Astypalaia Island Astypalea, Greece
Greece

6 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Star Clippers (6 Cruises)

Port of Astypalaia, Greece | Cruise Port Guide

Seen from the sea, the island forms two wings joined by a narrow isthmus: Greeks call Astypalaia "the butterfly of the Aegean." Set between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, it borrows from both island groups: whitewashed cube houses, a Venetian fortress, and an island pace nothing seems to disturb. Ships, generally on the smaller side, anchor offshore and bring passengers in by tender near Pera Gialos, the old anchorage tucked at the foot of the main town.

Pera Gialos, the Old Anchorage

The waterfront is lined with a beach of sand and pebbles, the most accessible on the island, and tavernas whose tables nearly touch the water. The small archaeological museum here brings together local finds spanning from the Bronze Age to Roman times. This is also where boats depart for the nearby coves: a good spot to get your bearings over an iced coffee before tackling the climb.

The Climb to the Chora

Above the rooftops, houses rise in tiers like an amphitheatre to the top of the hill. The climb winds up stairways and narrow lanes where painted wooden balconies add touches of blue and ochre to the white walls. This hilltop town ranks among the most beautiful island capitals in the Aegean, no small compliment in this part of the world. Every level offers a new view over the bay.

The Querini Castle

At the highest point, the Venetian Querini family fortified the site over three centuries of rule. Its dark walls enclose a maze of old dwellings, from among which rise the gleaming domes of the churches of Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios. From the ramparts, the view takes in the isthmus, both wings of the island and, on a clear day, a scattering of islets on the horizon. The late-afternoon light here is especially beautiful.

Livadi, the Neighbouring Valley

On the other side of the ridge, a cultivated valley slopes down to Livadi Beach, less than half an hour's walk away by road. Gardens, orchards and a handful of tavernas right at the water's edge make for a greener setting than the rest of the island, long known for its honey and saffron. It's the peaceful choice for the second half of the port call, once the climb to the top is done and a relaxed lunch starts to sound appealing.

The Windmills and the Coves

At the entrance to the Chora, eight restored windmills, some dating back to the 18th century, line the ridge facing the north wind; the small square around them serves as a gathering spot for locals, cafés included. Below, Agios Konstantinos Beach looks up at the hill and its fortified crown. Boats from Pera Gialos also run out to the Kounoupes islets, a double stretch of sand and pebbles with shallow, crystal-clear water, an ideal way to end the port call on a gentle note.

Astypalaia Port Call at a Glance

  • Going ashore by tender near Pera Gialos, at the foot of the hill.
  • Chora and castle: climb on foot via the stairways, or a short taxi ride.
  • Windmills: at the entrance to the Chora, along the ridge.
  • Boat excursions to Kounoupes: departing from the dock, timing to be arranged.

As the tender brings back the last passengers, the sun sinks behind the rooftops and the white of the houses turns to pink. The butterfly of the Aegean folds its wings behind the departing ship, leaving the thought that some islands owe everything to staying off the main shipping routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

By tender. Ships, generally small, anchor offshore and land passengers near Pera Gialos, the old harbour tucked below the main village.
Because from the sea the island forms two wings joined by a narrow isthmus. Set between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, it borrows from both: whitewashed cubic houses and a Venetian fortress.
The climb to Chora and the Querini castle in the morning, the windmills on the ridge, then lunch at Livadi or a swim at Pera Gialos. Everything sits within a small radius.
It is steep: you go up by steps and lanes from the anchorage. A short taxi ride replaces the climb if you prefer, but each landing opens a new view over the bay, and that is half the pleasure.
The fortress raised by the Venetian Querini family over three centuries of rule, at the highest point of the village. Dark walls enclose a maze of old dwellings, from which rise the domes of the Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios churches.
Yes. The quay at Pera Gialos is edged by a beach of sand and shingle, the most accessible on the island. Agios Konstantinos beach faces the fortified hill, and small boats run to the Kounoupes islets with their shallow, clear water.
A cultivated valley on the far side of the ridge, less than half an hour's walk by road, with gardens, orchards and tavernas at the water's edge. It is the quiet option for the second half of the call.
Yes, a small archaeological museum at Pera Gialos gathers local finds from the Bronze Age to Roman times. A short visit, useful for getting your bearings before the climb.
Partly. The swimming and the boat trips appeal to children, but Chora is reached by steps: with toddlers or a stroller, stay at sea level or take the taxi.
The euro and Greek. The island sits well off the main shipping routes: bring cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere. English is spoken in the tavernas by the anchorage.