The best accommodation options in Astypalaia (or Astypalea) sit around the island’s main town (Chora), the castle, and the sheltered beaches of Livadi and Maltezana. It’s a compact island, but the terrain is hilly and public transport limited, so picking the right area from the start makes a big difference to your trip.
Most places to stay on the island are intimate guesthouses, self‑catering studios, and boutique hotels rather than big all‑inclusive resorts. Rooms sell out quickly in July and August, so it’s worth locking in your favourite spot a few months ahead, especially if you’re visiting in high season or travelling as a family.
BEST HOTEL IN ASTYPALAIA:Melograno Villas
- For Beach: Hotel Castillio
- For Families:Castellano Village
- For Couples: Anassa Boutique
- Budget:Popi Studios
- Adults Only: Chrysalis Boutique
- In Astypalea Town:Anatoli Studios
Where to Stay in Astypalaia (Quick Guide)
Astypalaia is split between the castle‑topped old town on the hill, the port, and a handful of relaxed beach villages. Here’s how the main areas compare so you can match them with the hotels below.
Astypalaia Chora & Pera Gialos
This is the most atmospheric part of the island: narrow alleys, traditional houses, the castle, and small bars that stay open late. Stay here if you want to walk to dinner and sunset viewpoints. Many of the boutique hotels on this list, including Melograno Villas, Tholaria Boutique Hotel and Anassa Boutique Hotel, are based in or around Chora and Pera Gialos.
Livadi Beach
Just below Chora, Livadi is a fertile valley that opens onto a long, sheltered beach lined with tavernas and beach bars. It’s quieter at night than the old town but still close enough for quick trips up to the castle, making it ideal for couples and families who want easy access to the sea.
Maltezana (Analipsi) & the Airport Area
On the opposite side of the island, near the small airport, Maltezana (Analipsi) and the neighbouring beaches offer calm, shallow water and a laid‑back, local feel. This is a good base if you want somewhere peaceful, close to the sea and boat trips, with hotels such as Hotel Castillio and Castelli Studios in this wider area.
Countryside Villas & Remote Coves
Scattered around the island you’ll also find small villa complexes and stand‑alone houses above quieter coves. These are perfect if you’re renting a car and want complete calm at night, but they’re less practical if you prefer to walk everywhere.
About Astypalaia
Astypalaia (or Astypalea) technically belongs to the Dodecanese region but looks and feels very Cycladic: cubic houses, blue‑domed chapels, windmills, and a dramatic castle on the hill. It lies almost halfway between the Cyclades and Rhodes, which keeps visitor numbers lower and gives the island a more creative, boho atmosphere than many better‑known destinations.
How to Get to Astypalaia
Astypalaia island sits far out in the Aegean, so getting there takes a little planning. From Athens you can either take an overnight ferry from Piraeus (around 8 hours) or a much quicker direct flight of about 1 hour. There are usually 2–3 direct flights per week from Athens, but no international flights as the airport is small. Always check Ferryhopper for the latest ferry schedules and Booking.com Flights for the most up‑to‑date flights to the Greek islands.
Do You Need a Car in Astypalaia?
I strongly recommend having your own wheels in Astypalaia. Local buses connect Chora with the port, Livadi, Maltezana, and the airport, but timetables are limited and some remote beaches are not served at all. With a small rental car or quad you can combine beach‑hopping with hilltop chapels and viewpoints at your own pace instead of waiting for taxis.
If you prefer not to drive, pick a hotel in Chora, Pera Gialos, or Livadi so you can walk to tavernas and use the bus only for longer hops. Countryside villas and more isolated stays really work best if you have a car.
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Best Hotels in Astypalaia
1. Tholaria Boutique Hotel
Address: Chora Astipalaia, Astypalaia, 85900, Greece
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Tholaria Boutique Hotel feels like a small whitewashed village of its own, with terraced buildings stepping down towards the sea and a pool area overlooking the bay. Rooms and suites are generous by Greek‑island standards and many have balconies with castle or sea views. It’s a great choice if you want a full‑service hotel with a relaxed atmosphere rather than a simple studio, and it works well for both couples and families who appreciate a bit more space.
