Astipalea is a "bridge" that connects the Cyclades and the Dodecanese combining elements from both island groups. It has an area of 97 sq. km., A coastline of 110 km and 1,113 residents.It is located 23 nautical miles from Kos and 96 from Rhodes. The name (meaning "old town") is assigned, according to mythology , to a brother of Europe and the mother of King Minos. Astypalaia and Europe were the daughters of Phoenix and Perimidis. From the union of Astypalaia and Poseidon were born Agkaios and the king of Kos ,Eurypylus.It is an island with a rich history, tradition, unique pictures with beautiful white washed houses and yards with colorful flowers, picturesque churches. Astypalea is an ideal place for a quiet holiday. The magnificent windmills which are in the saddle above the stairs in the Country,are cylinder-shaped and belong to a special category of mills, whose roof turns depending on wind direction. Many beaches are formed by the serpentine inlets, around the island. St. Constantine Vatses, Kaminakia, Saint John, Panormos, Pachyammos are few. Boats transport visitors who want to enjoy the beaches and nearby islands Koutsomyti , Syrna.