Nisos Astipálaia

Lying like an almost forgotten part of the Dodecanese, 35 miles west of Nisiros, Astipálaia (also called Stampalia in the Middle Ages and again during the Italian occupation) consists of two mountain ranges joined by a long slender isthmus. When approaching from the north or south it appears to be two islands. The coastline is much indented and offers a number of safe anchorages. Until the Romans and later the English suppressed piracy in the Aegean, the island was a natural lair for pirates, with good shelter and a strategic position to pounce on merchant shipping. In antiquity the island was famed for its seafood and its fertility. Pliny praised its mussels and the surrounding seabed was supposed to have the best sponges in the Aegean. Today little of this is evident - the land is mostly barren or scrubby, the mussels nonexistent, and the sponge-divers go to the African coast. However, crayfish often appear on taverna menus. In the Middle Ages the Venetian family Quirini ruled the island. In 1912 it was the first of the Dodecanese to be occupied by the Italians. These last occupants built little and the character of the island is more like that of the Cyclades than that of the Dodecanese.

CAUTION
From Ák Exopetra (Poulari) across the S coast of Astipálaia to ák Khilos there are strong gusts off the land when the meltemi is blowing.

SKÁLA ASTIPALAIA (Periyialo)

Approach
Conspicuous The castle with two white churches inside is conspicuous from some distance off. The white houses of the chora and a line of 4 windmills on the hills are also conspicuous. Entering the bay, the houses along the waterfront and the quay are easily seen.
By night Use the light on the Ν side of the bay Fl.WR.3s5/3M (red sector covers 261°-293°) and the two lights on the quay: 3F.G.3M and 3F.G.3M in inverted triangle configurations. Dangers With the meltemi there can be strong gusts off the high land in the approaches.
Mooring
Moor alongside the ferry quay, although you may have to move off for a short time when the ferry is due. Alternatively anchor in the bay. With care a couple of yachts can go bows-to the short pier off the town. The bottom is sand and weed, reasonable holding.
Shelter With the meltemi there are gusts into the bay which can make a berth on the quay uncomfortable. The bay is completely open to the SE and in theevent of such a wind the local fishermen go to Maltezana.
Authorities Port police and customs.
Facilities
Water Near the quay.
Fuel On the Ν side of the bay. A mini-tanker can deliver to the quay.
Provisions Most provisions can be obtained in the village, but the island is largely dependent on theferry for supplies and there may be a shortage of some items (particularly fruit and vegetables).
Eating out Good tavernas around the waterfront, several with superb views over the bay.
Other PO. OTE. Bank. ATM. Hire motorbikes. Ferry to Piraeus and Rhodes.
General
The harbour and the chora above, which virtually form one town straggling from the bay to the summit, are most attractive from seaward although a little dilapidated on closer inspection. The castle dominating the chora (variously named Astipálaia or Stampalia or Kastello after the castle) was built in the 13th century by John Quirini. Legend has it that the castle was successfully defended on one occasion by the defenders throwing beehives onto the attackers. From the castle there is a magnificent view across to Maltezana to the NE and Ormos Livádhi to the SW.