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ASTYPALAIA ISLAND
GREECE
Astypalaia Island might not be as famous as Mykonos or Santorini but it is definitely an equally beautiful Greek island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. There are numerous things that make this island an ideal relaxing holiday destination. When I say this, some of you might imagine long sandy beaches with fancy sun-beds, fancy drinks and a well-known dj playing some of the latest hits. This is far from reality.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_277d125d17ce4837aafde3310fb5f3db~mv2_d_2247_2715_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1184,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_277d125d17ce4837aafde3310fb5f3db~mv2_d_2247_2715_s_2.jpg)
Blue and white are the colours that dominate on the island
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_277d125d17ce4837aafde3310fb5f3db~mv2_d_2247_2715_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1184,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_277d125d17ce4837aafde3310fb5f3db~mv2_d_2247_2715_s_2.jpg)
Blue and white are the colours that dominate on the island
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_432c24d7eab2431ab79a8f22977a28af~mv2_d_3138_4219_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1318,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_432c24d7eab2431ab79a8f22977a28af~mv2_d_3138_4219_s_4_2.jpg)
Cute old houses in the main town called 'Chora'
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_432c24d7eab2431ab79a8f22977a28af~mv2_d_3138_4219_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1318,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_432c24d7eab2431ab79a8f22977a28af~mv2_d_3138_4219_s_4_2.jpg)
Cute old houses in the main town called 'Chora'
The beaches are beautiful but in a totally different way - in a simple way. They are small, cute, and full of sea-shells and there are barely any facilities. In most cases there isn’t even a proper street leading to them so they are kind of secret - and I am going to keep these secret so no beach names on this post, just ask the locals who are always genuinely happy and ready to help you! So explore and enjoy nature in the simplest way! Just grab a towel, your flip-flops and a bottle of beer from a local mini market.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_4bee48d60d644ce39180585c9018f41e~mv2_d_4411_3078_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_684,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_4bee48d60d644ce39180585c9018f41e~mv2_d_4411_3078_s_4_2.jpg)
Boat trip around 'kounoupi' island and a stop for BBQ on the beach
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_4bee48d60d644ce39180585c9018f41e~mv2_d_4411_3078_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_684,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_4bee48d60d644ce39180585c9018f41e~mv2_d_4411_3078_s_4_2.jpg)
Boat trip around 'kounoupi' island and a stop for BBQ on the beach
The quiet natural untouched landscape will allow you to forget everything and focus on the amazing crystal clear blue water. I rarely use the term amazing but in this case it is more than appropriate! The water is so transparent that you will most probably end up observing beautiful fish while they swim around you from the very first second you enter the water.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_7af1adb3aa204d869d40c74acadc0e50~mv2_d_2592_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_7af1adb3aa204d869d40c74acadc0e50~mv2_d_2592_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
BBQ time and these were our plates for the day
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_7af1adb3aa204d869d40c74acadc0e50~mv2_d_2592_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_7af1adb3aa204d869d40c74acadc0e50~mv2_d_2592_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
BBQ time and these were our plates for the day
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_5b022de90de04e43bfd8787ae3fd5fa8~mv2_d_2687_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1260,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_5b022de90de04e43bfd8787ae3fd5fa8~mv2_d_2687_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
While eating some freshly cut fish I could not stop counting the sea shells
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_5b022de90de04e43bfd8787ae3fd5fa8~mv2_d_2687_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1260,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_5b022de90de04e43bfd8787ae3fd5fa8~mv2_d_2687_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
While eating some freshly cut fish I could not stop counting the sea shells
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_81fb75177aa14c87bf5cdaca08be6c60~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_81fb75177aa14c87bf5cdaca08be6c60~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Our food for the day
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_81fb75177aa14c87bf5cdaca08be6c60~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_81fb75177aa14c87bf5cdaca08be6c60~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Our food for the day
While driving from beach to beach – yes you definitely need a car in order to properly explore the island- there is no way to miss the wild thyme bushes which grow across the island. It is said that wild thyme indicates pure atmosphere so no surprise that entire hills of the island are ‘painted’ purple in summer. Bees love it too so before leaving the island don’t forget to buy locally produced thyme honey!
