Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The southern peninsula has the island's most rugged scenery. Rewardingly miles away
from resort land,
Agios Theologos Beach
is backed by meadow bluffs carpeted in olive
groves. You'll find the water here unusually clear and the waves invigoratingly large.
Above the beach the seasonal
Restaurant Agios Theologos
(mains €7-15)
enjoys the best
sunsets in Kos. The menu includes homemade feta, olives, bread and goat. Their mezed-
hes are fantastic.
ASTYPALEA ΑΣΤΥΠΑΛΑΙΑ
POP 1240
When the only sound to break your thoughts is the solitary coo of a wood pigeon, you
know you've discovered a place under the tourist radar. Swathed in silk aquamarine wa-
ters, far-flung, butterfly-shaped Astypalea is richly rewarding for walkers, campers and
history buffs. An island hunter's ultimate escape; think mountainous meadows straight
from the pages of Homer, and rugged beaches fringed in gas-blue turquoise. Chance of
sighting a mermaid: fair.
The main settlement is hilltop Hora, which cascades amphitheatrically down to the
fishing port of Skala in a tumble of Persil-white houses. Windblown and remote, there's
an undeveloped tourist infrastructure here, and 90% of visitors are Greek, the remainder
being French and Italian. Fed up with the package crowd and fish and chips? You've
come to the right place then.
