Astypalea Vathi

General information

Located 18 kilometers from the Town of Astypalea, around a narrow bay that looks like a lagoon, Vathi is the island’s remotest village. Enclosed by barren hills and low vegetation, it is characterized by a wild kind of beauty that sharply contrasts with that of the more popular western part of Astypalea.

The village itself is divided into two different settlements. The first one, Mesa Vathi, lies right in the heart of the bay and is surrounded by cultivated fields and vineyards, while the second is known as Exo Vathi and is situated in the very mouth of the bay. There, a natural sheltered harbor provides the perfect mooring place not only for the locals’ caique boats but also for the pleasure craft of travelers who visit Astypalea for their summer vacation.

Since the 1970s, when the limekiln of Vathi closed down, the village has remained nearly deserted, with just a handful of permanent residents. Thus, it has not been developed for tourism and offers no accommodation options whatsoever. The only facility in the area is a quaint seaside tavern that operates on a self-service basis. This makes Vathi a perfect destination for anyone eager to unwind far from noisy crowds, while Vathi Beach, with its crystalline sky-blue waters, is just the place to enjoy the sun and the sea in undisturbed tranquility.

Despite its current abandonment, the area of Vathi has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and archaeological research has come up with some fascinating discoveries. Rock engravings representing boats and other patterns can still be discerned in various spots if one takes a closer look, while a rock known as the Rock of Dion features some of the most ancient erotic graffiti ever to be discovered! With its phallic symbols and an inscription testifying to the sexual encounters of two lovers, this rock has made headlines and even The Guardian dedicated an article to it back in 2014. Moreover, the discovery of infants buried inside funerary urns around 3,000 BC hints at the existence of a major settlement that has redefined the map of the early Cycladic civilization.

Last but not least, another point of interest in the wider area of Vathi is the impressive Drakos Cave, which is beautifully adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Hiking to it is possible but requires experience and caution, as the route can be hard in places. Nevertheless, visitors can arrange their transfer to the cave by boat from Vathi.