Starting in the summer of 2025, the “Butterfly of the Aegean” — the unique and enchanting Astypalea — will be transformed into a colorful space for art, music, tradition, and celebration through the Tsoula Festival.

What is the Tsoula Festival?

The name of the festival comes from “Tsoula”, a traditional amulet from Astypalea that women wore on the back of their costumes to protect them from “evil.” Today, this symbol has been transformed into a contemporary means of expression that combines local tradition with urban culture through experiences and creative activities on the island.

The festival is not just a series of concerts — it is a whole experience of life and art throughout Astypalea, with free admission and activities spread across different parts of the island.

What it includes and which artists we saw last year

The Tsoula Festival is a multifaceted celebration that combines:

Music on multiple stages
The island hosts live performances in up to five different venues. Last year’s event featured artists such as Matoula Zamani, Nefeli Fasouli, Nalyssa Green, Skiadareses, Kalogeraki Bros, and Papazó — while Lena Kitsopoulou made a guest appearance with a special live performance of rebetiko and folk songs.

Summer cinema under the stars
In collaboration with the streaming platform Cinobo, films were screened, including Vasilis Kekatos’ first feature film, “Our Wild Days,” accompanied by curated screenings by Thodoris Koutsogiannopoulos.

Art and installations in public spaces
Artists such as Soteur and Harry Rigalo created installations in public spaces and art workshops, while video installations highlighted stories and memories of the island.

Local experiences and special activities
Traditional festivals, culinary workshops with Gogo Delogianni, stand-up comedy with Thomas Zambra, and other activities brought the audience closer to the authentic life and traditions of Astypalea.

Why is it special?

The Tsoula Festival is not just a summer music festival. It is a meeting place for creators and audiences, a place where music, art, tradition, and local culture merge into a unique summer journey of experiences.

Free admission, numerous and varied activities, and a lively sense of participation make it the ideal choice for those who love art, music, and authentic experiences.

After the success and energy of this year’s Tsoula Festival 2025, we are looking forward to the next event in the summer of 2026, with more art, music, and experiences that bring the heart of Astypalea to life — and of course, new surprises in store!

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At the same time, British travel magazine Travel Weekly includes Astypalaia among the five Greek islands you can enjoy without a car. Thanks to the innovative “Astypalea Smart & Sustainable Island” project—in collaboration with Volkswagen, the Greek government, and the Municipality—visitors have access to electric cars, bikes, and scooters via the Astymove app, making island exploration easy and eco-friendly.

Deputy Mayor Kostas Kampylis adds that the island now boasts the highest number of public chargers per capita in Greece, with 170 electric vehicles already in use. He also highlights the upcoming launch of the country’s first electric ambulance. The goal, he notes, is to combine tradition with sustainable tourism, positioning Astypalaia as a model destination attracting global attention.

Finally, it’s worth noting that from April to October last year, Astypalaia recorded a 22.5% increase in ferry arrivals, while air arrivals from April to September rose by 8.7% compared to 2023, setting new records.

Discover more about Astypalaia’s beaches 
Find Accommodation in Astypalaia

Sources:
https://www.cntraveler.com/
https://travelweekly.co.uk/

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The list of favorite islands for Italians was published on the travel blog Girovagate.com, based on extensive travel experience around the globe. As the article vividly states, “if you’re dreaming of a Greek island getaway with crystal-clear waters and fairy-tale landscapes, far from the crowds of mass tourism, stop searching—Astypalaia is the perfect place.”

In addition, the article highlights the island’s “otherworldly beaches” and describes its wild nature and unparalleled beauty. Naturally, it also mentions that Astypalaia is Greece’s leading Green and Sustainable island.

Learn more about the  beaches of Astypalaia 
Find accommodation in Astypalaia 

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More specifically, a Belgian writer and traveler who visited Astypalaia stated that “this small island of the Dodecanese has a lot of soul and character.”

Astypalaia, which geographically and culturally connects the Cyclades with the Dodecanese, blends elements from both regions while still preserving its own unique identity.

The island’s rich ancient history, its well-developed beekeeping tradition, and its strong environmental consciousness contribute to making the “butterfly of the Aegean” an increasingly attractive international destination.

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In 2011, under the auspices of the University of Ioannina, an archaeological observation and analysis project began in the area. The results were presented six years later, revealing petroglyphs and burial jars containing fetal remains.

1. Petroglyphs in Vathy

The petroglyphs were the first discovery to capture the attention of researchers.
Carved into rocks, these engravings have been eroded by wind and time, making them barely visible—except during the early morning hours when the sun rises.
Particularly striking were carvings of fishing vessels measuring around 70 centimeters, believed by experts to represent boats up to 30 meters in length—an exceptional size for the 3rd millennium BC.

The engravings of ships, alongside carved blades and figures of warrior clans, were likely meant as a warning to potential invaders. They symbolized the naval power and strength of the native people, who appear to have been primarily sailors and farmers from the 4th millennium BC onward.

