Astypalea

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Revision as of 13:47, 26 April 2014

Astypalea

Small info.png (Click links for more information)
World icon.png
36°32.9′N, 26°21.4′E
Photo icon.png
Photo gallery
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Local chartlet
Greece Astypalea S.jpgSatellite View of Astypalea - Click for larger view
Astypalea (Αστυπάλαια) or Astipalaia or Stampalia is an isolated island with an area of 96.85 km2 withabout 1600 inhabitants. While it belongs to the Dodecanese group, geographically and historically it is closer associated with the Cyclades. The name comes from a mythological figure, Astypalea who was the daughter of Phoenix and Perimedes and the sister of Europa. She had two sons with Poseidon: Ancaeus, king of Samos and an Argonaut, and Eurypylos, king of Kos. The history of Astypalea is long. The Archaeological Museum exhibits several nice and legible inscriptions as well as some good photographs of the Roman mosaics found near Maltezana and a set of classical coins from Chios. The island, which was part of the Byzantine Empire, was taken by the Venetians after the fall of Constantinople in 1207 during the 4th crusade. The Venetian family of Quirini owned the island until 1269 when It reverted to the Byzantines. The Quirinis built the large castle that today dominates the harbor. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the island became part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1921 it was taken over by the Italians, who held it until 1948 when the Dodecanese were united with Greece. Today it is a very attractive and fairly remote island.

Chora is the larger town in Astypalea. It surrounds the Quirini castle. The town is charming with its white washed buildings and many nooks and crannies. Many of the old buildings are in disrepair and, like in so many other Greek islands, are unfortunately not being repaired but are being replaced by concrete monsters. People have become too affluent to want to keep up the old houses. This is still a nice, off the beaten track island, well worth a visit.

Near the castle is the lovely church of Παναγία Πορταΐτισα (Panayia Portaitisa - Our Lady of the Gate). It has a very nice roof and a well kept garden. The castle itself is in a sad condition. Only two of its churches have been kept, the rest are in ruins. The view is wonderful. Walk through the old ramparts and then down through the town and back to Skala. All together you will like Astypalea. It still has many old houses and it is low key.

Charts

BA
1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa
3922 Astipalia (Stampalia) Island
Imray-Tetra
G32 Eastern Sporades, Dodecanese & the Coast of Turkey
G34 Southern Cyclades
NIMA
54410 Nisos Astipalaia
54412 Nisos Amorgos & Plans in Astipalaia
Greek
42 Andros to Chalki Island
423 Paros to Astypalia

Radio Nets

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 & telephone +30 2430 61 208
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channel 23

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

Approaches to Astypalea are straightforward but,

Warning: there can be very violent gusts near the lee coastline.

Berthing Options

Skala is the main harbor but there are several other well protected anchorages however, they all suffer from the fierce gusts.

Ports

Skala

Chart of Skala - Chartlet
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°32.9′N, 26°21.4′E
Skala or Perigialos (Περίγιαλος) is a safe harbor but subject to violent gusts in a strong meltemi. A new breakwater extension provides secure berthing for around 6-8 yachts med moored to the quay. Water and electricity points are installed and have now been connected (June 2013). Diesel can be ordered by telephone via a small truck from the nearby gasoline station.

It is also possible to moor stern to or alongside the outer quay but it is sometimes crowded and close to the ferries,and not at all protected from the Meltemi. Alternatively, one or two yachts can anchor at the northern end of the bay, staying well clear of the anchors of yachts moored on the quay. Good holding in sand. The Hellenic Coast Guard is friendly, moderately helpful and their port fee is miniscule (2.12 EU for 45' in 2011)

Skala is an attractive town and has a number of restaurants and a few stores with limited provisions. The gas station is not too far but up-hill. The town of Chora is about 15 minutes walk up the steep road.

An alternative to Skala is Livadia Bay about 1.5 nM to the S.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

Ayios Andreas

Chart of Ayios Andreas
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°34.35′N, 26°20.46′E
This a new artificial harbor on the inner NW side of the island. According to the local fishermen, it provides all weather shelter.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Livadia Bay

Chart of Livadia Bay
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°32.46′N, 26°20.7′E
This is a large sandy bay just 1.5 nM around the castle south of Skala. It is much less susceptible to the gusts and very comfortable. Good holding.

