The Municipality of Astypalaia belongs to the Prefecture of the Dodecanese of the South Aegean Region and consists of the island of Astypalea, as well as the surrounding islets.
The Municipality has an area of ​​114.1km2 and a population of 1,334 inhabitants, based on the latest census of 2011.
The headquarters of the Municipality of Astypalaia are the Chora of the island.
The island of Astypalea is the westernmost of the Dodecanese and the closest to the Cyclades. Signed island is the windmills.
The name of the island, according to tradition, was given by Astypalea, sister of Europe and mother of Minos.
Astypalea was first inhabited in prehistoric times. The Hellenistic years of its harbor were used by the Ptolemais of Egypt. Later the Romans used the island as a shipping center. During the Byzantine years, Astypalea, like many islands, was struck by pirate raids. In 1207 with the domination of the Venetians, the Archipelago duke Marco Sanudo conceded Astypalea to the noble Guerini. Under Guerini was built on the top of the hill of Chora the Castle that is still preserved. In 1540 the island was conquered by the Turks and in 1912 by the Italians. Astypalea, like the rest of the Dodecanese, joined with Greece in 1948.
In addition to the Castle and the windmills, the church of Panagia Portaitissa and the two caves with stalactites and stalagmites are an important attraction.
The most important beaches of the island are Tzanaki, Agios Konstantinos, Kaminakia, Plakes, but also the islands of Koutsomitis and Kounoupon.