Additionally, on the “Rock of Dionos”, ancient erotic carvings were discovered. Near the “Hellenistic Tower,” an ancient inscription suggests that this idyllic spot was once a lovers’ meeting point.
This finding gained widespread attention in 2014, with the British newspaper The Guardian dedicating a full report to it. 

2. Infant Jar Burials (Enchytrismos)

The second finding was a complex ritual that sparked great curiosity among researchers, as they had never encountered anything like it from that period (4th and 3rd millennium BC). Near the petroglyphs, tombs containing the remains of nine newborn infants were discovered. These infants had been deliberately buried inside clay jars—an ancient funerary practice known as enchytrismos.The careful placement of the remains in tombs preserved for thousands of years highlights the ritualistic and symbolic importance of the practice.

The ceremony involved the burning of crops (grapes, wheat, lentils, olives) and a funerary meal shared by the family—seen as an offering to the deceased infants. The study of the bones required great care due to their fragility.

3. The Dragon’s Cave

Finally, by hiking north of Vathy, visitors can reach the Dragon’s Cave—known locally as “Drakontospilia”—accessible by boat.
According to archaeological findings, the cave was used in ancient times for worship.
Inside, stunning stalagmites and stalactites form intricate and diverse natural patterns.

Watch the video on the findings

Source: archaiologia.gr
Photos: image, image  

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As reported by Kathimerini , the Italian newspaper aims to take its readers on a journey to some of the most “alternative” Greek islands. Among them is Astypalaia — the westernmost island of the Dodecanese — described as a unique destination that blends Cycladic charm with Italian influence.

Its main town (Chora), built amphitheatrically on a hillside and surrounded by charming whitewashed houses, traditional windmills, and the historic Venetian castle at its peak, is bound to captivate every traveler.

La Repubblica also highlights the island’s rich gastronomy and local products — such as honey — that visitors can enjoy and take home with them.

The feature places special emphasis on Astypalaia’s innovative spirit, describing it as the only island that can transport visitors both to the past and the future. According to the article, upon arriving on the island, tourists will have the opportunity to visit the world’s first infant cemetery and learn about its historical significance. At the same time, they will embark on a forward-looking journey, discovering the island’s commitment to sustainability through the use of electric vehicles and the generation of electricity from green energy sources such as solar and wind power. 

In conclusion, La Repubblica emphasizes that Astypalaia’s natural geography—with its wild beauty and diverse beaches—combined with the island’s exceptional quality of services and its innovative initiatives, plays a vital role in boosting both domestic and international tourism to the island.

Photo credits: Argyris Georgantis

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After making a dynamic comeback last summer aboard two sailing ships docked at the harbor of Mikrolimano, Red Bull Art of Motion returns for its 9th edition — but not in the way its loyal fans might expect. 

Last year’s “boat party,” as many described it, redefined the freerunning competition — and this summer, the sport’s most iconic event is raising the bar even higher with a fresh new format and, as you might have guessed, a brand-new playground for the world’s best parkour athletes. That playground is none other than the stunningly picturesque island of Astypalaia. 

Get a taste of the unforgettable moments the entire island will experience this June through the photos and video below: 

Photo & Video Source: red bull freerunning 

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According to legend, the cave owes its name to an African pirate from the distant past who used it as a hideout for many years between his raids across the Aegean islands. He wasn’t the only one, though. Perfectly concealed in the mountain, with a very narrow entrance, the cave truly was an ideal place not just for hiding, but also for storing anything valuable in safety for long periods. It’s no wonder that locals still tell stories of countless treasures said to have passed through its dark, secretive interior.

The cave has several passages that you can explore with relative safety.

A few years ago, archaeologists conducting research in the cave brought to light a significant number of findings, revealing its intensive use from the Neolithic period (7000 – 3500 BC) all the way through the Classical and Hellenistic periods (490–31 BC). A variety of ceramic objects, figurines, oil lamps, and a large number of inscriptions carved into pottery fragments confirm that the “Cave of the Negro” was also used as a sacred site, primarily dedicated to the worship of the Nymphs. Based on archaeological evidence, it appears that the cave also hosted the worship of other deities, such as Pan, Hermes, and Aphrodite.

Dozens of ceramic objects, figurines, oil lamps, and more were discovered inside the Cave of the Negro following excavations.

Although many caves across Greece have been extensively studied by experts, the Cave of the Negro in Astypalaia is not among them. It is telling that the objects mentioned above—discovered in 2015 by members of the Ephorate of Paleoanthropology and Speleology along with officers from the Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of the Attica Security Directorate—initially came to light due to illegal excavations carried out by unknown antiquities smugglers inside the cave! 

The panoramic view of Vatses Beach from the elevation where the cave is located.

As it turns out, the cave continues to attract attention to this day for many different reasons. Some are drawn by the desire to deepen the research into its long and rich history, others visit Astypalaia eager to witness firsthand such a unique natural wonder—and fortunately, only a few have motives that cross the line into illegality.

