intertwined with the battle for power between the Venetians, the Byzantines and the Turkish rulers. The castle was built by John Querini, a member of a noble Venetian family, who had taken over Astypalaia after the siege of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204. The Venetians ruled from the castle for more than 300 years and each ruler had made some or other modifications to the imposing construction.
Local gastronomy
Lambropiteds (Easter Pies)
Radista from Astypalaia
Makarounes
Lambropiteds (Easter Pies)
A very famous dish of Astypalaia are the lampropites. They are actually cheese pies, which are made in a different way from the traditional recipe that may come to mind, and are served at Easter on the island. Smelly, soft and with a rich filling, the "poujas" as they are called, are made with a fluffy and airy leaf, then filled with whatever spring cheese every housewife has available in her home and finally, poured with honey.
Useful information
Police: +30 22430 61207
Airport: +30 22430 61410
Bus: +30 22430 61206
Taxi: +30 6975 706365
Hospital: +30 22430 61222
Port: +30 22430 61208
Weather conditions in Astypalaia
January
74mm
12°C - 14°C
February
66mm
11°C - 13°C
March
46mm
12°C - 14°C
April
22mm
14°C - 16°C
May
12mm
17°C - 18°C
June
1mm
22°C - 22°C
July
0mm
23°C - 23°C
August
0mm
23°C - 24°C
September
5mm
22°C - 23°C
October
30mm
19°C - 20°C
November
51mm
16°C - 18°C
December
94mm
13°C - 15°C
Airport
Astypalaia Airport (JTY)
Astipalaia 85900