Astypalea Town

General information

Chora (or Astypalea Town) Village Astypalea: Chora is the capital of Astypalea. The settlement is built amphitheatrically on the hill of a slope. On top of the hill a Venetian Castle is situated, known as the Querini Castle. Chora is the main tourist resort in Astypalea. Querini Castle which stands on a hill overlooking the whole village, is one of the most famous attractions on the island. The castle is built using dark stones dug from the land of Astypalea.

There are two small whitewashed churches amidst the castle ruins between the carved stones and the scattered columns. These are the church of Agios Georgios and the Virgin Mary of the Castle. The church of Agios Georgios is found at the arched entrance of the castle and was built in 1790. The church of the Virgin Mary of the Catsle is also known as Panagia of the Castle and is one of the most beautiful churches of the Dodecanese.

Chora amazes visitors with its unique architecture which is strongly influenced by the Cycladic Islands. The white houses, which are spread around Querini Castle, with their blue windows, wooden balconies and outdoor stairs, give Chora a traditional charm. In front of each house, there is a whitewashed yard with beautiful flowers. The nine windmills erected along the turning of the hill complement a captivating panoramic view.

You will find some accommodation options in Chora to offer you a pleasant and comfortable stay. There are also many cafes and taverns by the seaside that cook delicious traditional dishes. When you leave Chora, do not forget to take with you the most famous local products of the island: honey and kopanisti cheese.