The alternative Astypalaia

Astypalaia is 5^The largest island of the Dodecanese, Located in the center of the Aegean, west of Nisyros and east of Anafi. Although closer to the islands of the Cyclades belong to N.. Dodecanese. It consists of two parts : or the eastern Mesa Nisi and western or Out Island, forming a butterfly shape with open wings. The two parts are connected by a narrow isthmus width 105 m, at its narrowest point. The name Astypalaia produced by the words City + old, which means old town. Other names of the island is Astropalia, Astypalea, Astoupalia, Stypalia, Stampalia. It has four settlements Astypalaia or Chora, Analipsi or Maltezana, Livadi Livadi and Vathi. Astypalea belongs to the network NATURE 2000 i.e. the specific valued landscapes.

ACCESS

Access to the island is by boat or plane. The central port is in St. Andrew area, on the northern coast of the island and is the Country 5km. The trip from Piraeus takes about 10 hours. The transition of visitors in the settlements, for anyone who does not come with its own means, It is the municipal bus, taxi or the transport of hotels, after consultation with the customer. Astypalaia directly connected with Rhodes, Kos and Kalymnos. Airport Astypalaia is set to Withdraw, in the distance 9,5 km by Country. Aircraft from Athens airport, It is of little 50 people. Furthermore, by another aircraft, capacity 30 persons directly connected with neighboring islands, three times a week, Rose, Kos, Kalymnos and Leros. In Kouselio position, over the hill, operates heliport located 1.500 m over the beach of Ascension.

SIGHTS

The attractions that visitors can see the island is by many major Venetian Castle. The first was built by Giovanni I Quirini (1207), on the ruins of a Byzantine castle, and that it was built on the ruins of the ancient acropolis of the island. Its current form took the 1413 the reconstruction by Giovanni IV Zanachi Quirini and with later additions. The outer wall has a height 14 m., the base has a thickness of from 1 – 1,5 m. and the top 0,60 m.

As we enter the gate of the Castle, we can admire the vaults in the ceiling of the entrance portico, the restored houses and sewers era. The view from the empty windows compensates the visitor. From here one can see and photograph the Country, Pera Gialos, the Meadow and the blue Aegean with the small islands, belonging to Astypalaia.

For anyone who wants to walk in the castle should know that the floor is made of thick pebbles and tour requires appropriate footwear. In the southern tip of Castle, There is a four-storey tower, known by the name Sarai, who was the former residence of the feudal lords of Astypalea. Within the castle there is the church of Our Lady of the Castle, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception (1853), type basilica with a dome and a second church, St. George (1790) also aisled basilica with dome.

On the main road of the country, on the col found eight windmills, height 5,50 m belonging to type "xetrochari" i.e. the ridge rotates depending downwind. In one of them operates the office of tourist information about the island.

The Great Lady, It is a set of five churches near Castle, with characteristic courtyard floor which is coated with pebbles. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary and celebrates on 8 September. To reach here one has to follow the main road to the Town Hall and at the fork left to do. The church of Panagia Portaitissa, built by Saint Anthimos Kefalonia (1762-1810) and is dedicated to the Virgin Portaitissa Monastery Iviron. Admirable is the carved iconostasis and marble spire (19^th century).

The Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia, located in Pera Gialos and is full of finds from excavations on the island. Entrance to the museum is free for visitors.

The ancient cemetery infants cylinder (600 B.C.- 200 A.D.) located in Chora, on the slope facing the Lawn village. It includes infant burials in earthen vessels, "Jar-burial" as this method is called and is unique in the world to such an extent.

SETTLEMENTS

• COUNTRY (OUT ISLAND)

The village of Chora is the largest island.

It stretches between the castle hill and the hill of Prophet Elias, with the church. The area of ​​the City Hall building up over the windmills, toward the Prophet Elijah, It is the current center of the country full of restaurants, bakeries and coffee. Modern houses on the island follow the architecture of the Cyclades but at the same time, visitors can admire several old mansions (19^th c.) with impressive carved wooden doors. In the end region of windmills all roads coming from the other settlements and here there is space for parking of vehicles. During the summer months there is a strong problem of parking.

• BEYOND GIALOS (OUT ISLAND)

The addition glass, or Skala, The settlement is found in the old port of Astypalaia. The port now has been transformed into a marina but used for the ships that come from nearby islands (B.C. Kalymnos). The port is protected from all winds except the SE.

The development of the town in recent years is great about it and now extends from the side of the castle to the windmills of Chora. In Pera Gialos find Customs, Police, Port Authority, the Bank, the Archaeological Museum and the church of St. Nicholas. Here operates a municipal gymnasium and playground for children. It has a small beach with small pebbles, trees and municipal umbrellas. Just above the beach there are many cafes – bar, restaurants and shops for your shopping, such as books, jewelry, clothes, antiques and souvenirs.