2. Gerani Deluxe Suites
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Gerani Deluxe Suites offers modern, apartment‑style suites with clean lines and thoughtful details. You get the convenience of a self‑catering stay, with extra room to spread out, but in a setting that still feels boutique. It’s ideal if you want a separate living area for working or relaxing indoors and a balcony or terrace where you can unwind after a day at the beach.
3. Melograno Villas
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Melograno Villas is one of the most sought‑after places to stay on the island, thanks to its design‑led villas and wide views over Chora and the Aegean. Each villa feels private and home‑like, with separate bedrooms and living spaces, so it’s ideal for honeymoons, special‑occasion trips, or friends travelling together who want a more upscale base without losing the island’s relaxed feel.
4. Anassa Boutique Hotel
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Anassa Boutique Hotel blends contemporary decor with traditional details – stone, wood, and soft lighting. Many guests choose it for romantic breaks because you can spend the day between the pool, your balcony, and nearby tavernas without needing to go far. It’s a smart pick if you want something stylish but relaxed rather than ultra‑formal.
5. Castellano Village
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Castellano Village is very popular with families and longer stays. The accommodation leans towards apartments and maisonettes instead of standard rooms, so you get more square metres, kitchen facilities, and plenty of storage. A pool and easy access to the sea make it easy to keep children happy, and there’s enough space for multi‑generational trips or groups of friends.
6. Chrysalis Boutique
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Chrysalis Boutique is an adults‑only hideaway, which immediately changes the feel of the place: quiet breakfasts, slow evenings on the terrace, and no children around the pool. Rooms are individually decorated and many come with sea‑facing outdoor space, making this one of the top choices for couples celebrating an anniversary or simply wanting a calm base.
7. Grandemar Suites
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Grandemar Suites focuses on spacious, airy suites with a homely feel. Expect open‑plan layouts, balconies that look towards the sea or surrounding hills, and the flexibility to self‑cater if you wish. It’s a well‑balanced option for travellers who care about comfort and views but don’t necessarily need every possible luxury extra.
8. Remezzo Bayfront Suites
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Remezzo Bayfront Suites lives up to its name: you stay right by the water, with balconies and terraces facing the bay. It suits travellers who want to wake up to the sound of the sea and be just moments from a swim or a waterfront taverna. Because there are only a handful of suites, it still feels intimate even in peak season.
9. Pylaia Boutique Hotel
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Pylaia Boutique Hotel is a polished boutique property with a more classic hotel feel: full reception services, on‑site dining, and several room categories to choose from. Many guests appreciate having everything in one place – pool, bar, breakfast, and sweeping views – while still being only a short drive from Chora and the island’s best beaches.
10. Gerani Studios
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Gerani Studios is a solid, good‑value choice if you prefer simple, self‑contained studios. Each unit typically offers a small kitchenette, a balcony or patio, and straightforward furnishings – everything you need for a comfortable stay without paying for extras you may not use. It’s an easy base for longer trips or for travellers on a tighter budget who still want location and cleanliness.
11. Anatoli Luxury Studios
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Anatoli Luxury Studios places you close to Astypalaia Town while still giving you a sense of privacy. The studios are more upscale than the name “studios” suggests, with modern bathrooms and well‑equipped kitchen corners. Choose this address if you want to walk into Chora for dinner but sleep somewhere quieter just outside the busiest lanes.
12. Aegean Sea Villas
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Aegean Sea Villas consists of a handful of villas and suites that are ideal for longer, more independent stays. You get generous indoor space, proper kitchens, and outdoor terraces designed for lingering over slow breakfasts or sunset drinks. It works particularly well for families, digital nomads, or anyone who wants that “temporary home on a Greek island” feeling.
