Astypalaia Car Hire

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Butterfly-shaped Astypalaia is a breathtakingly beautiful island at the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea. It’s trickier to reach than more famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos, which means it has historically gone under the radar for most international travellers. But those who make the trip here are in for a treat. The pint-sized island is packed with sun-blanched beaches, white-washed towns and charming seaside villages.

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Guide of Astypalaia

Geography

Astypalaia is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese, a group of islands located in the souteastern Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. The island is shaped like a butterfly, comprising two small islands connected by a narrow strip of land. Given its westerly location, the island shares many geographical characteristics with the Cyclades, such as its arid landscape, romantic bays and sandy rocky beaches.

Climate in Astypalaia

Astypalaia enjoys a moderate temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. July and August are the hottest months on the island, with daily highs of 26°C. Meltemi winds, which are common in the region, help bring down the temperatures so that summers are never scorching. January is the coldest and wettest month, with temperatures ranging between 9-14°C and around 101mm of precipitation throughout the month.

Culture

According to Greek legend, Astypalaia was named after a beautiful nymph who caught the lustful attention of Poseidon. Humans have lived on the island since the 2nd millennium BC. Astypalaia has historically been an important island; it became wealthy during the Classical period and an important naval base during the Hellenistic period. The Byzantines, Venetians and Turks have all left their stamp on the island’s culture and traditions.

Religion plays an important role in Astypalaia and there are hundreds of churches dotted across the island. There are countless feast days and festivals to join in with too, marked with traditional music, food and local treats.

Things To Do in Astypalaia

Meander around the whitewashed Chora

With its sugar cube houses and domed churches, Astypalea’s main town looks more like it belongs in the Cyclades than the Dodecanese. The winding streets are brimming with bars, boutiques and tiny museums. Blockbuster sights include the 13th-century Venetian Castle, the Panagia Portaitissa Church and the Narkisseios Municipal Library, home to the island’s archaeological collection. Don’t miss the eight picturesque windmills in Skala.

Beach hop around sandy stretches and rocky coves

Astypalea is home to some spectacular beaches, with calm and translucent waters. Many of the most popular beaches are located close to the main town of Chora. Paralia Astipaleas and Agios Konstantinos are both popular with families thanks to their excellent facilities. Kamainakia Beach, reached via a track road, is the most beautiful beach on the island – and one of the most secluded too.

Take the boat to Negro’s Cave or a nearby islet

Negro’s cave has some spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. Countless myths about pirates and the treasures they buried here abound too. You can either hike 45 minutes from the beach at low tide or take the boat here. For a longer trip, take a boat from Maltezana cove to the neighbouring islets of Diaporia, Ligno, Chondro, Kounoupoi and Koutsomyri.

Stroll through citrus groves and vineyards in Livadia

The lovely, laid-back seaside village of Livadia is located just two kilometres southwest of Chora. It sits in a verdant valley, surrounded by citrus groves and corn fields. Homer once described the valley as the Table of the Gods due to its fertile soil. There are few residents here, but come summer the village wakes up and the cafeterias, traditional tavernas and local bars throw open their doors. The beach here is beautiful too.

Explore the picturesque seaside resort of Analipsi

Also known as Maltezana, Analipsi is another charming seaside town on the island. Located 9 kilometres north-east of Chora, it was named by Maltese pirates. Stop off at the Baths of Talara, which feature blue tiles and mosaics from the Hellenistic period. The village is also home to the Panagia Poulariani monastery.

Eating Out in Astypalaia

Astypalaia is renowned for its traditional local products, particularly its broken feta cheese (kopanisti). Fish is plentiful and high quality, and you’ll find fresh seafood on most menus, as well as salted bream and sun-dried white bait. Those with a sweet tooth should seek out xerotigana, sweet fried pancakes.

There are dozens of excellent restaurants, tavernas, bars and cafes scattered across the island. Some of the best eateries, like Agoni Grammi and Astifagia, are concentrated around the Chora (old town). For beach town buzz, head to Astropelos Cafe Restaurant in Livadia. Expect house-made breads, fresh fish carpaccio and expertly grilled BBQ meats. Or, for pizza with a view, head to Aiolos Pizza in Pera Gialos. Ouzeri Anastasia in Pera Gialos specializes in small sharing meze dishes, accompanied by refreshing ouzo and old harbourside views.

Transport

Airport

There is one airport on the island – Astypalaia Island National Airport (JTY), known as Panaghia Airport. International flights are scheduled here during the summer months, though flights from Athens operate throughout the year. You can pick up a direct flight to Athens from most major European cities. Flights between Athens and Panaghia Airport take roughly 50 minutes.

Alternatively, you could take the ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. There are sailings at least three times a week and the trip lasts for nine hours. You can reach Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donoussa, Rhodes and Tilos by ferry too.

Getting Around Astypalaia

Public transport is limited on the island, but the bus network does connect Astypalaia’s Chora to most major destinations, like Livadi, Maltezana and Agios Andreas. However, services are more frequent during the summer months and may not run off-season. For this reason, we recommend hiring a car. It will give you more flexibility and the chance to explore the island’s more secluded spots. You could also arrange for an organized tour from a reputable local tour provider.

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FAQs about car hire in Astypalaia

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Astypalaia

Car hiring prices in Astypalaia start at €31.07 per day.
Budget and Europcar are the most popular car hire companies in Astypalaia.
The driving distance between Astypalaia and Athens is around 276 kilometers.
The average price of a litre of fuel in Astypalaia can vary between €1.75 and €1.67.
The budget friendly choices between small cars in Astypalaia start at €215.11 for a week, which is about €30.73 per day.
The most affordable car hire options in Astypalaia for an entire month go for €901.50, or €30.05 per day.
The best time to travel to Astypalaia is from early May to early August and from mid August to mid October (according to average temperatures).
Castle of Astypalaea is the best place to start exploring Astypalaia.

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