In the summer of 2020, however, two true nature and adventure lovers decided to take a break from lounging on Vatses Beach. Leaving their group behind, Nikos and Thodoris Kyrkos set off in search of something more than just a typical summer vacation on Astypalaia. Their goal? To locate and explore the legendary “Cave of the Negro,” a site they had heard so much about during their stay on the island.

Their effort resulted in an impressive video tour of the cave’s mysterious interior—offering us today a rare glimpse into this hidden gem. Watch and enjoy below:

Making the decision to explore the cave Screenshot credit: Nikolaos Kyrkos

The truly massive stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave.

The cave has such large “chambers” that one can walk through them upright.

Unfortunately, most of the stalactites and stalagmites are now broken…

The signs of nature that show the cave held water for many years.

Unusual formations on the cave ceiling that were created over the course of centuries.

The challenging exit from the cave / photo credit: Nikolaos Kyrkos

The truth is that this is by no means a cave that just anyone can visit casually before or after a swim in the sea. This unique natural attraction of Astypalaia is located at a relatively high altitude, quite difficult to spot on the mountainside, and above all, dangerous if you don’t have at least a basic understanding of speleology. Therefore, as impressive as it may appear to aspiring tourist “explorers” through videos and photos, it is absolutely essential not to attempt such an adventure alone just for a thrill! There are a few people on the island who know the cave well, are experienced in nature exploration, and might be able to offer you such an experience safely.

Text – Photos: Nikolakis Antonis
Video credits: Nikolaos Kyrkos 

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The journalist presents Astypalaia as a meeting point – a bridge – between the Dodecanese (with their Italian influence, to which the island politically belongs) and the Cyclades:

 “Bang in the middle of the Aegean, this butterfly-shaped island belongs politically to the Italianate Dodecanese, but it forms a cultural bridge with the Cyclades.”

The article mentions the island’s beautiful windmills reminiscent of Mykonos, the Italian-style makarounes pasta which now has a place on local tables, and the Venetian castle-acropolis at the top of the Chora.

The Guardian also focuses on the island’s progressive initiatives, especially the shift to electric mobility, referencing the agreement with German automaker Volkswagen. The writer notes the locals’ support for electrification. The plan includes replacing buses, fire trucks, and police vehicles, followed by rental cars. There are already 12 electric charging stations on the island.

The article also praises the island’s remote and scenic beaches, such as Vatses, Kaminakia, and the bay of Agios Konstantinos, with its little taverna overlooking the sea.

(image link)

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Australian director Paul Cox (1940–2016), originally from the Netherlands, had chosen Astypalea as the ideal location for his new film, which would carry the fitting title “Island.” More than anything, he wanted to shoot every scene in an authentic island setting, completely natural and far removed from everything he had typically portrayed in his previous productions. Astypalea truly served as the perfect backdrop for a film whose central messages aimed to highlight the value of human relationships, the need for personal escapes, and above all, the incomparable strength of women in the face of every kind of adversity.

Sunset behind the mountains of Astypalaia – A “frame” from the film’s opening scene.

In the film’s script that made the island famous 33 years ago, the leading roles were played by three women—an Australian (Eva Sitta), one from Sri Lanka (Anoja Weerasinghe), and of course, the Greek actress Irene Papas. Each of them, in her own way, finds herself “exiled” to this place, trying to escape her personal “tragedies.”Their lives become deeply interconnected through their shared desires and a mutual fear of the outside world. As one scene follows the next, it becomes clear that the island itself, with the warmth and generosity of its inhabitants, is what leads all three women to revelations about themselves and their place in the world.

For those who watched the film when it was available at the old video rental stores, the delicate balance between passion and fear, loneliness and inevitable attraction, stands out as a defining element of the director’s intent.

As Paul Cox himself commented: “Although set in the ancient world of a small island somewhere between Greece and Turkey, Island deals with contemporary issues. The destruction of individuality in Western society, for instance, or the confusion, madness, and brutality of the political situation in Sri Lanka. The island is about arrival and departure, home and nostalgia, sunrise and sunset, and of course, love.”

In the video below, you can watch a characteristic excerpt from the film, with scenes from inside the Castle of Chora and a traditional house in the settlement, where a local family shares their moving story with the actress.

The truth is that although the film began with the most optimistic intentions from all involved for a major production, it ultimately did not achieve the commercial success that the renowned director had hoped for. It received several awards from critics for its artistic quality, but as far as the general public was concerned, it did not receive the attention it may have deserved. In any case, the film presented Astypalaia to the world, the locals had the chance to meet up close one of the greatest actresses Greece has ever produced, and the movie is now remembered as a “classic” among the films shot on the Greek islands in past decades.

The three leading actresses of the film – Eva Sitta, Anoja, and the world-renowned Greek actress Irene Papas.

The most important awards won by the film “Island” at international film festivals.

In the video below, you can see scenes from the film where the legendary Nireas approaches the old port of the island at Pera Gialos:

The people of Astypalaia, in a scene from the film, bid farewell to the legendary ship Nireas from the old port.

Text – Edited by: Antonis Nikolakis 

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