Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
due to the constant threat of marauding pirates in the 14th and 15th centuries. These days
you can wander round the hushed warren of streets and visit the fort. It's a pretty settle-
ment with dramatic views and photogenic locals who mark time in a clutch of inviting
kafeneia
and tavernas by the Cycladic-style windmills.
Skala meanwhile is the waterfront village strewn with nets, aromatic odours drifting
from the local bakery and a little sand-and-pebble beach where locals bathe. There are a
few tavernas peppered with old seadogs, and some decent accommodation.
Sights
Kastro
CASTLE
( dawn-dusk)
During the 14th century, Astypalea was occupied by the Venetian
Quirini family who built the imposing castle, adding to and renovating it throughout their
300-year rule. In the Middle Ages the population lived within the castle walls to escape
pirate attacks. The last inhabitants left in 1953, following a devastating earthquake in
which the stone houses collapsed. Above the tunnel-like entrance is the
Church of The
Virgin of the Castle
and within the walls is the magical
Church of Agios Georgios
.
Archaeological Museum
MUSEUM
( 22430 61206; 9am-1pm & 6-8pm Tue-Sun)
Skala is home to a small archaeolo-
gical museum with treasures found across the island, from the prehistoric Mycenaean
period to the Middle Ages. Highlights include grave offerings from two Mycenaean
chamber tombs and a little bronze Roman statue of Aphrodite. The museum is at the be-
ginning of the Skala-Hora road.
Sleeping
It's essential to make reservations in July and August.
Hotel Paradissos
HOTEL $
( 22430 61224;
www.astypalea-paradissos.com
; Skala; d/tr €55/65; )
Twelve sea-view
rooms so close to the harbour you can taste salt on your lips. Stately and peaceful, Para-
dissos is clean and stylish with mint-green rooms with desks, en suites, cupboards, TV,
fridge and private balconies. There's also a great cafe and attached travel agency.
Avra Studios
APARTMENT $