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_7f3fb7d284164a30a5ef09195f104ce8~mv2_d_4318_3077_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_698,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_7f3fb7d284164a30a5ef09195f104ce8~mv2_d_4318_3077_s_4_2.jpg)
Fishing boats
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_7f3fb7d284164a30a5ef09195f104ce8~mv2_d_4318_3077_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_698,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_7f3fb7d284164a30a5ef09195f104ce8~mv2_d_4318_3077_s_4_2.jpg)
Fishing boats
And speaking about locally produced products, food is super tasty in a simple way as well! Don’t even try to find any Michelin-starred restaurants. Just choose family run restaurants by the sea. My favourite one is 'Astyfagia' for fresh octopus, local cheese and fish.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_921304d4f82d4596b236c0184040edcc~mv2_d_3272_4183_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1253,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_921304d4f82d4596b236c0184040edcc~mv2_d_3272_4183_s_4_2.jpg)
'Akti' restaurant
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_921304d4f82d4596b236c0184040edcc~mv2_d_3272_4183_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1253,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_921304d4f82d4596b236c0184040edcc~mv2_d_3272_4183_s_4_2.jpg)
'Akti' restaurant
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_961ceb617c6d4b788353ca848edeec42~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_961ceb617c6d4b788353ca848edeec42~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Dinner under the stars at 'Krokodeilos' restaurant
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_961ceb617c6d4b788353ca848edeec42~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_961ceb617c6d4b788353ca848edeec42~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Dinner under the stars at 'Krokodeilos' restaurant
Try 'Krokodeilos’ restaurant in Livadi area for barefoot beach dinner under the stars and enjoy 'kokkini salad’. And try 'Akti’ restaurant for a romantic dinner with a magical view.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_d20be362de464a6f8ffb012b38cd0a5a~mv2_d_3947_2952_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_733,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_d20be362de464a6f8ffb012b38cd0a5a~mv2_d_3947_2952_s_4_2.jpg)
'Krokodeilos' restaurant
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_d20be362de464a6f8ffb012b38cd0a5a~mv2_d_3947_2952_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_733,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_d20be362de464a6f8ffb012b38cd0a5a~mv2_d_3947_2952_s_4_2.jpg)
'Krokodeilos' restaurant
But if you are up for a more 'adventurous’ lunch go on a day cruise with some of the local fishing boats. If you are lucky enough you will enjoy a bbq on a remote beach with loads of freshly caught fish and octopus. There is no website to guide you regarding this as it is only the locals that can take you to those magical places - it would not be so authentic otherwise! So don't hesitate to ask when you are on the island.
And of course you can finish your day in a peaceful stylish place for dinner, drinks or just a good night's rest, at Pylaia Boutique Hotel .
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_56bc093afcd546d895d488a2e2d4e89e~mv2_d_3947_2905_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_721,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_56bc093afcd546d895d488a2e2d4e89e~mv2_d_3947_2905_s_4_2.jpg)
'Kokkini salad' which in Greek means red salad
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_56bc093afcd546d895d488a2e2d4e89e~mv2_d_3947_2905_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_721,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_56bc093afcd546d895d488a2e2d4e89e~mv2_d_3947_2905_s_4_2.jpg)
'Kokkini salad' which in Greek means red salad
Before going to bed, don’t forget to explore ‘Chora’ the main town of the island. Apart from the beaches, little towns are also very picturesque in their own simple way on this island. White and blue dominates. Everyday objects have been transformed into flower pots or door decorations. Shop handmade wooden signs are also a piece of art.
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_193f2b18aa4849aa92dbd39c97640fb3~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_193f2b18aa4849aa92dbd39c97640fb3~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful old doors
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_193f2b18aa4849aa92dbd39c97640fb3~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_193f2b18aa4849aa92dbd39c97640fb3~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful old doors
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_429e7560d26b45c6b13809c0b84997ad~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_429e7560d26b45c6b13809c0b84997ad~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful details
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_429e7560d26b45c6b13809c0b84997ad~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_429e7560d26b45c6b13809c0b84997ad~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful details
So yes, Astypalaia Island is my ideal holiday destination because it always reminds me that sometimes we might be too busy trying to create or find beautiful things but actually beauty is simply all around us. If you look, you see it!
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_2152612544a245f8a981fcaf436aef88~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_2152612544a245f8a981fcaf436aef88~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Don't forget to try Greek salad
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_2152612544a245f8a981fcaf436aef88~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_2152612544a245f8a981fcaf436aef88~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Don't forget to try Greek salad
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_678f092dfb19448088f6e31ea2ef8296~mv2_d_2830_3766_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1304,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_678f092dfb19448088f6e31ea2ef8296~mv2_d_2830_3766_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful street signs showing the way to one of the main bars of the island
![Astypalaia Island](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/02dd25_678f092dfb19448088f6e31ea2ef8296~mv2_d_2830_3766_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1304,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/02dd25_678f092dfb19448088f6e31ea2ef8296~mv2_d_2830_3766_s_4_2.jpg)
Beautiful street signs showing the way to one of the main bars of the island