Astypalea - last chance

There was a better weather forecast with less swell/wind so six of us hopeful passengers were waiting port side for the third attempt  for a complete journey to Astypalea. As we got underway the captain again advised all passengers were to sit inside downstairs as there would still be rough water ahead. After a while I looked at my watch to check our progress and figured the captain wouldn't turn back again like yesterday as we were over half way. We made it, third time's a charm!

It felt great to step onto the island. Astypalea is not top of the list for many island-hoppers, it's tricky to get to, very quiet and traditional. It has a small population of  about 1, 500 mostly working in  agriculture, fishing and more recently as the island has been 'discovered',  tourism. 

Lucky for us we like the more quiet, traditional Greek islands and Astypalea looks to fit the bill. A total of six of us got off the fast ferry and one chap was the air conditioning service rep, according to his vehicle signage, so it's early days for tourism. We're staying in the port area, Pera Gialos, at Vivre Luxury Suites and we have a great terrace where we can watch the port goings on. [Vivere Suites sounds grand but good basic accommodation in a good spot, not so much luxury 😊]

From the port area the only way is up! The castle and Chora/main village needed exploring and our sea legs needed stretching. Bags dropped off at our digs,  we set off. 

Up the most pretty lanes and steps.....a lot of steps! 

Naturally we bumped into our fellow boat passengers as we meandered about the chora, castle and trails.

We found a cafe open in the chora and Carol, one of  the intrepid six boat passengers, also ended up there. 

What a spot, quiet -  apart from the local cats making their presence known.

 

We had a great view of the iconic windmills as we sampled some local fare, it was pretty dam good.

The island name comes from  the wife of the sea-god Poseidon. Like so many islands it has a colourful past. In Roman times, the island was used by pirates. It was conquered by the Venetians, the Turks, the Italians, Germans and after WW2 returned to Greece. So naturally there's history galore. To the castle!

Just us and the local cats as we walked up to the castle or should I say Castillo [was built by a Venetian] as was on the sign markers 😁.

After winding our way up lanes and steep steps we entered the castle through a small portico.

We had the castle to ourselves. It's gradually being restored / the walls shored up and you get a real sense of the working castle, the rooms and lookout points down to the sea to detect incoming pirates.

There were two churches within the castle walls, the Church of Panagia Kastrou and  the Church of Agios Georgios. 

Both striking with their white walls and blue domes all offset by the aged castle battlements.

It's not all beer and skittles this travelling lark. Had a sick day from our holiday so photos taken over the course of three days on Astypalea and we've had all weather conditions - even thunder and fork lightening early one morning which was spectacular.

It's a wrap for now from Astypalea -  hiking pics in a day or so - yassas!