Greece - Korina Miller [458]
Getting Around
The airport is 8km northeast of Skala. Flights from Athens and Rhodes are usually met by the local bus, though a pick-up is a more reliable option.
In summer, buses run half-hourly from Skala to Hora and Livadi (€1), and hourly from Hora and Skala to Analipsi (Maltezana; €1.50) via Marmari Beach. Services are scaled back the rest of the year. There are only three taxis on the island and as many car- and scooter-hire agencies. Vergoulis ( 22430 61351) in Skala is a reputable agency.
From June to August, you can hop on Thalassopouli ( 6974436338) for boat excursions to the remote western beaches of Agios Ioannis, Kaminakia and Vatses, or to the islets of Koutsomytis or Kounoupa. When the weather is good, longer round-island excursions are offered. Tickets (€10 to €15) can be bought on the boat.
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SKALA & HORA ΣΚΑΛΑ & ΧΩΡΑ
The main settlement of Astypalea consists of the port of Skala (known officially as Pera Yialos) and the picturesque hill-top village of Hora, crowned by an imposing 15th-century castle. Skala has a fairly popular sand-and-pebble beach but most visitors head uphill to the cooler Hora for stunning views of the port and surrounds. The main square in Hora is backed by several restored windmills. Leading upwards from here to the castle is a series of narrow streets with dazzling-white cubic houses sporting brightly painted balconies.
Information
Astypalea Tours ( 22430 61571; Skala) For air tickets.
Commercial Bank ( 22430 61402; Skala) Has an ATM on the waterfront.
Municipal Tourist Office ( 22430 61412; 10am-noon & 6-9pm; Hora) In a restored windmill.
Police ( 22430 61207; Skala) In a Italianate building on the waterfront.
Port police ( 22430 61208; Skala) Shares premises with the police.
Post office ( 22430 61223; Hora) At the top of the Skala–Hora road.
www.astypalaia.com For history, pictures, facilities and sights.
Sights
CASTLE
During the 14th-century, Astypalea was occupied by the Venetian Quirini family who built the imposing castle (admission free; dawn-dusk), adding to it and renovating throughout their 300-year rule. In the Middle Ages the population lived within the castle walls to escape pirate attacks. The last inhabitants left in 1953, following a devastating earthquake in which the stone houses collapsed. Above the tunnel-like entrance is the Church of The Virgin of the Castle and within the walls is the Church of Agios Georgios.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Skala is home to a small archaeological museum ( 22430 61206; admission free; 11am-1pm Tue-Sun) with treasures found across the island, from the prehistoric Mycenaean period to the Middle Ages. Highlights include grave offerings from two Mycenaean chamber tombs and a little bronze Roman statue of Aphrodite. The museum is at the beginning of the Skala–Hora road.
Sleeping
There’s a range of good sleeping options on the island. Reservations are pretty much essential in July and August.
Hotel Australia ( 22430 61275, 6973224996; australia_roomsstudios@yahoo.gr; d/tr €45/50; ) This long-popular hotel has simple, well-kept rooms with balcony views to the sea and castle. Each room has a fridge and the beach is only 50m away. You’ll find it tucked away on the north side of Skala harbour.
Avra Studios ( 22430 61363, 6972134971; d €50; ) Right on the beach, these older, quaint rooms have kitchenettes and balconies. You can literally fall out of bed onto the sand.
Akti Rooms ( 22430 61114; www.aktirooms.gr; d/studio incl breakfast €80/85; ) Beautiful wooden furnishings, traditional touches and balconies make these rooms restful. Studios have kitchenettes; mountain-view rooms are somewhat cheaper. Swim from the private platform and enjoy the resortlike facilities. It’s on the northeast side of the harbour.
Studio Kilindra ( 22430 61131; www.astipalea.com.gr; d/apt