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Astypalaia Town
ℹ️Practical info — Astypalaia Town
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the interior of the Venetian Querini Castle for wide-open views of the Aegean Sea.
- Take photos at the 8 traditional windmills at the entrance of Chora, the most iconic spot on the island.
- Be prepared for many steps; Chora is built on a steep hill, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Walk down to Livadia beach via the old footpaths for a refreshing swim and a change of scenery.
- Admire the classic Cycladic architecture, featuring whitewashed houses and bright blue shutters.
🍽 Food
Taste these local cheese pies made with chlori cheese and topped with thyme honey.
These unique yellow biscuits flavored with wild saffron are a signature island treat.
Astypalaia is famous for its fresh lobster, best enjoyed in the seaside tavernas.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Gathered from the island's hills, this wild saffron (krokos) is a rare and aromatic local product.
The island's thyme and wildflower honey is highly prized for its intense flavor.
Look for this traditional soft goat or sheep cheese in the local food shops.
Visit during the golden hour for a peaceful atmosphere and remarkable sunset views.
The courtyard of this beautiful white church below the castle is a serene spot.
Use the historic stone steps leading down to the harbor (Skala) for a quiet, scenic walk.
Water temperature…
Astypalaia Town, frequently referred to simply as Chora, is the main settlement of the butterfly-shaped island of Astypalaia. Although the island geographically belongs to the Dodecanese, Chora's architecture is purely Cycladic, featuring dazzling white houses and blue windows. The town's dominant feature is the Venetian Castle of the Querini family (Kastro), constructed in the 13th century, which sits majestically atop the hill. Inside the castle are two historic churches: Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios. At the base of Chora stand eight characteristic windmills with red roofs, serving as an emblem of the island. The town's narrow, cobbled alleys house numerous traditional cafes and small boutiques. In recent years, Astypalaia has gained international recognition for a pioneering electromobility project aimed at making the island fully sustainable. Nevertheless, Chora remains a place of authentic beauty that has preserved its original character.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Magazaki Beach · Castle of Astypalaia · Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia
- Nearby: Astypalaia (4 km)
- Population: ~1.129
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 91 | 52 | 31 | 18 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 42 | 76 | 110 |
Geography
Facts
- The Querini Kastro was built in 1204.
- Features eight well-preserved historic windmills.
- Architecture is atypical for the Dodecanese (Cycladic style).
- Home to a significant archaeological museum.
- Part of a project to become the world's first emission-free island.
- The Kastro houses coats of arms of Venetian rulers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Astypalaia Town (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Astypalaia Town?
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Astypalaia Town: where is it located?
Astypalaia Town: what is there to see?
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Astypalaia Town: why is it worth visiting?
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