In the main square of Chora, you will find the eight traditional windmills, facing the cafe next to the war memorial located there. You will see plenty of people that surround them during the day and night. Couples and groupsdiscuss and watch the beautiful night sky, sitting on the terraces during the nights of August! 

The Castle of Agios Ioannis in the southwest coast of Astypalaia dates back to the Byzantine times. The construction of the castle coincides with the period of time when piracy was flourishing in the Aegean Sea. The construction of fortresses in locations that were far from the sea or up on hills, was a common measure of protection of the population from the raids of pirates and other enemies. The location of the castle of Agios Ioannis can confirm the aforementioned theory. It was built on the highest spot of the island, above the large homonymous beach which is only accessible by boat or on foot by following the mountain route.

The archaeological museum of Astypalaia deserves your attention. You will find it in Pera Gialos in a ground floor house. These findings are of interest, ranging from prehistoric times to the medieval period and demonstrating the historical presence on the Astypalaia island at the time.

Είσοδος Αρχαιολογικού Μουσείο Αστυπάλαιας στο Πέρα Γιαλό Ευρήματα Αρχαιολογικού Μουσείου Αστυπάλαιας

View pottery, jewelry, silver coins, votive descriptions, Mycenaean tools etc. found in locations of the island. During our visit there, we obtained permission to take a few photos.

See the family crest of Quirini up pagan symbols you will find interesting!

Museum working hours:

> Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 to 20:00.
> Sunday to Monday from 09:00 to 15:00.

The entrance is free

In case there is a change in the working hours, a notification document will be placed in the entrance of the museum the previous day.

Contact number: (+30) 22430-61500

In the Castle of Guerini you will find two churches, the oldest of Agios. Goergios (Glykavli) built in 1790 with its wood temple and The Panagia of the Castle (Evaggelistrias) was built in the mid of 18th century. Panagia of the Castle has carved iconostasis, draped with gold leaf and a sculpted double-headed eagle on the floor. Next to the church you will find a small collection of old pictures.

Both churches are all white as you can see in the photos, with blue dome causing sharp contrast between the houses in Castle. The dome distinguishes them from afar to the visitors eyes, from the beach of Maltezana to Pera Gialos and Livadi from which is visible the wild, yet beautiful Chora of Astypalaia.

Photographer site: http://www.reckonasbavi.cz/cave-of-the-dragon-astypalea/

In Astypalaia, there are three renowned caves that the alternative traveller can visit.

The Negro’s Grotto in the area of Vatses

In the Negro’s Grotto one can see beautiful and unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is part of the tradition of the island as it is widely mentioned in the various myths about pirates and the treasures they were hiding in there. The best way to reach the cave is by following the dirt road that starts from the town of Chora. You should leave your car there and then, continue on foot until you reach the cave which is right on top of the hill. Alternatively, you can access the area where the cave is found by taking one of the little tourist boats that make trips around the island, starting from Pera Yalos – you can definitely ask for this if you are also interested in viewing the sea route.

The Cave of the Dragon, in Vathi

Or otherwise the Dragon Cave. It is located on the northern side of the island, north of the church of Panagia of Thomas. Reaching the cave on foot is a little venturous, as the pathway is fairly dangerous.

Cave of Panagia Poulariani in Analipsi

The church of Panagia Poulariani is built on top of the highest mountain of the island, Kastelano. The rock where the church lies is said to be formed in the shape of Virgin Mary holding Infant Jesus in her arms.