FALL SALE: Save up to $1,058 on our small-group trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Best Bars on Astypalea Island, Greece

Astypaleas main town, Chora, is dominated by a medieval castle, or Castro
Astypalea's main town, Chora, is dominated by a medieval castle, or Castro | © Hemis / Alamy

These Dodecanese drinking dens, beach bars and cafés let you rub shoulders with locals while admiring this island in Greece’s windmills and Chora – the main town – which trails dramatically down a cliff to the harbour.

Known as the Butterfly Island due to its unique shape, Astypalea, one of the chain of Greek islands in the Dodecanese, draws visitors to its citadel above Chora, offering 360-degree views across the Aegean Sea. With no package tourism, the island attracts independent travellers wishing to experience a real Greek island holiday. Despite its small size, its bar scene here is thriving, with authentic spots and family-run cafés hidden among the backstreets of the Castro, or castle, area and beside the island’s famed windmills, offering cocktails, wine and beer to while the night away.

Castro

Bar, Cocktails

View of astypalaias castle gate. Astypalaia is an aegean island of Greece.
© andronosh / Alamy Stock Photo

The aptly named Castro Bar commands the best location through the winding streets in the island’s main town near the castle. Its quirky decor of colourful chairs, walls and cushions scattered around the courtyard makes for a great meeting place whether you’re a local or just visiting. This being Greece, naturally, there’s a view to die for – this one across the Aegean. Kick back and browse the cocktail menu for ice-shaken margaritas while listening to the latest tunes and watching the sunset.

Dapia Café

Bar, Cafe, Greek

Chora, Greece. 02nd June, 2021. A man lies on the beach in the islands capital. Astypalea is to gradually receive a completely new transport system with e-cars, -buses and scooters, e-bikes and car-sharing and draw its energy from green electricity. Cred
© dpa picture alliance / Alamy

Strictly speaking more of a café than a bar, Dapia is worth a visit due to its waterfront location in the harbourside village of Péra Yialós. It offers a shaded terrace where you can watch the world go by, eat your breakfast crêpe and sip your freshly squeezed orange juice while catching up with work using the free wifi. It stays open until late and commands peaceful sunset views, as it’s not as lively as several others on the island – a great place for young and old alike.

Archipelago Café and Bar

Cafe, Bar, Snacks

View of Astypalaia island from a colorful cafe. Astypalaia is an aegean island of Greece.
© andronosh / Alamy Stock Photo

Sitting just below the eight windmills that stand out in the main town, Archipelago occupies an old traditional house with a large garden and veranda with sweeping views up to the old castle. It’s an island institution, with a menu that ticks off the usual fare of alcoholic and soft drinks plus refreshing frappés and helpings of homemade lemon cakes. This joint is particularly favoured by locals, so it’s the perfect place to sit back and see island life unfold.

Vatses Beach Bar

Bar, Cocktails

Greece, Dodecanese archipelago, Astypalaia island, Vatses beach
© Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

Vatses is a pebbly beach on the south coast of the island, 8km (5mi) from the main Chora. Popular among younger travellers, the adjoining beach bar here offers you sunbeds to rent, cool vibes and an excellent place to watch the sunset. Don’t leave without trying the mastichito – a mojito made with mastiha liqueur, from the island of Chios, instead of the usual rum.

Argo Coffee Bar

Cafe, Bar, Snacks

Glasses of ouzo and appetizers
© Tzogia Kappatou / Alamy Stock Photo

For a more traditional Greek experience, head to the colourful Argo Coffee Bar located on the road towards Livádhia, the next resort village over from Chora. Open from the morning, selling local astypalitika – locally made yellow biscuits with thyme honey – until late into the night, Argo serves up traditional Greek ouzo and raki accompanied by live rembetika – the blues music of Greece. An excellent place to soak up island life with the locals.

Al Mare Cocktail Beach Bar

Bar, Coffee

Beautiful beach of Astypaleia island,Greece.
© freeartist / Alamy Stock Photo

Al Mare, an outdoor bar on Agios Konstantinos on the south coast, serves juices, coffees and cocktails throughout the day and well into the night – along with simple food such as salads using ingredients from the organic garden. Although not a massive party place, it’s a good place to get together with friends after a day on the beach, but note the dirt road to reach it is a little bumpy.

Butterfly

Cafe, Snacks

Greece the beautiful island of Astypalaia. The dramatic old town with its ancient castle. Clear blue sky on a summers day. Copy space.
© John Critchley / Alamy Stock Photo

Not far from the windmills that adorn the skyline of the island, and named after the island’s shape, Butterfly is a café with chic decor and several seating tiers, offering great views across to the castle. Healthy smoothies during the day switch to a great choice of beers and wines as you head into the evening. Also try the feta and honey loukoumades – bite-sized fluffy sweet fried balls that go well with any drink.

Book your stay in one of the best hotels in Astypalea through Culture Trip. Once you arrive, make sure you frolic on the best beaches on the island. See our list of the other best things to do in Astypalea, then check out the best restaurants in Astypalea.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article