Things For Families to Do in Astypalaia, Greece
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Astypalaia, Greece is an island that is part of the Dodecanese group. The island is found between the Dodecanese and the Cyclades, which makes the island the best of both worlds. The island is home to the traditional architecture of the Cyclades: whitewashed houses with blue windows, flowery courtyards, and stone windmills. There is also Venetian architecture to be admired throughout the island of Astypalaia.
Visiting the island of Astypalaia, Greece is an experience for the entire family to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect from a trip to Astypalaia.
Spend Time at the Beach
Astypalaia, Greece is home to beautiful beaches. A day on the beach is the perfect activity for a family. The beaches of the island are quiet and clean. Livadi Beach is 2 km southwest of Chora. If you’re staying in Chora it’s a convenient beach to visit with all amenities you might need within reach.
Livadi Beach is long and sandy with sun beds and umbrellas available. Pera Gialos Beach is within walking distance of Chora. This partly organized beach is surrounded by fish taverns where you can enjoy a meal as a family. If you’re looking for more secluded beaches on the island of Astypalaia, you can check out Vatses Beach or Psili Beach. These beaches will offer less crowds and more relaxation.
Visit the Windmills in Chora
The windmills of Astypalaia are a must-see. The windmills have happily taken advantage of the free resource of wind for centuries. These windmills are where the locals would bring their crops to milled. The eight windmills are the “xetrocharis” type of windmill. The roofs of these windmills would rotate with the wind. Whichever way the wind blew, the roof would turn that way along with the wheels they attached to. Adults and children will be fascinated by these structures not seen in daily life back home. At night, the windmills become a gathering place for the local kids and young adults to hang out. The locals are friendly, so don’t be shy about striking up a conversation.
Visit the Caves of Astypalaia
If your family loves adventure and exploration, you’re going to love the caves of Astypalaia. The Cave of Negros, or Negrou, is close to the beach of Vatses. This large cave has impressive and unique stalactite and stalagmite formations. An interesting note about the cave of Negros is that it is part of myths that say pirates took shelter in that very cave. You can get to the cave of Negros by a boat excursion from Pera Gialos or by a road from Chora.
Another cave on the island of Astypalaia is the cave of Drakospilia, which is located on the northern side of the island. Access to this cave is a little more tricky and might not be suitable if you have very small children. An easy way to get to the cave of Drakospilia is by boat from Vathy.
The island of Astypalaia in Greece is a wonderful place to visit with the family.
Categorized in: About Astypalaia, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
