The
Globetrotting
Project
St.Nicolas church
Ag.Konstantinos beach
Astypalaia,the Chora is one of the most beautiful of the Aegean sea!
Just bealow of Chora is the village of Pera Gialos.From anywhere in Chora you can walk down to Pera Gialos and the seafront in just 10minutes.We found the Archeological Museum closed since the local government has no funds to pay for a clerk.Another monument we looked for but was closed as well was the Talara in Maltezana.
From Pera Gialo there are boats leaving everyday for day trips to Kounoupes and Koutsomitis islands only a few miles from Astypalaia. It costs 12euros and is from 11 to 6pm. We enjoyed Kounoupes and the beach there but we were disappointed by Koutsomitis since there is no actual beach but a kind of beacheformed by rocks which has slided down form the big rock.The waters though are crystal clear and turquoise.So we enjoyed our dives from the boat. Ask captain Giannis to let you off all four hours in KOunoupes where there is a beach bar as well.Κounoupes is a little island with a stretch of land which is a sandy beach.
Ag. Konstantinos beach is a nice beach with great view from the castle.There no public transport going to the beach so you need your own transport. There is a fish tavern and a beach bar staying late until late evening.Up the hill is the little chapel of Ag.Konstantinos.
Αnother beach that boasts amazing views of the castle is Tsanakia....and you can only go there walking from Livadi....it's around 20min wal on the main road and then down thw path.It's a nudist beach so if you feel like you need to avoid that...head to Ag.Konstantinos but you need a car to do so.We hitchhiked and we were lucky to find nice locla people to give us a lift.
There is a National bank branch and a Post Office in Pera Gialos.
The entrance to the castle is free and just10 minutes from the centre of the Chora.
Also there are caves that you can only visit by boat.
Two beaches that ae worth visiting are Vatses and Kaminakia.
Both require your own transport.There is a private van going there but you need to spend one whole day for each one cause buses go there around 11 and come back to Chora at 6pm.The cost of the van for Vatses is 16euros and for Kaminakia is 14euros so it's worth renting a car.This is what we did,we rented a car for a day and we visited both beaches.Have way is a dirt road but in a good condition.There is a very nice beach bar in Vatses and two tavernas in Kaminakia but I strongly recommend have lunch on the one close to the beach.
These two beaches complete each other in beauty and are popular among tourists.
In Vatses there is the cave of Negros with stalaktites and stalagmitesMyths say that it was a hiding place for pirates and their treasures.Fro what we know it's a good hike from Vatses beach to get there.
In Maltezna we tried to find the Talara mosaic but we no luck.Locals told s that is covered so we wouldn't be able to see it.We left disappointed and headed to the port where we could visit the museum or at least we thought so...it was closed down.Locals said there are no funds for employers.Volunteerism...why not?
Georgian cuisine
The Skirian donkey
Astypalaia
How to get there:
FRom Pireaus
More information:
www.skyros-island.gr/accommodation for all hotels/apartments/rooms
Like a big butterfly in the middle of the Aegean sea, the island of Astypalaia is worth a visit for its beautiful Cycladian style and the hospitality of its people.Geograficaly it belongs to the Dodecanese but its style is typical Cycladean, the dry landscape and the acropolis with the whitewashed houses and the picturesque chapes oll around the island.According to mythology the Nymph Astypalaia was the wife of Poseidon.
The island united with the resst of Greece in 1948.
Ιnside the Castle thre are two churches,the church of St.George and the oldst church of the island,the church of the Virgin Mary of the Castle.The castle is the landmark of the island.It was built by the Querini family in the 13th century.
In the restaurants and taverns of the island, you should try all local dishes and enjoy the mouthwatering taste and fresh ingredients but also the authentic hospitality of the locals.
We recommend ''Ageri'' restaurant in Chora for local Greek cuisine and a nice view of the windmills.
In Sxinontas there are two restaurants both famous for their cuisine,Astakoukos and Astyfagia.We tried Astyfagia and we liked it.The cook is Thanasis,a Athenian who has made Astypalaia his home for the last 10 years. Asking for the check,you will get a treat,you will get to taste their ''Oinomelos'' their own made wine with honey.Amazing!