From the port of Pera Gialos local buses depart for the settlements Ascension – Schinonta (1^or route), with stops at some beaches and the Country – Meadow (2^or route). For beaches, where access is difficult, There are boats that leave for day trips to the beaches Vatses, Kaminakia, Saint John and to Koutsomyti and Mosquito islands. If you follow the road behind the church of St. Nicholas and begin to climb the stairs to get to Country, near City Hall, behind the traditional cafe of Moog.

• Meadow (OUT ISLAND)

A short distance from the Country (2km) It is to Meadow and Grassland, the third largest settlement. It is a fertile coastal valley, next to an idyllic beach with views of the Castle and Country. The beach is ideal for families, with gravel, trees, umbrellas and sunbeds. Here there are many cafes and restaurants open at night as the area has many small hotels and apartments.

• DECREASE or Maltezana (IN ISLAND)

In the northern part of the island, Outside the Island, located settlement, Analipsi or Maltezana who is from the town 9km. Taking the name comes from the church of the Ascension. Before 1961 called Maltezana, by Maltese pirates(16^The -18^Thec.) who used the bay as a base. From archaeological importance here you will find the pre-Christian Baths of Talara, mosaic with the zodiac and the mosaics in the courtyard of the Santa Barbara area. The village has a boat jetty, several hotels and apartments. From the port of Ascension, and only during the summer months, boats leave for the beaches and islands opposite.

On the right side of the village there is a small beach with sand and trees, for anyone who lives here and want a quick dip. Here are brown, restaurants, pastry shops and super market. Local buses starting at Pera Gialos and terminate in Schinonta, stop at Ascension. From the harbor boats start for day trips to islands mosquitoes, Kotsomytis and Agios Fokas.

• SCHINONTAS (IN ISLAND)

A seaside holiday resort east of the Ascension, over the small hill. The sandy beach is organized, with shallow water and many fish restaurants on the beach. Access is by paved road, by local bus from Pera Gialos, taxi or your own vehicle.

After the end of the beach there is a sign "Royal Chairs", an early Christian church (5^th c.). Here some small secluded beaches there for a little cool after walking in the heat. Following the path right, over the coast, You will arrive at the Tomb French sailors killed when they blew their ship during battle (6-11-1827), in order not to fall into the hands of pirates.

• DEEP (OUT ISLAND)

The Deep is located on the northern part of the island and is the smallest settlement. First there is the Deep Outside and down the road, the closed bay, In the Deep. Access is from Ascension (15 km) Taking the road - Deep is paved. In Deep Inside, there is a small pier where they can safely tie small boats, a few houses, a church and the tavern "Serenity" Mrs. Stavroula which offers coffee and food. You can notify that you go to waiting (22430-61201).

Here is the Cave of the Dragon, in altitude 40 m from the sea, near the shore of the bay Drakontospilia. This approach can only be done from the sea, Boat, situated in inaccessible location and there is no path. The cave is remarkable with large stalactites and stalagmites and was once a refuge for pirates.

Archaeological research carried out by the 2010, in the area, They have brought to light prehistoric rock paintings depicting rowing boats, manuals and adolescent archaic inscriptions with phallic symbols, of the early 6^th century. and the trailing 5^th century. In Vathi, on the mountainside there Marbles industrial lime production plant is now abandoned.

beaches

Astypalaia has numerous beaches. Besides the beaches found in the settlements of the island there are other scattered both in the Outside Island and Mesa Nisi. Buy a good map of the island and we will try to guide you.

BEACHES IN OUT ISLAND

• Tzanaki beach

Small beach at the Meadow with big pebbles, umbrellas and sunbeds. Here you can find nudists.

• Beach Agios Konstantinos

After Tzanaki beach Our signs leading to the beach Agios Konstantinos, with the church. The beach is organized with sand and pebbles, trees for shade and has nice views as it overlooks the town and the Castle. Here you can drink coffee and eat at the tavern is here.

• Vatses beach

Long beach, with small pebbles but exposed to southern winds. Access to most of it is a dirt road, but you can come by boat from Pera Gialos. with umbrellas, trees, beach bar coffee and water. Next to the beach, the left side, after the projection are the Small Vatses. Access is by the sea with your own boat or swimming. At the edge of the beach Vatsa, right as we look at the bay, in altitude 150 m there are two caves. The most important and most valuable is the Cavern of Black. The input detection is very difficult and requires special map. In the tradition took its name from a pirate Negro where there hid treasures. The cave is large enough, uncharted, stalactite, stalagmites and many corridors.

• beach Kaminakia

Perhaps the most beautiful and famous beach on the island. The road is unpaved and here to get you should take either the boat from Pera Gialos either yourself by following the signs to Vatses. After the fork there are signs that tell you. The beach is organized, it has sand, trees, taverna (Linda 6972290088) and protected from southerly winds.

