Google any of the spellings above and you get the same result; a small island located in the southern Aegean Sea. Astypalaia is situated between two major groups of islands known as the Cyclades to the north west, and the Dodecanese to the east. Its location has created a blended atmosphere that resembles at times that of one neighbor over the other and visa versa.
The island has a long and storied
history for such a small piece of land; part of the Minoan Civilization, during the Hellenistic period finding itself as a port for Ptolemaic Egypt, roman rule followed, then Byzantium took hold. The Venetians took over after the collapse of the Byzantine empire and built, repaired, and renovated the castle at the top of the main city. Despite the castle the next rulers of the island were the Barbary pirates and Ottoman rule quickly followed. Then a quick stint back in Italian hands and finally, in 1948 the little island (and the rest of the Dodecanese) made it back into Greek rule. wow.
So, that is where we are going to get married. In Agios Georgios, one of nearly 365 churches and monasteries to choose form, but the oldest of only two inside the castle walls.
So, with the last two posts serving as introductions, I figure that this one should get some heavy hitting information out of the way. I will start with where we are going, and we'll see where that takes us.
So Astypalaia,
Click on the picture to make it bigger, you'll see Thessaloniki with a red dot, Athens with a red circle, and Astypalaia is a small, butterfly shaped island down and to the right. Did you find it? I hope so, it is not a very big and/or detailed map.
Alright so we begin at getting to Greece. If you are comfortable with the internet you can very easily buy tickets online at something like kayak.com; however, if not it may behoove you to work through a travel agent, which I will provide for you at the end of this post. The first question to ask yourself is, "What am I doing going to Greece?" The answer to this, which I cannot give you, will help you to solidify your travel plans. I will try to put some tips into this post to help you, and please feel free to post a question and I will try to get to it.
Lets just keep going with question and answer:
Where should I fly too?
Answer 1: Fly to Athens- If you are looking to sight-see after or before the wedding, Athens is a great place to fly into because there are direct flights to the island. Also, tickets tend to be a little less expensive.
Answer 2: Fly to Thessaloniki- If you are more interested in northern Greek history, our personal lives, or if you have a huge gift to give us, it might be more appropriate to fly into Thessaloniki.
How much should I expect to pay for my international ticket?
Answer: Tickets range anywhere from 1000 to 1700 dollars and up. This all depends on where you fly from/to, who you fly with, when you fly, when you buy your tickets, the weather on the day you purchase your tickets, the cost of oil, whether or not the United States has invaded Iran or not etc. etc. etc. Good luck. Generally, the earlier you buy the better off you are. Historically, Athens is cheaper to fly to than Thessaloniki. Usually, flying during the week is cheaper than on the weekends. Usually, I am just a fool and have no idea what I am talking about, so, again, good luck.
Are there airlines I should avoid?
Answer: Well, again that is all theoretical, but I am not a fan of Alitalia (based on my last experience). Otherwise, don't be afraid of the locals; Iberia, Malev, Air France, and Lufthansa are all great companies
How do I get to Astypalaia?
Answer: 1 By Plane- Well, the island has an airport that serves flights from Athens and various other islands, so it is possible to buy a ticket. If you are limited on time, don't enjoy boats, or just want to get there quick, this is the option that I would recommend. Without a layover, the trip is only 45 minutes, so all set and total, think 2 hours-ish, and it should set you back 175 to 200 dollars for the round trip.
Answer: 2 By Boat- If you have a little bit more time, are interested in riding on a boat, or just want to save some money, taking a boat from Athens is also an option. Travelling by boat is also a good way to stop at other islands on the way to or from the wedding. The tickets should set you back around 90 dollars for a straight up round trip. The downside is that the trip takes around 9 hours one way.
the port of Piraeus
Either option you choose, I recommend that you use the travel agent that I post at the end of this post.
Where am I going to stay on the island?
Answer: Well, Eleftheria and I have already talked to hotels and studios on the island. We have arranged to cover two nights (Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th) for all of our wedding guests. If you are planning to stay longer, then we can give you a hand in order to arrange your stay; thus, when you RSVP just let us know.
How will I get around on the island?
Answer 1: So, theoretically you should be able to walk everywhere you will need to go. Both the church and the reception area are within walking distance of one-another. Conveniently enough, all of the hotels and studios are located in between the two locations. There are two or three beaches within walking distance of the rooms as well. Getting to and from the ports is easy with either the local bus or a taxi.
Answer 2: If you feel like you are missing out and need a car, or better yet a scooter (good idea to have a license) they are easy to find and relatively cheap to pick up once you are on the island.
What should I pack?
Answer: Just know that it is going to be hot. There is no chance of rain; however, the island is known for its wind, so something long-sleeved and a bit warmer would be a good idea for night-time. Otherwise, just don't forget your swimsuit, sunglasses and a big hat.
I want to make it a vacation, where should I go?
Answer 1: Athens- The obvious choice. Hellenic artifacts, cool museums, and . . . yeah that sort of thing.
Answer 2: Rhodes- Cool island with a castle that rivals any I have ever seen. Cool places to get lost, good food, and fun shopping.
Answer 3: Crete- A huge island with lots of different activities and attractions. I have actually never been myself, but have heard it is worth a trip or two.
Answer 4: Small Island get away- There are a bunch of small islands to choose from on the way to and from Astypalaia. Simi, Patmos, Amorgos, Folegandros and Tinos are all worthwhile stops and make for great day trips. They are all less touristic and a bit more manageable for an overnight than Crete or Rhodes, plus beautiful scenery.
Answer 5: Santorini- Very close and very famous. The island is on the ferry route so it is and easy stop to or from Athens.
Answer 6: The Climber's Special- The island of Kalymnos is the next island over, and is a must see if you like to crank on tufas or if you have never done it before.
Αnswer 7: Lots and Lots of other stuff.
The Temple of Efestos, Athens
the historical port of Rhodes
historical ruins in Crete
hora of Amorgos
hora of Folegandros
the port of Simi
I hope that the above information at least gives you a place to start. Eleftheria and I are setting up the travel reservations for our wedding with Antelope Travel. We recommend that any travelling that you want to do once you are here in Greece, including getting to Astypalaia, you arrange through Antelope (you can also use their services to travel to Greece as well). When you call or write ask for Konstantinos Georgiadis; he will be handling our file. You can tell him that you are part of the Harrington-Patsika wedding party. If you are planning on traveling around a bit, he will be able to make good deals on travel and hotel reservations.
Mr. Konstantinos Georgiadis
Antelope Travel
email- kg@antelope-travel.com
web- www.antelope-travel.com
phone- +30 210 9420 984
