Astypalaia Archaeological Museum

The Astypalaia Archaeological Museum opened ιn 1998 and it is housed in a one-story small room in Pera Gialos. The few but extremely interesting exhibits displayed there are dated from the second millennium B.C. up to the Early Christian Ages and they include pottery, bronze tools, copper weapons, jewelery, etc. The mosaic floor of the Christian ages with the zodiac circle and the seasons of the year is most impressive.

Narkisios Public Library

This building in Chora is a perfect sample of traditional architecture of Astypalaia. It hosts a library where you can barrow books free of charge. For international books, there is a similar yet smaller library inside one of the windmills.

Kastro

The Castle of Querini is the first thing you see when you approach Astypalaia. It was built on 1413 on top of the ruins of the ancient Acropolis for the protection of the locals in case of siege. Inside the castle you will find two churches. First there is the church of Saint George built on 1790 and the church of Panagia Portaitissa (also called Panagia of the Castle) built during the middle of the 18th century. The latter has a wood-curved iconostasis decorated with gold, a dome with sculptures and a sculptured two-headed eagle on its floor. If you find yourself on Astypalaia on August 15th, do must come at the fair of Panagia Portaitissa where everyone is given free dinner including the island specialty, Lampriano (goat stuffed with rice and herbs).

Windmills

On the main square of Chora you will see the 8 traditional windmills of Astypalaia from the Byzantine era, half of them being used even today as they are in good working order. One of them is used as a tourist information desk while another one serves as a library where you can borrow international books.

Infant Cemetery

This is the only one of its kind in the entire world. There have been found thousands of pots containing bones of infants which are most probably not only from Astypalaia, but from other areas as well. You will find it at the edge of Chora where the houses end.

Negros and Drakos Caves

On Astypalaia there are two caves of great interest, which are rumored to have been the hiding place of pirates and their treasures. The Cave of Negros can be found at Vatses beach and the Cave of Dragos (=dragon) with some beautiful stalactites and stalagmites is found at the north-east part of the island.

Agios Giannis Canyon

Perhaps the most impressive part of Astypalaia, this is a canyon with running waters and thick vegetation. At the end of it you will find what is considered by some as the best beach of the island. If you run into wild goats that roam freely around the island do not be alarmed, they are harmless. Actually it is these goats that have formed the path you are walking on right now!