The butterfly shaped island just a few hours from the UK – with barely any tourists and bright blue waters
A UNIQUELY-shaped island not far from the UK has been hailed as a great place for a relaxing, tranquil holiday for anyone looking to get away for a few days.
One of the main things people dislike about holidays is having to share amazing beaches with hordes of other tourists.
However, on the island of Astypalaia in Greece, that’s far from a problem, with the quiet sandy beaches and clear blue seas often completely ignored by holidaymakers, even during the summer.
Nicknamed the “butterfly of the Aegean” because of its unique shape that looks vaguely like its insect namesake from above, it’s also a little harder to get to than other Greek islands, which puts off more people than it should.
As a result, it has a much slower pace than travellers’ favourites like Santorini and Mykonos, that are much more easily accessed.
That’s not to say its towns don’t have a bit of life and culture in them, with restaurants and bars providing places to sample more of life on the island.
Greeka explained: “Life on Astypalaia is rather quiet. Do not expect lots of wild clubs there that play loud music all night long.
“There is certainly some nightlife in Chora, but you will mostly find seaside coffee shops and traditional taverns.
“The beaches are mostly short and sandy. Some of them are difficult to get to but almost all give you the peace you may need. After all, the whole island gives this vibe of peace and tranquillity.”
Aesthetically, the island looks very similar to how people might imagine more well-known isles to appear, with whitewashed villages and seas with clear blue waters.
But its domed roofs and sandy bays aren’t surrounded by people from all over the world queuing up to take the same photographs.
Instead, the island offers a unique experience those who make their way there instead of heading to holiday hotspots.
Travel.gr explained: “Astypalaia welcomes anyone in search of relaxation and alternative holidays, away from the bustling crowds found every summer on the other islands.
“The distance between Astypalaia and the Greek mainland and its wild beauty prevent most people from visiting.
“So, only those who crave the unusual thrills it has to offer arrive to its port, prepared to experience the island in full on its scenic alleys and bare landscapes.”
There are plenty of different types of holiday that can be had in Astypalaia however, with Chora, the island’s capital town and port providing a nice town atmosphere, surrounded by the Aegean Sea.
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Visit Greece labelled it “one of the most picturesque towns in the Aegean” because of its castle that towers over the town and its houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows.
Meanwhile, Vatses Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with Visit Greece labelling it “ideal for relaxation”.
They continued: “It’s mostly pebbled, but in the sea there’s also sand. It’s a serviced beach with a beach bar, a few sunbeds and umbrellas.
“The sea bottom is perfect for snorkelling and underwater fishing.”
Other popular seaside spots include Mikres Vatses, which is a small pebbled bay only accessible by boat.
There’s also Kaminakia, a mostly sandy beach with deep waters, two taverns and umbrellas and sunbeds.
Getting to Astypalaia isn’t as complicated as it may seem, with a regular ferry travelling from Athens around three times a week.
Other ferries head to the island from Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donoussa, Rhodes and Tilos.
A night for two on the island can be booked for around £35.
Meanwhile, this Greek island has no cars, hotels or restaurants, but A-listers really love it.
And only locals know about this hidden Greek paradise island.