13. Caldera Studios
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Caldera Studios offers classic Cycladic studio accommodation with lovely sea views from many of the balconies. Rooms are simple but bright and functional, so you can spend most of your time outdoors and use the studio as a comfortable base. It’s a very good option if you prioritise view and location over lots of extra services.
14. Hotel Castillio
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Hotel Castillio is the go‑to option for travellers who want to stay right by the beach. The hotel overlooks the bay, so you can go from your room to the sea in just a few steps, and there are traditional tavernas nearby for relaxed lunches and dinners. It’s especially convenient for families and anyone who doesn’t want to drive to the beach every day.
15. Castelli Studios
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Castelli Studios combines the flexibility of self‑catering with the atmosphere of a small, friendly complex. Studios are arranged around shared outdoor areas, making it easy to meet other travellers while still having your own private space. It’s a strong mid‑range choice in the beach area highlighted above.
16. Drougas Studios
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Drougas Studios is a good all‑rounder, offering tidy studios with kitchenettes, balconies, and parking. It’s handy if you’re hiring a car and want to explore different parts of the island without worrying about driving through the tightest streets of Chora. Many guests use it as a quiet, comfortable base and spend their days out exploring.
17. Popi Studios
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Popi Studios is one of the best budget options on the island. The studios are straightforward but well‑maintained, and you still get the essentials: private bathrooms, basic cooking facilities, and access to cafes and restaurants nearby. If you’d rather spend your money on island‑hopping, boat trips, and great food than on a luxury hotel, Popi Studios is a smart pick.
Bonus: Kallidora Home – Best Private Villa in Astypalaia
Kallidora Home is ideal if you prefer the privacy of a whole house instead of a hotel room. Expect a traditional Astypalaian home with plenty of indoor space, a proper kitchen, and outdoor terraces where you can linger over breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening. It works especially well for families or small groups who want a comfortable base for several nights while staying a short drive from Chora and the beaches.
FAQs
Is Astypalaia worth visiting?
Yes – especially if you like quieter Greek islands with character. Astypalaia combines a dramatic castle‑topped Chora, excellent swimming beaches, and a genuine small‑island feel. You still get great food, small bars, and a handful of boutique hotels, but without the cruise‑ship crowds of more famous islands.
How many days do you need in Astypalaia?
With 3 nights you can see the main highlights, but 4–5 nights is a much better sweet spot. That gives you time for at least one full “nothing but the beach” day, a castle and Chora day, and a boat trip or drive to quieter coves. A week works well if you like slow travel or are combining Astypalaia with other islands.
Does Astypalaia have nice beaches?
Astypalaia has a mix of organised and wild beaches with very clear water. Livadi and the beaches around Maltezana are the easiest to reach and have tavernas and some shade, while coves such as Vatses or Kaminakia feel wilder and more remote. The island is rocky overall, but you’ll still find plenty of spots with sand or fine pebbles that are comfortable underfoot.
When is the best time to visit Astypalaia?
For warm weather without extreme heat, aim for late May–June or September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with higher prices and more wind, but they’re also the best if you want a livelier atmosphere. In April, early May, and October the island is much quieter and some businesses close, so double‑check ferry schedules and hotel availability.
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT ASTYPALAIA
- Best Area To Stay in Astypalaia: The most practical area to stay is in or around Astypalaia Chora (or Old Town), as it is the liveliest area with the castle, sunset views, and plenty of tavernas. See hotels in Astypalaia Town
- Best Hotel in Astypalaia:Melograno Villas – boutique villas with big views over the castle and the sea.
- Best Villa in Astypalaia:Kallidora Home – perfect if you want a self‑contained house for family or friends.
- How many days do you need in Astypalaia? Plan for at least 4–5 days so you can explore Chora, take a boat trip, and try several beaches without rushing.
- How to Move Around in Astypalaia: You can use the local buses, but as on most Greek islands, renting a vehicle (preferably a small car) gives you maximum flexibility to reach remote coves and viewpoints. There are also taxis on the island that can take you anywhere, but this can get expensive if you use them every day.
