Hiring a boat is the ideal way to explore the hidden beauty of Astypalaia, the fifth largest island in the Dodecanese complex. Located in the center of the Aegean, you have the opportunity to combine your trips with the Cyclades islands or simply discover the multiple beaches and islands around this butterfly-shaped island. Astypalaia has several picturesque ports where you can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels or allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise around the magnificent coastline. You can also rent a motorboat or RIB boat for a full day tour in the various beaches of the island, or enjoy a two-day cruise to Amorgos or Kalymnos. With the option to book a catamaran you will have plenty of space for fun, comfort and luxury, you can even impress your guests with a surprise party or romantic cruise. Finally, you can hire a luxury yacht or traditional sailboat and go island hopping in the Dodecanese islands to create lifetime memories.
Astypalaia or Astypalea has a mysterious identity as it stands like a cultural bridge between the Dodecanese islands and the Cyclades. This beautiful island is shaped like a butterfly, the colors of Astypalaia are evidenced from the mixture of flowery yards and labyrinthine alleys, light blue domes, stone windmills and whitewashed houses. Astypalea offered a naval base against pirates in the Mediterranean, the abundance of ports during the Hellenistic period facilitated the voyages of the aristocratic powers. With a population of about 1,300 people and an area of 97km^2 it creates the perfect setting to unwind from the comings-and-goings you would experience in the mainland. The main village of the island, Hora is the capital where you can get to see the traditional architecture of the Cyclades and several monuments. The church of Panagia Portaitissa and the Venetian Castle on the slope of a hill offer panoramic views of the Aegean. The castle managed to fit up to 4000 citizens for protection during pirate invasion, a construction shrouded in mystery. The church hosts a traditional festival Mary every 15th August in honor of Virgin Mary, an event in which you can attend. Once you have had your necessary historical and cultural input of the island, be sure to schedule a boat trip in Astypalaia and enjoy the rich coastline and islets around it.
From organized to completely remote beaches, daily boat tours in Astypalaia are arranged during the summer months. The butterfly island has a narrow strip of land called “steno” (meaning narrow in Greek) that divides it into two, the eastern part is known as Mesa Nisi and the western part is known as Exo Nisi.
You can visit the beaches that are only 5km north-east of Chora, the clean and shallow waters will ensure you have a secluded anchorage with your catamaran. Most boats depart from Pera Gialos marina allowing you to have immediate access to the surrounding islands of Agia Kiriaki, Kounoupi and Analapisi which is the second largest settlement of Astypalaia. From Steno you can easily reach the natural harbor of Maltezana or Analipsi, here you can enjoy a traditional greek holiday and eat fresh fish food with your family and friends. In fact, the Astypalaia international Airport is only 13m away from the village of Maltezana so you can easily enjoy day trips to Shinontas and go for a dip in the beaches of Kotsomitis and Agios Fokas.
Hiring a sailboat with a skipper in the Dodecanese islands is generally the best option, several beaches and islets are not mapped and often appear out of nowhere. Your captain can hoist the sail while you sit back, relax and enjoy the perfect boat tour in Astypalaia. A popular beach worth mentioning is Livadi Beach which is just 5km west of the main town, when you arrive here you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and suspend a night in the shops and resorts of the small village. The beach of Vatses is also popular and can only be accessed by boat, at the edge you will find the cave of Negros where pirates used to hide, the caves have impressive stalactites and stalagmite formations. Near Vatses you can also stop at the organized beach of Kaminakia which is rather protected from southerly winds. If you are dedicated to go island hopping in the Dodecanese complex or even the Cyclades, be sure to include Astypalaia to your week charter. Some islands you can visit here on a two-day or three-day cruise with a motor yacht are Amorgos and Kalymnos that are waiting to be discovered by the yacht of your choice. Finally, aside from the beautiful beaches of the island, any visitor can enjoy hiking in engraved paths in “Ftera'' connected with 20 routes within small hills or enjoy traditional greek food in the many taverns, tasting local braised lamb, fresh fish and various desserts with local products that are made here.
Below you will find some useful information for your boat trip in Astypalaia, several marinas and settlements.
Pera Yalos: the main port of Astypalaia, walking distance from the capital Chora. Boats are well protected from the winds and there are little cafes and taverns by a beautiful clean beach. Nearby you can visit the Museum of Astypalaia and the church of St.Nikolas.
The Airport of Astypalaia is roughly 8.5km ( a 15 min drive) to Pera Yalos.
Chora: Located between the old port of Pera Yalos and the path that leads to Livadi. Has traditional stone mills, the castle from the Guerini family and little alleys in a central square. Also referred to as the Queen of the island.
Maltezana Harbour: located opposite Chora, LIvadi and Pera Yalos. This little port has many fishing boats and several accommodations nearby.
The Airport is roughly 5 min away (2km) from Maltezana Harbour.
Livadi: A few km outside Chora with an abundance of entertainment opportunities for tourists. You can enjoy water sports in organized beaches or dine at the traditional taverns. There are several accommodations such as hotels and multiple shops.
Vathy: The most remote community of Astypalaia with various activities for visitors. There are various yachts anchoring here in a sheltered bay that is roughly 50m long. It is roughly 21km north-east of Chora.
There are ferry routes to Astypalea from the ports of Piareus, Amorgos, Kalymnos and Naxos.
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