Secluded, with a fascinating rocky landscape that resembles caves, this sandy beach is perfect for relaxation. Other secluded, non organized options on the island include the beaches of Psoraris, Damatria and Pouliou Potami.
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Agios Nikolaos (Arkassa)
Windsurfers’ favorite, this beautiful sandy beach features the basic amenities and taverns with fresh fish. It is located at the touristic resort of Arkassa. Other beaches ideal for windsurfing on the island include Nikolaki I Pounta, Valias and Makrys Gialos.
Amoopi
Successive beautiful coves situated at the touristic resort of the same name. Megali (big) Amoopi or Votsalakia is pebbly and very popular, with shallow waters and many facilities. Mikri (small) Amoopi is sandy with crystalline waters, partly organized. Other swimming options in the area include the beaches of Pera Ammos and Kastelia.
Lefkos
The coastal settlement of the same name features three sandy coves with crystalline waters, surrounded by pine trees. You can choose between Giallou Chorafi (fully organized and crowded), Panagias Limani (quiet and small) and Frangolimnionas (long, organized and very scenic).
Diakofti
A beach with exotic looks (white sand and aquamarine waters), not organized, set in a wonderful landscape. You have to follow a dirt road in order to reach it.
Achata
This quiet, lovely sandy cove will impress you with its clean, emerald waters. It offers a few sunbathing facilities and a tavern and it is located close to the village of Aperi.
Apella
One of the most spectacular beaches in the Greek islands and the most famous on Karpathos. White sand, exotic azure waters in a scenic cove surrounded by pine trees – in other words, a slice of paradise. The best way to reach it is by regular boats from Pigadia.
Local and delicious
Astypalea is famous for its high quality honey, fresh fish, chlori cheese and the tangerine syrup sweet. The island’s specialties include spaghetti with lobster, balls with octopus, rabbit, goat meat stuffed with rice and spices, radista (lentils with grated pasta and vinegar), as well as pougia (cheese pie with honey) and honey donuts.
Feasts and Festivals
The island’s major 3-day traditional feast takes place on 15th August at the church of Panagia Portaitissa (Astypalea’s top religious centre, also famous for its exceptional architecture and ecclesiastical Museum). On the other hand, the annual, popular and acclaimed Astypalea Festival, organized by the island’s municipality, hosts, among other events, notable music performances by Greek and foreign artists.
More sights & activities in Astypalaia
Visit the well-known cave of Drakos with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, a former pirates’ haven according to the legend (preferably accessible by boat, close to the area of Vathy). You can also check out the Baths of Tallara (5th c AD roman baths with fabulous mosaics, located at Maltezana). If you fancy more action, you can chose between hiking, climbing, boat excursions, water sports, diving and sear gunning.