It is a very attractive sandy beach, low key, with just a couple of restaurants and a few bathers. No provisions. Chora is about a 30 minutes pleasant walk (2.5 km).

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

Maltezana Bay

Chart of Maltezana - Chartlet
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°34.5′N, 26°23.2′E
The bay of Maltezana (Μαλτεζάνα) provides good shelter for N to SW winds but it is somewhat exposed to the SE. There is a small quay and you may, if there is room, be able too moor at its edge. Otherwise anchor off-shore at 4 m, the bottom is sand and light weed, good holding.

Also during the off season there are several moorings that one can use.

Ashore there is a very good Italian/pizzeria restaurant, Kokkino piperi, and a good mini-market.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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Vathi

Chart of Vathi - Chartlet
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°36.9′N, 26°23.6′E
Vathi or Vathy or Mesa Vathi (Μέσα Βαθύ) is a landlocked inlet on NE of the island. It provides very good shelter with all winds. Thick weed bottom makes anchoring in some places difficult.

Many fishing boats use the inlet and it can be very crowded near the taverna (which is best with N and SW winds) but there is plenty of room off the E shore (World icon.png 36°37.1′N, 26°24.5′E) (best for SE winds).

The Galini taverna is excellent. The sea is somewhat brackish.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

Agrilithi Bay

Chart of Agrilithi Bay
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World icon.png 36°35′N, 26°25.4′E
Agrilithi (Αγριολίθι) or Agriolithi Bay is a very secure anchorage on the SE side of the island. The violent gusts and the considerable amount of surf, coupled with an ugly kiln and a large rusted crane make this cove less than attractive but if you proceed further in it is rather pleasant. According to the local fishermen, this and Vathi are the most secure anchorages with S winds.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

The Cove of Agriolithi
Click for larger view

North Cove

North Cove
Click for larger view

World icon.png 36°35.8′N, 26°16.9′E
This attractive cove looks promising for an anchorage protected from the S wind.

NE Coves

The Northeast Side of Astypalea

World icon.png 36°35.1′N, 26°24.1′E
These lovely coves also look promising as anchorages protected from the S wind.

Offshore Islands

Kounoupi

The cove at Kounoupi
Click for larger view

There is an anchorage World icon.png 36°31.5′N, 26°27.8′E
on the west cove of this uninhabited islet to the SE of Astypalea. It affords some shelter from the meltemi.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
Is available in Skala it can be ordered by telephone via a small truck from the nearby gasoline station
Water
In Skala (2013)
Electricity
In Skala (2013)

Things to do Ashore

Greece Astypalea a.jpg
Aerial View of Astypalea
Click for larger view
Astypalea10.jpg
Chora
Click for larger view
Astypalea 9.jpg
Panayia Portaitisa
Click for larger view
Astypalea Chora1.jpg
Double Church in Chora
Click for larger view

Tourism

Other than Chora with the Quirini Castle and the Panayia Portaitisa Church. There are the convents of Panayia Flevaritissa and of Livia.

There is also the grotto Dracospillia near Vathi with stalagmites and stalactites and Negro's Grotto near Vatses, formerly a pirate's den.

An excursion to the Castle of St. John on the NW shore of the island is also interesting. The road map is not very accurate on the details and the tourist guide's description of a "lush valley" is really a dry river bank with a few anemic oleanders. There are also any sandy and remote beaches.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Good stores in Chora

Eateries

  • In Chora there are many attractive restaurants and bars
  • In Skala there are several restaurants, two to the W end of the waterfront street are probably the best and have free WiFi also (2011). Good mezedes at the Steki.
  • Also in Skala the Maistrali Restaurant has the best seafood, free WLAN and Computer inside.
  • In Malezana the Italian/pizzeria restaurant, Kokkino piperi' serves good food
  • The Galini taverna at Vathi is excellent and operates year round
  • There are two tavernas in Livadhia

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés. Many in Skala] offer free, but slow, service.

Laundry

?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Can be rented in Skala and in Chora.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages.

Transportation

There are six flights a week to Athens and 3-4 ferries and hydrofoils to Kos and Rhodes.

Routes/Passages To/From

Cruiser's Friends

[email protected] can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

References & Publications

See Greece.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

See individual ports and anchorages in this page.


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Peteusn, Blome


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