The most western island of the Dodecanese has had many names: Ichthyoessa (abundant in fish) in ancient times; Stampalia or Astropalia, as the locals call it today. The name Astypalaia means "old city".

A mountainous island with an indented coastline concealing numerous delightful coves, Astypalaia (or Astipalea) in fact resembles two islands joined by a ribbon of land only 105 metres wide.It also gives the impression that it belongs to the Cyclades group, to the architecture and the geographical location.

The main port is Skala on the south provides safe anchorage - the pirates that used to find shelter there must have known better!

The main village is Hora or Astypalaia, built up the side of a steep hill, and presided over by the massive, austere remains of a Venetian castle which offers magnificent views. The small, square houses of Hora, painted white with brightly coloured doors and windows, follow the contours of the hill in an almost unbroken band down to the sea. The houses are packed so closely, that the walls of the uppermost houses form part of the outer fortifications of the castle.A row of windmills on the pass of the hill provides an additional picturesque note.

Below the castle stands the 18th century church of Our Lady Portaitissa, one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese. It has an impressive iconostasis, covered with gold leaf.

Livadia, Analipsi and Vathi are charming fishing hamlets on the south and north coast of the island, while among its many beaches, Tria Marmara, Schinontas and Vathi stand out. Places to eat are found in every settlement and nightlife mostly around Hora and the port.

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