Ferry tickets to AstypalaiaAstypalaia is a Dodecanese island with crystal clear, deep blue waters and beautiful beaches. Maltezana, Pahia Ammos, Livadi, Tzanaki and Kaminakia are some of its amazing beaches. You will, of course, find several other beaches, equally beautiful with crystal clear waters on the island. In Astypalaia, there are also monasteries, castles, little churches, caves, monuments and archaeological sites. The Talara baths, the Venetian castle, the cave of the Dragon, the little church of the Virgin possess some of the magic of the island. There are various settlements on the island, where you can enjoy tasteful snacks, the sun, swimming, sea sports and above all you can relax and rest. There is no intense nightlife on the island but there are some bars in Hora and some other places. The hospitable residents of Astypalaia will make you feel at home. You will spend some unforgettable holidays in Astypalaia and you will enjoy every moment so wait no more, book your ferry tickets now.
The Astypalaia Port
Ships depart regularly from Piraeus for the Astypalaia port and it's a 12 hour route, with stops to other islands included. By booking your ferry tickets online via aktoploika.gr, your journey will be more comfortable and carefree. The Astypalaia port is at the island's Hora. In Hora, the castle, located at the top of the hill, stands out, along with the various churches, the white picturesque houses and of course, the windmills, Astypalaia's pride. Near the port you will find several hotels, rooms to let, restaurants and also little shops where you can buy souvenirs and local delicacies.
Connection With Other Islands
Astypalaia has a ferry connection with the following ports: Piraeus (Athens), Amorgos, Donoussa, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Naxos, Nisyros, Paros, Rhodes, Tilos.
Ferry Tickets
You can now book ferry tickets online for Astypalaia via Aktoploika.gr. If you plan to travel during July and August, it's best if you have booked several days or weeks earlier to avoid hitches. You should also know that round-trip/return ferry tickets come with a considerable discount.
Transportation in Astypalaia
There are regular bus itineraries in Astypalaia for most villages but also the beaches of the island. You can also visit several of these beaches using boats. You can always rent a car or a motorbike for more comfort and freedom when travelling.
Astypalaia offers probably the most quaint and adventurous way of transportation among Greek islands, as it's small buses don't only carry passengers to it's small settlements, but also travel them to time as well, at least 5-6 decades backwards. Luggage that are placed at the buses' top, cramming for a seat, the employees' smiling faces, slow and noisy ascents, all these create a scenery born from another time's reality. Buses' routes connect the island's capital with the new port, Maltezana, Agios Andreas and Livadi. Routes are more during summer, about every 30-40 minutes, successfully covering the increased tourist traffic.
The beautiful butterfly
On the boundary between Cyclades and Dodecanese stands a butterfly: Astypalea. And it has stolen something from the beauty both of the island clusters. Astypalea is like two islands that for some strange reason they were joined into one. In the middle of the island, Steno, a strip of land just 130 meters, divides Astypalea in East Inside island and in Western Out Island..
When you feel for yourself the gorgeous island, it is essential to visit the impressive Chora, which is built amphitheatrically on the rock. Landmark, the windmills and the Venetian castle of Kouerini, built with local dark stone. Inside the walls there are the churches of the Panagia Evangelistria and Saint George. Outside the castle you can find Kira Portaitissa with the golden temple. Moreover, you can visit Pera Yialo, the port of the island. Here there is the archaeological museum, with findings from prehistoric times to the medieval times, which testify the prosperity of the island. Livadi is one of the fewest green areas of Astypalea, with an organized beach. Next to Livadi there is an artificial barrier. The Maltezana or Analipsi is a beautiful seaside village with the famous Baths of Tallara. Vathi, a closed bay that reminds a lagoon, has two small settlements: Exo Vathi and Mesa Vathi.
Astypalea is surrounded by many small islands and islets, and it's excactly what you need for daily sea excursions. The boats reach the most remote and untouched beaches of the island. It is notable the fact that the the eastern part of Astypalea and many islets are included in the Natura 2000 network.
In ancient times Astipalea was called Ihthioessa, so in the island you will enjoy fresh fish and seafood. Kakavia and the octopus balls are the local specialities. Other delicacies are the pouches, pies with spicy cheese and honey, and the arntista, the lentils with grated dough. You have to taste necessarily the 'yellow cookies' with the wild crocus, which flourishes on the island.
Astypalaia's "musts"
- Take a small boat from Pera Gialos and visit Koutsomiti and Kounoupa islands. Their scenery will make you feel you are in an exotic destination. On your way back the boatman will treat you water-melon.
- Visit Drakos Cave with a small boat from Vathy village. You'll see dolphins and seals swimming next to your boat and a marvelous cave with dozens of stalagmites.
- Have a morning-walk, starting from Hora's central cafe to Pera Gialos, through picturesque alleys and yards full of flowers, and watch the sun rising on Aegean Sea.
- Your vacation in Astypalaia will surely coincide with at least one local festival. Make the most of this chance and live an one of a kind night with joy, local dances and delicious meals.
Don't forget
If you choose to move by a vehicle, have in mind that life here is far away from the cities' modern routine. Drive calmly, don't honk and slow down.
Some of the island's beaches, like Kaminakia and Agios Ioannis, can't be reached by a car, so you'll have to walk to get there. Others don't haveany shades, so you'll have to bring your sea-umbrella with you.
Happy Holidays in Astypalaia!!!