• Beach Agios Ioannis

In the west, in the bay of St John, there is the homonymous beach, deep water and pebbles. Access is by boat from Pera Gialos or with your own boat. Above the beach, hill, there is the chapel of St. John, that which only opens on the day of the feast of, 29 August. On the opposite hill from, There are remnants of the Byzantine Castle of St John, which served to protect against pirates. The distance Country - Saint John is 10 km.

BEACHES IN THE ISLAND

• Beach Grand Strait

The beach is located on the main road leading from the town to Ascension, at the narrowest point of the island. Here joins the Inside Out Island with Island mentally forming the shape of a butterfly. You can come by local bus, which stops here. It is organized with private umbrellas and sun loungers, trees, shallow waters and small pebbles, ideal for families. It has a canteen offering water, coffee and food cooked by the wife of the owner, from their own products. It has a built-in bench and a few tables where you can sit and enjoy their meal on the waterfront. Just before the Big Straits is the beach Small Strait, access to which is by trail.

• plates beach

Located near the main road just before reaching Ascension (1km). It is a small beach that quickly fills with people. The local bus stops here and it's easy to find the path. From the name we understand that at the bottom there are slates. It is ideal beach for swimming when the north wind blows loudly as protected by the wind.

• Golden Sands Beach (or Fine)

at junction, before the airport, on the right there is a sign for "Saint Barbara". Following the dirt road you will find the path to the beach Golden Sand, bay Vai. The water is relatively shallow, sandy seabed full of fish. Please note that the beach is not suitable when blowing north wind. From the same dirt road you can reach the Grand Vai beach, which has large pebbles and cobbles. Further, then the dirt road there is the Small Vai, where farm. Due to the existence of the farm area is ideal for fishing.

• Blue Harbor Beach

It is a small beach, right as we look at the Ascension Bay, over the hill (400m.). There is a sign pointing to the dirt path. The beach in the summer is filled with people early as not to catch the south wind.

BEACHES IN NISAKIA

• Koutsomitis beach

Access to Koutsomitis island by boat from Pera Gialos or Ascension. The beach has shallow waters and pebbles over swimming in opposite islet Tigani imposed.

• mosquito beach

Mosquito Island is accessible by boat from Pera Gialos or Ascension, the same route to the island Koutsomyti. This beach seems to be double, due to the narrow strip of land that connects one side to the other. Here the landscape is exotic, with green shallow waters, sand and small pebbles. On these islands are good before you start to buy umbrellas, water and eating as your boats leave for the bathroom and returning after many hours to get you. The departure is from Pera Gialos in 11.30 and return 18:30.

parallel activities

Aside from the bathrooms to the beautiful beaches of the island, the visitor can make parallel :

• climb in climbing "wings" which is divided into two parts, he's got 20 Routes with stainless steel M10 connectors and relays to an end.
• hiking the engraved paths with special labeling and the small hills of the island. Also you can walk along the dam has been built to collect rainwater, following the road right before the Meadow.
• cycling on voyages which are for beginners,children but also for experienced cyclists.

tastes

Astypalaia worth tasting the local braised lamb, fresh fishes, octopus, lobster, lentils with chopped dough, green (type cheese), pouches with cheese and honey, kitrinokouloura with saffron that grows on the island and many desserts that are made here. You can eat all of the above in taverns, Your indicatively mention : Barbarossa (Country), yearly wind (Country), Ageri (Country), Barren line (Country), Archipelago (Country), Maistrali (P. seashore), Coast (P. seashore), Australia (P. seashore), seashore (P. seashore), Geranium (Meadow), Astropelos (P. seashore), Savory (Withdrawal), Lobster (Withdrawal).

FUN

castle Bar(Country), Mill (Country), Panorama (Country), Artemis after(Country), En Plo (P. seashore), bed (P. seashore), La Luna (P. seashore), Maltezana beach (Withdrawal), stone (Withdrawal), Serenity (deep), Linda (Kaniminakia), Camping (M. Marmari).

MARKETS

Absolutely buy honey, chloro and kitrinokouloura from the oven in addition Gialo.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels and apartments on the island are found in almost all settlements except the Deep. Most are located in Pera Gialos, Livadi and Ascension. The island has organized Camping in place Medium Marmari. Have enough reeds for shade, bar, restaurant and often live here organized party. The transition for those without their own transport is by local bus or taxi.

TYPE OF HOLIDAY

The island of Astypalaia, recent years, in my view no alternative tourism as boutique hotels have flooded the island. We should note that the low season the island begins after 15 September. Anyone who wants better prices is good accommodation is to visit the island since.

Municipality of Astypalaia : 22430-61206

Port Astypalaias : 22430-61208

Police : 22430-61207

customs Pharmacy : 22430-61444

Multifunctional Clinic : 22430-61222

airport Astypalaia : 22430-61410, 22430-61665

Municipal Tourist Office : 22430-61412

Camping : 22430-61900

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