Most of the places on Astypalea, outside the three built up areas of Chora/Platia/Pera Gialos, Livadhi and Maltezana, are identified by small churches or chaples. Often there is nothing else. It is an arid island with few trees but it does have water (so long as there is winter rain) and some agriculture, especially in the fertile valley of Livadhi, below the reservoir.
Astypalea Castle and Chora
The Castle, and the blue dome of one of the churches, on top of the Chora, with the Platia and windmills below. (Jun22)
Steps up to Astypalea castle
A narrow, long, winding staircase up to the castle from within the Chora. (Jun22)
Castle walls
Looking up at the partially restored castle walls built on rock at the top of the hill above the Chora. (Jun23)
Within Astypalea castle
View from a reconstructed part of the once inhabited walls, beside Aghios Georghios, towards Panaghia tou Kastro (Our Lady of the Castle). (Jun22)
Seagulls at Pera Gialos quayside
Seagulls wait patiently for the fishermen to throw out scraps while clearing their fishing nets. (Jun22)
Church of St John the Evangelist
The little bell tower on the fairly new church of Aghios Ioannis Theologos (St John the Evangelist) near Livadhi. (Jun22)
Olive trees and hay fields
The landscape on the way to Aghios Konstantinos. (Jun22)
Church of St Dimitrios
The little church of Aghios Demitrios is beside the track which leads to the west of Astypalea. (Jun23)
Maltezana jetty
Yachts and fishing boats moored at the jetty in the little village of Maltezana. (Jun18)
Sheep beside the sea
A flock of sheep on a hillside beside the turquoise sea near Maltezana. (Jun23)
Aghios Petros
The shadow of an arch supporting a bell falls across the side of the small church of Aghios Petros. (Jun18)
Goats on a hillside
Behind the goats is the main village on Astypalea – the Chora. (Jun25)
Church of St John the Baptist
An isolated church among stoney fields but still well maintained. (Jun22)