The most western of the Dodecanese islands, Astypalaia is a remote island with cliffs and sandy coves, the coves were once the hiding places of the Maltese pirates who sailed around the Aegean looking for ships and coastal villages to ransack. The island has been a remote place since classical times, the Ventian family Quirini ruled the island between 1207 and 1522 and this was a prosperous time for the island. Today the island offers an ideal holiday destination for those seeking something different, once you have been to the island you will want to return.

Skala and Chora the main port Skala and the Chora the town melt into one another as to be indistinguishable. Chora the upper town is dominated by a 15 th century castle, which is now being restored, inside the castle are two churches, Panagia Portaitissa with its silver dome built in the 14 th century and Agios Georgios. The upper town with its narrow winding streets, lined with brilliantly white painted houses. In the main square, the focal point is the restored windmills. The Archaeological Museum has on display many fine relics unearthed on the island.

Livadia the main resort of the island lies in a fertile valley, with citrus groves and cornfields. The beach is a mixture of pebbles and sand, in addition, it can get very crowded in the summer. The beach at Tzanaki, a bit further south is popular with those who like to sunbathe in the nude.

Maltezana named after the pirates who anchored up in the bay, in affect the first tourists to the island! The village is developing into a popular resort with a beach sheltered by trees and the water is shallow and clean.

Vathy on the northeastern peninsula, from here you can visit the caves of Drakou and Negri