Astypálaia offers a clear contrast between the townscape of Chora and outdoor activities on the island. In Chora, the old harbour, windmills on the central square and Venetian Castle on the hill form a distinctive sequence; on the island, the terrain is suitable for hiking, climbing and mountaineering. If you are looking for a hotel, you can use these different interests as a starting point and consider whether cultural history or active time outdoors should shape your stay more.

Chora: Houses Between the Harbour and the Castle

The houses of Chora extend from the old harbour, past the windmills on the central square, to the Venetian Castle on the hill. The harbour, square and castle are three points of reference in the townscape, with the windmills marking the central square. This sequence describes not just a single building, but also the spread of the houses between the harbour and the castle. Chora can therefore be viewed through both its individual sights and its settlement pattern.

Castle and Church Architecture

The Venetian Castle of Astypálaia was built in the 13th century by the Querini family. The church of Agios Georgios tou Glykavli is located within the Querini Castle; it was built in 1790 and has a carved wooden iconostasis. The founding of the castle and the later construction date of the church provide two specific historical reference points. An iconostasis is a partition in a church interior; its carved wooden design adds a detail about the interior furnishings to the building’s history. Those interested in architecture can distinguish the castle’s construction date and patronage from the church’s date and furnishings.

Windmills on the Central Square

There are eight windmills on Chora’s central square. Some serve as foreign-language lending libraries, and one as an information centre. Thus, as well as the windmills being a feature of the townscape, the square has specific uses. If you want to visit a lending library or the information centre, check access locally.

Outdoor Activities and Sample Routes

On Astypálaia, the island’s terrain is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing and mountaineering. In addition, 20 sample routes are presented, each with the sights along the route. The choice therefore involves two aspects: the type of activity and the sights listed for a route. You can consider which of these places interest you most and which activity suits your travel plans. The routes offer an additional perspective on the island, alongside Chora’s specific buildings and townscape.

The sights can help you choose suitable sample routes.

Discover more destinations: Partheni, Kálymnos, Skalia, Emporios, Vlychadia, Gourna, Masouri, Pserimos.

For the broader travel overview: Kalimnos.