7Astypalea – The Butterfly of the Aegean
Often called the butterfly-shaped island of the Aegean, Astypalea combines the charm of the Cyclades with the quieter atmosphere of the Dodecanese islands.
Its hilltop village, Chora, is crowned by a Venetian castle and surrounded by traditional white houses with blue doors and balconies filled with flowers. At night, the village glows softly above the harbor, creating one of the most romantic scenes in Greece.
Astypalea remains wonderfully uncrowded, giving visitors the feeling of discovering a secret island forgotten by mass tourism. The beaches are calm and untouched, while local tavernas preserve traditional island recipes and warm hospitality.
