Astypalaia

Astypalea, also known as the "butterfly of the Aegean" due to its shape, is an island in the Aegean Sea. Although it belongs to the Dodecanese, geographically and culturally, it lies at the crossroads between the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. The island’s capital and main port is Chora, one of the most unique and beautiful settlements, built amphitheatrically on a hill with the Venetian Castle dominating its peak.

Chora is the largest settlement on the island, along with Pera Gialos, the old port. Other villages worth exploring include Maltezana, Vathy, and Livadi.

The island boasts numerous beaches catering to all preferences, with the most notable ones being Livadi, Pera Gialos, Schinontas, Steno, Kaminakia, Vatses, Agios Konstantinos, Agios Ioannis, and Panormos. However, no visitor should leave the island without visiting the beaches of Koutsomyti and Kounoupes, a tiny earthly paradise accessible only by boat.