Astypalaia is the quiet Greek island you’ve never heard of but have always dreamed about visiting. With pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, this hidden gem has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of Astypalaia is its cuisine. Whether it’s an elegant restaurant or a traditional taverna, there are many delicious options to choose from.
1. Astifagia
As the capital of Astypalaia, this charming town is home to some of the best places to eat on the island. There are a lot of options here, from traditional Greek restaurants to cosy taverns. Seafood is a big favourite here, so be sure to try some of the local specialties like grilled octopus or fried calamari.
There are also a few great bars that are perfect for drinks at night. Butterfly Bar is located right across the street from the windmills and has a fantastic view of the Chora. They serve a variety of cocktails and desserts, so it’s a great place to grab a drink while you watch the sunset.
Another one of our favourites is Archipelago Cafe, which serves a wide variety of delicious desserts. They also have a lovely terrace and are open until late. It’s a great spot to come for a quick bite or to enjoy a romantic evening with a glass of wine and some dessert.
In terms of fresh seafood, you can’t go wrong with Akti Restaurant. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a true taste of Astypalaia. The restaurant has an emphasis on quality, with all ingredients being locally sourced and prepared. We particularly loved the saffron pasta and a selection of cheeses from the island.
There are also plenty of great beaches to choose from on Astypalaia. Some of the best include Livadi Beach, which is perfect for families and Kaminakia Beach, which is a bit more secluded.
2. Argo
Astypalaia may not have as many things to do as bigger Greek islands, but this beautiful island is a perfect place for enjoying a peaceful holiday. Here, you can stroll along the meandering cobblestone streets of the old town, visit the picturesque beaches, or just relax on the beach and enjoy some fresh seafood or traditional Greek cuisine. The locals are friendly and always ready to share their island with visitors, so you can feel right at home on Astypalaia!
One of the best places to eat in Astypalaia is Mestani, which is located in the main town, Chora. This restaurant is the place to go for drinks, coffee, and breakfast. It is also a popular spot for drinks and dinner in the evening.
The food here is delicious and you will find the menu offers all of the classics. The service is good and the atmosphere is very laid back. This is a great place to sit and people watch in the heart of the old town.
Another restaurant to try in Astypalaia is Frutti di Mare, which is a more modern style of Greek restaurant with a great view. This is the kind of restaurant that you will see lots of locals eating and drinking at before going out for a night on the town. The seafood here is very good and you will find a wide selection to choose from.
Astypalaia has some of the most stunning beaches in Greece, and you will never regret spending your vacation on this gorgeous island. There are a number of different beaches to choose from, including Livadi, Kaminakia, and Vatses. The waters are crystal clear and the scenery is breathtaking.
3. Portokali
When you’re exploring the eastern side of the island, this spot is a great place to enjoy lunch. It’s a beautiful setting alongside a very quiet beach. We enjoyed their fresh seafood dishes and the staff was very friendly and attentive.
The taverna is called Astakoukos which means “joy and meaning”. Their name and their food certainly reflect that! The tavern offers traditional Greek cuisine paired with innovation and a knack for the right nuances.
They offer a wide variety of options and their fish is fresh and delicious! They also serve up some classic summer mezes and a delicious pasta dish.
We found this place to be one of the best restaurants in Astypalaia. The owner was a very friendly and welcoming person. We had the grilled lamb, a salad with tomato and cucumber, and their signature dish which was their special feta cheese casserole. Everything was very tasty and the portions were generous. We would definitely go back and recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Astypalaia!
You can reach Portokali from the main part of town by foot or by bus. It’s also possible to rent a car and drive there yourself. We recommend booking a car rental in advance to ensure you have the best rate.
If you’re looking for an adventure, consider taking a boat tour around the island. It’s the best way to experience the beauty of Astypalaia. You’ll see beaches and other landmarks that you can’t reach on foot! The water is crystal clear and it feels like you’re in a completely untouched part of the world. It’s also worth doing this in the off season as it can get crowded during the high season months of July and August.
4. Butterfly Bar
Butterfly Bar is one of the best places to eat in Astypalaia for those who want to experience the traditional cuisine of the island. This tavern is located in front of Astypalaia Castle and offers an amazing view. It is a very simple restaurant, where you can find some of the most delicious food in the island. The owners of this tavern are known for their hospitality and kindness. They also offer a variety of dishes from the traditional Astypalaian cuisine. The most popular dish on the menu is lamb and thyme meatballs, but there are also many other dishes to choose from. You can even try the local honey from Astypalaia.
Another great option is the fried pie called “pougia”. They are stuffed with a variety of different soft cheeses and are drizzled with some honey. Another must-try dish is the saffron pasta which is served at several restaurants on Astypalaia. The saffron from Astypalaia is very special and has a unique taste.
In terms of nightlife, Astypalaia has a few small bars where you can enjoy some drinks or dance to some Greek music. There are also a few beach bars where you can go to get some drinks and relax on the beach. The best time to visit Astypalaia is in the summer. It is never very busy here and the weather is perfect for swimming and exploring the island.
The main town of Astypalaia is Chora, a beautiful place with steep narrow streets filled with whitewashed buildings and doors painted in shades of blue. It is a magical place to explore, especially at night when the sun has gone down and the streets are lit up.
5. Archipelago Cafe
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the best Astypalaia food, then look no further than Archipelago Cafe. This restaurant is a unique culinary experience that blends gastronomic excitement with gustative satisfaction. The menu is full of unique and exotic dishes, which will surely make you want to go back again and again. The restaurant is located on a quiet street in London’s Fitzrovia district. The staff at the restaurant is friendly and helpful, making it a comfortable and welcoming environment for any guest.
Astypalaia is a beautiful Greek island that offers visitors a variety of things to do and see. The island is known for its stunning beaches, which are perfect for swimming and relaxing. In addition, the island has a number of restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine.
Some of the best restaurants in Astypalaia include Agoni Grammi, which serves traditional Astypalalean dishes, such as mizithra cheese and stuffed onions. In addition, Ageri, which is located in the heart of Chora, offers delicious seafood dishes. For those looking for a little bit of international cuisine, there are also a number of great restaurants that offer Italian dishes, such as Aiolos.
Another must-see restaurant on Astypalaia is Butterfly Bar, which is a popular spot for drinks and cocktails. The bar is located right across from the windmills in the heart of Chora, and it is a great place to watch the sunset. In addition to serving amazing drinks, Butterfly Bar also serves wonderful Greek deserts.