Where to stay

The island's camping is at Marathi, 3km away from Chora. Chora: Provarma Studios (+30 61096), traditional rooms, Ageri Studios (+30 61515), Astypalaia Palace Hotel (+30 61351), Kylindra Studios (+30 61131). Apartments and studios at Kallichoron (61934), Oneiro Studios (+30 61351), Pylaia Boutique Hotel (+30 61001) near the central square, Studios Lefkanthemo (+30 62054). At Pera Gyalos you can stay at Anemossyris Studios (+30 61555), Ixthioessa Hotel (+30 61691). At Livadi Architectoniki Studios (61339), Mouras Resort (+30 61127), Filoxenia Studios (61650), Astra Studios (+30 61381). Maltezana Beach Hotel at Maltezana is recommended for a family vacation.

Where to swim

When it’s windy – you are after all in the Aegean Sea – avoid the north of the island. Some beaches are difficult to reach. The road to Kaminakia is an unmade country road but you can dive there and also at Agios Konstantinos and Vatses. Also Tzanaki and Pappou and on the way to Maltezana, the sandy Steno, Ammos, Trito Marmari. Vai, Psili Ammos, Plakes in the north are worth your while but first check with a local if the weather will let you swim there. After an almost exhausting hiking Ai Giannis will be revealed. For private get aways you can take a boat to many beaches and the surrounding small islands like Chondro, Ligno, Agia Kyriaki and Syrna.

Where to eat

Barbarossa (+30 61557) for home cooking and Ageri (+30 61777) for local dishes – both at Chora. Linda at Kaminakia (+30 6972290088) is ideal for fresh fish. At Livadi try Astropelos (+30 61473) and Gerani (+30 61484) for fish. At Maltezana grilled octopus at Scoinonta (+30 61528).

Area Code: +30 22430

Police: +30 61406

Port Authority: +30 61207

Town Hall: +30 61208

First Aid: +30 61222