As I anticipated you in the post dedicated to the island of Naxos (click HERE to read the post) the second stop of our Greek islands tour has been Astypalea, an unknown island to many people and, for this reason, firm in time and authentic until its last corner. Five days in Astypalea are the ideal to discover an island that, despite being geographically belonging to the Dodecanese archipelago, is classifiable as one of the Cyclades islands thanks to its architecture, kitchen and culture: steep alleys with white houses, small churches with blue domes and windmills scattered here and there.
-We chose Astypalea, a remote and lost island in the Aegean Sea, a wild oasis of relax with a splendid sea to taste the less commercial aspect of Greece.-
FIVE DAYS IN ASTYPALEA – WHERE TO STAY
During our 5 days in Astypalea we chose to stay at the Viva Mare Studios: a complex of apartments really close to the main road of the chora and with an amazing view of the sea and the port of Pera Gialos.
The choice of staying in the heart of Astypalea’s life has been convenient for its proximity to restaurants, shops and supermarkets, which made it possible to avoid us using the car during the evening.
-The chora of Astypalea ends with the suggestive kastro that you can reach by climbing the tangle of alleys and walking by the streets you will also notice some stunning views where you will surely stop to take some pictures.-
FIVE DAYS IN ASTYPALEA – THE BEST BEACHES
Astypalea is called “the butterfly of the Aegean Sea” because of its shape characterized by two wide wings that unite vertiginously in the center. The east part of the island is totally barren and arid, crossed by few roads and without beaches, the other part is inhabited and dotted with hidden beaches along the jagged coast. The most beautiful beaches that you cannot miss are the following:
– Plakes: reachable by walking through a dirt path where you will be astonished at the sight of the transparent water of the beach. I advise you to wear comfortable shoes to avoid slipping along the rocky and earthy road. Plakes is a small bay with a couple of tiny non-equipped coves where you will be free to spend the whole day relaxing;
– Stenò: it is exactly in the middle of the island and, if it was not for the color of the water, you would be tempt to believe you are in a lake because of the narrow opening of the bay. The beach is equipped and you can choose between two seasides (one of them has a restaurant famous for its typical cuisine!);
– Agios Konstantinos: we spent an afternoon having a fabulous mojito and relaxing with reggae music on hammocks and comfortable sofas that made the atmosphere truly unforgettable.
Boat trip to the islands of Kounoupa and Koutsomyti
During your five days in Astypalea you must spend a day at the islands of Kounoupa and Koutsomyti that you can reach by small boats that you can book at the port of Pera Gialos for a small price: 15 euros to be accompanied on both islands by a 2 hour stop for each and return in late afternoon to Astypalea. You will hardly forget the water of these two small islands because of its blue-green shades contrasting with the rock.
FIVE DAYS IN ASTYPALEA – THE UNMISSABLE RESTAURANTS
If you choose Astypalea for your holidays do not expect a nightlife buzzing with locals and nightlife, but that does not mean that at 8 pm the restaurants close!
The restaurants that, in my opinion, you can not miss in Astypalea are the following:
– Safran: a family-run restaurant overlooking the beach of Pera Gialos run by a very kind lady from Germany. The restaurant offers delicious sauces and homemade mustards as entrée, fantastic fried calamari, octopus balls and fresh fish, all accompanied by white wine from the Peloponnese. At the end of your dinner you will be amazed by the small bill;
–Plori: is located on the road that connects the chora to the town of Livadi and enjoys an exclusive location that will allow you to dine in the moonlight on the rooftop of a luxury hotel. You will be particularly impressed by the amazing design and the lounge atmosphere that will accompany you throughout the whole evening.
-At the end of your dinner, you can have a drink or enjoy a delicious dessert in the main square of the chora overlooking the characteristic windmills. -
I hope this post could have helped you to better organize your vacation in Astypalea. I also remind you that on the story highlights of my instagram page @lapetiteterobinoire you can find the videos that i took during my holiday in this stunning island.
Bests,
Roberta
