The Venetian castle the Castro built of the local dark stones catches the eye not only with its different color but also with its “foreign” architecture. It is built on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. There are also two well known churches of Panaghia Kastriani and Agios Georgios on the territory of the Castro. Snow-white with azure domes they change the somewhat dull picture of the castle. Generally speaking, Astypalaia, as any other Greek island, has a lot of churches and chapels scattered all over the place. By the way, don’t forget the Archeological museum and the two caves with stalactites and stalagmites. 

In Greek mythology Astypalaia was a woman abducted by the God of the Sea Poseidon. She was sister of Helen and mother of the Cretan king Minoa. According to another version the name of the island comes from two words of “city” and “old”, ancient Greek άστυ and παλαιός. The history of Astypalaia mostly repeats the general outline of Dodecanese. The island passed from one hands to another: here were Venetians, Turks, Italians. Finally, in 1948 Astypalaia gained its freedom. 

It is believed that one of the island’s ancient names was Ikhthioessa, which means “fish, full of fish”. This marks the main trends of the local cuisine. Thus it is recommended to taste the local fish soup (κακαβιά) and octopus balls (χταποδοκεφτέδες). Then don’t miss famous cheese cakes (πουγκιά) made with local honey. And be sure not to leave without tasting local cheese.