The Dolphin is located in the capital of Astypalea in the picturesque bay of Pera Yalos, the old port of the island. In close proximity, you can encounter one of the main beaches of the island with its deep blue water and the archaeological museum.
The bus stop and taxi rank is just 100 metres away. Tavernas with exquisite cuisine, traditional and modern cafes as well as mini markets are easily accessible.
How to get there
Flight connection from Athens, Rhodes, Kos, Leros and Kalymnos.
Ferry connection from Piraeus, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Donousa and Tilos.
Astypalea
Astypalea is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese. It is located exactly where the Dodecanese encounter the Cyclades. It retains many Cycladic elements in its landscape and architecture and that is why it is known as the truly unique Cycladic island of the Dodecanese.
Astypalea is divided into Mesa (western part) and Exo (eastern part) Island. It has an area of 97 square km. . The length of its coastline is 110 km. and its population of 1300 inhabitants are distributed among the villages of Chora, Livadi, Maltezana, Mesa and Exo Vathi.
The name of the island originates from Astypalea, daughter of Phoenicas and Perimidis while the island itself used to be called Ichthyoesa because of the abundance of fish. It was first settled in Prehistoric times. Later in 1204, it came under the rule of the Venetians, the Querini family to be exact, who fortified the town by building the Castle on the hill of Chora which still stands today. The Querini family remained the rulers of the island until 1537 when it was conquered by the Turks. Like all the Dodecanese, it remained under Ottoman Rule until 1912 when it was conceded to the Italians, British and Germans until it was finally united with mainland Greece in 1948.
Along the sinuous coasts of Astypalea, you will find a multitude of beaches with fine pebbles and crystal clear water in the vicinity of Pera Yalos, Livadi, Tzanaki, Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Kaminakia, Plakes, Diapori, Psili Ammo and so on. You can also visit the archaeological museum, the Early Christian Basilica with its fabulous mosaics, the unique ancient infant burial cemetery as well as the majestic Venetian Castle.
For trekking lovers, there are paths with notable routes around the island. Cultural events and traditional festivals take place throughout the summer. Tavernas with exquisite cuisine, traditional as well as trendy cafes, not to mention the fantastic clubs supplement your pleasant stay on the island.