Photos / Text: Anthony Nikolakis (article partially translated in English below)

Source: astypalaia-island.gr

I was never a supporter of the TOP 10 formula we usually come across in tourist guides. It is true, however, that they aid in acquiring an overview of what a destination has to offer to the visitor. Read ahead and discover the Top 10 moments in Astypalaia for a truly memorable experience. 

10. A daytrip by boat to Ayios Ioannis Rihtis. The homonymous bay in the southern part of the island cherishes an inaccessible beach between steep cliffs where you will have a heavenly swim.

9. Approach the most known bar of the island named Panorama and have a cocktail at one of its balconies offering panoramic views. The panorama of the Chora of Astypalaia with its picturesque castle and the settlement below it that resembles to a waterfall of gurgling white waters, will reward you for your choice of visiting this far-away island. 

8. Select the beach of Tzanaki if you wish to stay in a beautiful setting all day long. Crystalline waters, views of the Castle of Astypalaia from a distance and a unique sunset for your eyes only. 

7. Enjoy a traditional feast of Greek ‘meze’ and ‘raki’ at the café “Mougou” located at the square of Chora a few steps away from the 8 beautiful red roofed mills. The traditional café is decorated with old-style wooden chairs and tables and boasts numerous photos of memorable nights and personalities that have spent time there. 

6. Choose Livadi beach for an early morning swim when it is in the least busy. An ideal place to watch the sunrise. Livadi gets busier after 10 or 11 in the morning so take advantage of the beautiful setting as early as you can. 

5. Just before sunset time, head to the Ayios Ioannis Makris Castle. From the courtyard of the homonymous church or, equally, from the hill of Prophet Elias you will enjoy the best sunset the island has to offer. 

4. If you are staying for a good few days, then take the boat from Pera Yialos port and enjoy a magnificent tour at the islets of Koutsomitis and Kounoupes opposite. There, you will enjoy secluded swims in the cleanest beaches of the Aegean boasting fluorescent turquoise waters. 

3. Castro bar. The most famous bar with the best views. Climb up to the Castle and enjoy quality drinks, cocktails and traditional ‘rakomelo’. Live gigs are usually organized too. Just under the Venetian castle at the top of the hill of the Chora, you will have the best views towards the blue of the Aegean Sea and the distant islands. The bar is open from sunset and until the sunrise. 

2. To enrich your photo album with even more picturesque landscapes from Astypalaia, drive to the top of Mount Kastelano. The scenery is ideal at sunset or sunrise and will absolutely enchant you. 

1. We kept the best for last. An experience that you must definitely include in your trip… none other than watching the sunrise from within the Castle of the Chora. Arrange to be there at 6 in the morning and pick the best spot at the yard of Ayios Georgios church at the back of the Castle. Let the first sunbeams of the day to shed their light upon the clear views of the blue of the Aegean and as far as the islands of Kos, Nisyros, Tilos. Even the west coast of Turkey will be visible. 

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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