Island

117 seamiles from Attica port Piraeus
23 seamiles from Kos
97 qkm [ the whole archipel 114 qkm ]
1113 inhabitants
482 m highest mountain
4 villages [ Astypalaia , Livadi , Maltezana , Vathi ]

Until the 19th century , Chora was the only settlement of the contemporary years of Astypalaia.
The other settlements which exist today were created in the uncultivated spots of the island.
The biggest of these settlements are Livadi and Analypsi or Maltezana , created during the Italian years.
Most of the island’s life is concentrated in Chora.

• Astypalea or Chora
This is the capital and port of the island built on a hill protruding into the sea thus forming two bays : the port - Pera Yialos and Livadi Bay.
The peak is dominated by the fortress built of dark local stone from which one can see the glowing white domes of the Evangelistria and Aghios Georgios Churches sticking out.Around it are white houses with blue doors and windows and wooden railings on the balconies.Among them are churches and domed chapels.
On the saddle of the hill are eight windmills , a unique jewel adorning Hora.Slightly further on is the traditional coffee house and further still is the Town Hall from whence the two main roads which lead up the hill to the Fortress begin.Each leads to a well known church , the Monastery of Panaghia Portaitissa on the Livadi Bay side and the Megali Panaghia Church on the Pera Yialos side.

• Analipsi or Maltezana
A seaside village spread out along a small valley in Exo Nisi with a beautiful sandy beach.The second name "Maltezana" makes reference to the pirates who pillaged the Aegean and found refuge in the island's sheltered bays.The village hugs the bay with a long jetty at which fishing caiques moor.The orchards and vineyards go right down to the water's edge.Tour boats can take visitors to the island's beaches and the islets of Hondro , Ligno , Aghia Kyriaki , Koutsomytis , Syrna and Kounoupi.

• Livadi
A seaside village spread along a fertile valley on the inlet of the bay with the same name. Livadi is the island's flower garden.The gardens with mandarin trees , orange trees , vines , and houses bedecked in flowers are spread along the entire length of the stream which terminates at a beautiful beach.

• Vathi
Vathi resembles are lagoon.The bay is almost completely closed off with an opening of just 50m.There are two small villages at Vathi : Exo Vathi which is at the mouth of the bay with its small jetty at which caiques moor and Mesa Vathi on the inlet of the bay with fields , a few trees and vineyards.Visitors can reach Vathi by road along a passable dirt track or by boat.There are regular sailings from Vai Bay.

• Other islets in the area
To the southeast are the islets of Hondro , Ligno , Aghia Kyriaki with a church dedicated to that saint , Koutsomytis with its charming beach and Kounoupi.Further out are Adelfi , Syrna and the Tria Nisia.To the west are the islets of Ktenia , Pontikoussa , Ofidoussa and Katsagreli.To the north is Fokionisia.

Locomotions in the inner island

Buses or small ships connect the villages, the beaches and the around islets.

Usefull phones

• foreign calls dialled code +30 22430
• Town Hall 61 206
• Travel Agency - Municipal Information 61412
• Tourist information 61 778
• Health Center 61 222
• Pharmacy 61 444
• Post Office 61 223
• Police 61 207
• Port Master's Office 61208
• Bank with Bankomat 61 402
• Customs 61 317
• Airport 61 410 - 61665
• Olympic Airways 61 588