The island of Astypalea, with its beautiful capital, Hora, and its famous Venetian Castle, is a real jewel of the Aegean Sea. So light tempered and airy in feeling, has fully kept its original, traditional colours and authenticity. Placed in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, separates the Cyclades from the Dodecanese island complex. Known since the ancient times as the "Bank of the Gods" , "Ichthyoessa", "Stampalia" in the Middle Ages and also "Astropalia". It is called the "Butterfly of the Aegean" because of its shape in the map, while many small islets surround its lacy coastline. Access to some of them, like Koutsomitis and Kounoupi, is possible by boat and small cruising ships, that offer excursions around the island. Further away, there are the islets Adelfi, Syrna, Three Islands, to the West, the Ktenia, Pontikoussa, Ofidoussa, Kesagreli, and to the North, Fokionisia, for real getaways to the sea secrets. Glowing white houses around the medieval castle in Hora, small chapels on the rocky inland, big and small beaches with emerald water, with pebbles or sand, are the elements that compose this island, and make it magical to every visitor. Access to the island is possible thru Ferry boats to and from Piraeus (the harbor of Athens) and via airplane from Athens Int. Airport, or other Dodecanese airports like Kos, Rodos, Kalymnos, Leros.