Astypalea, the butterfly of The Aegean // Wedding Photographer Astypalea

An unspoilt island, your unique destination

Wedding Photographer Astypalea

Take me back to those brown,rocky mountains,
to that long, winding road,
to the brilliant sun,
shining in a clear, blue sky.”

Astypalea Photographer

Take me back to those brown,rocky mountains,
to that long, winding road,
to the brilliant sun,
shining in a clear, blue sky.
Take me higher, up above that small white village
to a world of its own.
And higher, way up the stone castle
and higher still, up the mountains.
Winding up the endless dusty twisted narrow roads
to spot yet another wonder.
The endless blue amidst the brown dusty rocks,
and sunny skies,

the isolated oasis, bursting calm below
the sandy laced beach.
Take me back to the quaint shade of the hippie bar,
with the warm wooden patio;
The scent of cold draft beer,
the warmth,
the sun blinking crystals on the still sea;
The loved faces,
and music and laughter.
The ultimate summer
Take me back to my happy place…

Wedding Photographers lost in greek summer

Travelling is part of our job description. And one of the main reasons we love wedding photography so much. We have to admit that even vacations involve, planning, framing and imagining how we could offer you an unforgettable experience on each island, but make no mistakes we love every moment of this pre-visualization. So, every year we put pins on our map. Some of them we accomplish some of them we leave for another time.

We love to stroll around the islands, discover and feel its vibe, see and get to know the kind of people that would choose it for their vacation or their wedding and randomly, or not, discover our favourite locations and our favourite times of the day. This summer Astypalea had its pin and was our target. Astypalea, the butterfly-shaped island, located exactly where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades, with the bluer-than-blue seas, the crystalline waters and the beautiful beaches is for any visitor a unique discovery.

Love at first sight. As you disembark, you immediately feel the calm of the island. Νothing like the usual port, Agios Andreas is the first hint of what you are about to discover.
The endless snake-shaped country road led us through rocky brown hills under the bluest sky to an even bluest seashore. The air smelled of thyme and the golden sun was caressing our faces. Not a hint of wind this day, the sea was glowing silver wherever you set your eyes. This was so close to paradise. Or was it?

We have visited quite a number of islands, many of which are already listed in our favourites. And this is to be one of them.
Here everything runs at your own pace, to compliment your senses and welcome your stay. And all is well. With the world.
On an impulse I found myself to exclaim “I’m happy” Just like you feel when you’re in love. And here you will always find something special to love.

The island charmed us with its beauty and embraced us in its tranquillity and harmony. There is something contagious about this peace.
The main village, Chora unfolds itself from the top of the hill, through the dominating Venetian castle, the whitewashed houses down to our feet. The Castle of Querini an amazing sight to see, royally standing on the top of the hill build in dark stone, a strange contrast to the white-walled cluster of houses around it. Uniform white houses, with blue stutters and wooden balconies in total balance. Very small churches clustered together is a sight we have never seen before anywhere in the Aegean.
The portrait of Chora with its white body and ocean blue heart, down to the age-old windmills on the ridges leaves us speechless.
The endless uncultivated land and hills bathed by the serene sea creating tranquil bays… we could go on forever.
Not intending to seem like another guide to the island, we could not resist a few words about what you shouldn’t miss.

lady of the caste wedding photographer astypalea

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Around the island of Astypalea

We took a round trip onboard the beautiful wooden sailing boat, owned by Avra Cruises. Ask for Katerina, you will fall in love with her voice. We were taken to places not easily accessible and scenery that took our breath away. We visited Agios Fokas, Kokkinos Gremos, Koutsomyti and Kounoupas. This is a trip you shouldn’t miss. It was a wonderful and memorable experience. From sailing skills to high standard service, the captain and his family crew did their best to share with us, their love for this island and the sea. Mouthwatering traditional food was home-cooked and served on a linen set table, with care by the captain’s wife, accompanied with the perfect temperature and taste of selected Greek white wine. Our senses were totally lost in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean.

We were on a bike. Not the ideal way to visit the island. Most beaches are reached on off-road rides and there is way too much dust especially if you are carrying gear. We missed our jeep. Noted.

Our next endeavour was Vatses and Kaminakia. Vatses is an amazing beach in one of the most unique spots on the island, a genuine Aegean treat. There is a beach bar on the spot, for the essential cold beer. You won’t want to let go. In Kaminakia we had a swim in the most gracious blue, lied in the sun and ended up having local goat meze and more beer.

We visited Steno, a very interesting location, right in the middle of the island, on a narrow strip of land that separates the island in two. For those of you that enjoy sunbeds and shallow waters.

...AND A FEW TIPS

Best Omelette in Chora @ Meltemi
Best cocktails in Chora @ Castro Bar – unbelievable view from the castle overlooking the sea
Best patisserie in Chora @ Arhipelago – our chocolate addiction reached top levels. Also voted for the warm rakomelo – must repeat!
Good food in Livadi @ the Taverna Gerani – in the company of the famous parrot that miews and barks, but missed to do us the favor.
Amazing alternative fusion tastes @ Akti – an indescribable view of the caldera – especially by night.
Left for last – Top of the top tastes, @ Almyra in Maltezana – repeat.
Worth being the reason to revisit the Island. Very highly recommended. Spread the news.

Accommodation – we liked the Avra premises, Provarma, Nirides and Tholaria, Boutique Hotels.
We also recommend Astypallea Villas, as clean, decent and spacious villas with honest and graceful service.

Swim @ Plakes, Ble Limanaki, Kounoupas and Koutsomitis. Also, two of the most beautiful beaches of the island are Kaminakia, where there is a tavern that serves boiled goat (stew), an island speciality, and Vatses, where there is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Would we go back? Definitely. But let’s not hurry. We have a few pins that need our attention before going back to Magical Astypalea!