Floating gracefully where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades, the "Butterfly of the Aegean" is a sanctuary for those seeking a slower, more meaningful pace of travel. From the striking Venetian castle crowning the heights of Chora to the hidden coves of its rugged coastline, Astypalaia holidays reveal an authentic Greek soul that remains untouched by time. As the "Island Specialists," Olympic Holidays combines over 50 years of heritage with deep local insight to craft perfectly tailored holidays to Astypalaia, handling every logistical detail so you can simply immerse yourself in the island's legendary hospitality.
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Best time to visit Astypalaia
The best time to visit Astypalaia is from May to early October, when the island basks in long days of sunshine, calm seas, and a relaxed summer atmosphere. During this period, temperatures range between 22 - 30°C making it perfect for swimming, exploring and enjoying the island’s many outdoor festivals.
May and June are ideal for travellers seeking pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The landscape is still green from spring rains, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the liveliest months, filled with traditional festivals, music, and local celebrations but also the hottest and busiest, especially in Chora and Livadi.
If you prefer a quieter experience, September offers warm seas, mild weather, and a slower pace, ideal for couples or those looking for peace and authenticity. October can also be charming, with fewer tourists and lower prices, though some tavernas and hotels start to close for the season. Astypalaia hotels are known to adhere to the typical Greek summer holiday schedule of May to September.
Winter (November to March) is very calm with mild but unpredictable weather best suited for visitors seeking solitude or local life rather than beach activities.
Astypalaia Island Attractions
Despite being a more relaxed, easygoing island, Astypalaia still has plenty of historical attractions and stunning views to discover.
Hilltop Querini Castle: This Venetian Castle towers over Chora on the highest hilltop in town. Built by the Querini family in the 15th century, it plays a key role in local history.
Windmills: The eight traditional windmills can be seen lined up in the central square of Chora.
Excursions: If you're looking for a fun activity while visiting the island, book a boat trip. There are a couple of options for operators that can take you to more secluded spots on or around the island.
Panagia Portaitissa Church: This church is known for its pretty domed roof and gorgeous interior.
Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia: A small timeless museum that provides an overview of the history of the island. You can see historic artifacts such as pottery, coins and sculptures.
Infant Cemetery: The most notable piece of the island's history is that it is home to the world's largest infant cemetery, featuring over 3,400 graves dating from 750 BC to the 1st century AD. They were buried in ceramic pots, and provide insight to ancient burial beliefs.
Astypalaia Travel Advice
Boat: Boats and small water taxis are a popular way to explore Astypalaia’s beautiful coastline and nearby islets. In summer, excursions operate from Pera Gialos and Maltezana to remote beaches like Koutsomyti, Kounoupes, and Agios Ioannis. Larger boats also offer full day cruises around the island, stopping at secluded bays that can only be reached by sea.
Bus: A limited bus service connects Chora, Livadi, Maltezana, and the airport, mainly from June to September. Buses run several times a day in high season, but schedules are sparse in spring and autumn. It’s best to check local timetables once on the island.
Taxi: There are only a few taxis on Astypalaia, based mainly in Chora and Pera Gialos. They are convenient for short rides but can be hard to find during peak summer hours. Many visitors prefer to rent a car or scooter for flexibility and easier access to remote beaches.
Ferry: Astypalaia is connected to Piraeus (Athens) by ferry several times a week, with journeys lasting 8–10 hours. The island also has sea links to nearby destinations in the Dodecanese and Cyclades, such as Kos, Rhodes, Amorgos, and Naxos. Ferry schedules vary by season, so advance booking is recommended, especially in summer.
Why Choose Olympic Holidays?
Olympic Holidays offers great packages that include all of your flights, ferry transfers and accommodation in one great price.
Our reservations staff have been highlighted time and again for their incredible support and customer care. Our customers keep returning year after year because they are familiar with the quality service they will be getting. We also have in-resort staff at many of our destinations, who you can reach for support or recommendations if you need them.
Our package holidays are also ABTA & ATOL protected, which means your money is protected in case anything doesn't quite go to plan. When booking your holiday elements yourself from other providers, anything could go wrong and you might not be covered in emergency cases.
Read more about why our customers book with confidence on package holidays to Astypalaia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Astypalaia worth visiting?
If you're interested in finding an authentic, uncrowded island for your Greek holiday experience, Astypalaia is the perfect choice for you.
Astypalaia boasts an exclusive, quiet nature with stunning beaches. This is the island to travel to if you're looking to escape the usual summer tourist rush you might run into on some better known Greek islands.
You can still see beautiful Cycladic architecture including whitewashed houses, blue domes, windmills and a dramatic castle. You don't need to sacrifice extra money and patience to see the best of Greece.
How do I get to Astypalaia from Athens?
You can take a connecting flight from Athens to Astypalaia (JTY). These flights are around an hour.
You can also take a ferry from Athens to Astypalaia, ferry journeys take roughly 8 to 12 hours.
Our holidaygoers luckily don't have to worry about how to get to Astypalaia. When you book with Olympic Holidays, your accommodation along with your entire journey has been thought of already. We will send you the details of your travel, so all you need to do is pack!
Can I take a ferry from Kos to Astypalaia?
Yes, you can take a ferry from the island of Kos to Astypalaia. Ferry journeys are roughly 2-4 hours, depending on the operator.
What are the main Astypalaia island attractions?
The main attractions include the scenic town of Chora, Venetian Castle, Cycladic Windmills, Archaeological Museum and Panagia Portaitissa Monastery.
A visit to Astypalaia is not complete without seeing some of its best beaches. Kaminakia Beach and Livadi are some of the nicest with clear blue waters and rocky shores.
Is there public transport on Astypalaia?
Yes, there are public buses on Astypalaia.
There is also an on-demand electric shuttle service called ASTYBUS which runs frequently during summer. This is an app-based ridesharing service.
Those who wish to rent a car, scooter or bike can also find options on the island.
How do I get to Athens from Astypalaia?
You can fly directly from Astypalaia (JTY) to Athens. Flights are around 2 hours.
You can also take a ferry, journeys are roughly 8-12 hours.
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