Travel Secrets
Astypalaia | The most beautiful “Chora” in the Aegean archipelago
Astypalaia or Astropalia -as the locals like to call their island- resembles to the shape of a butterfly when looked-at from above or in a map.
Chora is the name of the main town, as well as, the port of the island. It is the first image that you will admire as you approach the island by boat…all “dressed” in white and built amphitheatrically on a hillside, its top section is devoted to the marvelous Venetian castle of Querini which dates back to the 15th century.
The island shares Cycladic elements intensively as it boasts white-washed houses and courtyards and blue doors and church domes from side to side and at all points of direction. Chances are that you will feel as if you have just arrived at an island of The Cyclades, which is in fact a misunderstanding as Astypalaia is lucky enough to ‘flirt” with the styles of both island complexes (Cyclades – Dodecanese), thus yielding a particularly attractive character. Eight traditional stone-built windmills account as a trademark for the island. All roads lead to this spot and you can easily park your car in order to gaze at the marvelous Aegean Sea spreading in front of your eyes. While on the island, do not omit to visit the Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa (Virgin Mary) and the Narkissio Public Library. Descending from the top, you will pass from a plethora of tourist gift shops. Make a stop for coffee at “Mouggou” traditional coffee shop and then at the Chora’s main square where you can indulge in the local delicacies of “pouggia” and “xerotigana” which are pies staffed with cheese and honey.
During your wondrous walks along the dense network of alleyways within Chora, you will come across Melograno Villas. The three exquisite villas take their name after the word “melograno’ which is the Italian for pomegranate and which connotes to the castle of the Chora of Astypalaia where during the religious celebrations of mid-August, the inhabitants of the island honour visitors in the shade of a pomegranate tree for one of the most majestic and charitable feasts in Greece.
The owner’s philosophy prioritizes the need for relaxation. The three luxurious Melograno Villas offer an array of comforts and amenities and they are characterized by their fine combination of simple interior decors, their airy shades on walls, furniture and fabrics and their details of high aesthetics in combination to the most stunning views of the Aegean’s blue.
