9Astypalea – The Butterfly of the Aegean

Shaped like a butterfly and lying between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, Astypalea feels like two islands connected by a slender waist of land. It’s a destination where time slows down and authenticity reigns supreme.

The island’s capital, Chora, is a stunning sight with white cubic houses cascading beneath a Venetian castle. Small beaches such as Vatses and Livadi remain blissfully uncrowded, and the local cuisine—goat with honey, handmade pasta, and thyme-scented cheese—is unforgettable.
In recent years, Astypalea has drawn attention for its eco-initiatives, including an ambitious project to become Greece’s first fully sustainable island. Visit now, while it still feels undiscovered.