Astypalaia's Harbour and Capital Hora
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Astypalaia,
with its white-washed sugar cube house, narrow alleys and windmills,
has a more Cycladic character than Dodecanesean where it belongs to. Astypalaia is a butterfly-shaped island
-a narrow isthmus a mere 100 meters wide connecting its two winds- with citrus groves and decent mountainous walking country.
Kleomedes -an Olympian boxer- was the island's most famous citizen in antiquity,
as he killed in the 71st Olympiad a competitor with a foul blow. He came home so enraged
that he demolished the local school, killing all its pupils.
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Getting There -
There are ferry links 3 times a week with Piraeus, Kalymnos, Amorgos, Mykonos, Syros, Tinos and Rhodes.
Once a week with Paros, Naxos, Rafina (Athens).
There is a flight service from Athens International Airport several times a week.
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Getting Around -
There is a bus service connecting Hora (Capital), Livadi, Scala and Analipsi (Maltezana)
Taxis are also available.
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Nightlife -
There are several ouzeries, cafes, a few bars and a disco.
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Places of Interest -
The Castle in Hora, that was built by Quirini -a Venetian family that ruled Astypalaia
between 1207 and 1522-, Panagia Portaitissa church in Hora,
the Archaeological Museum in Hora, Agios Ioannis monastery 12 Km from Hora,
the well preserved Roman Baths with floor mosaics of zodiac signs.
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Beaches
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Astypalaia Town (Hora) |
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Ferries dock at the harbour of Gialos where a steep road goes up to the Capital Hora.
Hora is a very nice town with sugar-cube houses, a line of nine windmills, narrow alleys
and an impressive 14th century castle (Kastro). Inside the Castle there are two beautiful churches,
Panagia Portaitissa which has an unusual 18th century iconostasis dressed in gold leaf
and is topped with a white tiled dome, and Agios Georgios on the site of an ancient temple
which is the oldest church in the island.
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Analipsi (Maltezana)
(12 km from Hora) |
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Analipsi is also well known as Maltezana after Maltese pirates. It is the second largest
settlement in Astypalaia, a fishing harbour, with some beaches accessible around the bay,
and it is surrounded by olive groves. There are some well preserved remains of
Roman Baths with zodiac floor mosaics. There some tavernas, rooms and a few excellent complex of
studios - apartments. |
| Livadi |
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is a fertile green valley with a popular sandy beach. There are plenty of restaurants, rooms and studios-apartments to let.
Negros cove is accessible by caique. |
| Vathi
(golden sandy beach) |
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When winds are too strong in Astypalaia Town, ferries dock in Vathi.
Vathi has a superb harbour and is a peaceful fishing village. |
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Useful Information
| Population | 1,100 |
Port Police | 22430 61208 |
| Distance from Piraeus | 174 NM |
Health Center | 22430 61222 |
| Police | 22430 61207 |
Olympic Airways (JTY) | 22430 61588, 61665, Airport - 61410 |
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Please send your enquiries to
astypalaia@thegreektravel.com
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