Two-day getaway to Paralio Astros - what did I do, where did I go
Some destinations are not well known either because they don't need to or because the locals don't want to and this is the example of Paralio Astros, a picturesque seaside settlement, with a large clean beach and plenty of options for food and drink. A destination that has it all and is also suitable for families but also for those looking for peaceful holidays without crowds of tourists.
A first acquaintance with Astros
Let's start with the basic information. It is located in Arkadia prefecture in the Northern Kynouria Municipality, 2½ hours away from Athens. The name comes from the ancient name "Asty" which means city, while according to another theory it comes from the star-shaped castle.
Astros is Tripoli's only outlet for swimming and owes its development to this to a large extent. Almost all the apartment buildings are rental apartments that serve vacationers.
Read more: How to get to Xiropigado - Astros - Tyros - Leonidio
In addition to Paralio Astros there is also the twin city Mesogeio (Midland) Astros, one by the sea and the other by land, known for the Astros National Assembly of 1823.
An additional advantage is that the vast majority of visitors are greeks which keeps prices at reasonable levels. A large part of them are Arkadians, Tripolis' residents or locals who return to their villages in the summer. The love of Arkadians for their place is well known and they make sure to visit it first and best.
Below is a list of the hotels I recommend you to stay at:
- (€€) Astros Beach Boutique Hotel (⭐ 7.8) at the most central point of Paralio Astros, offers spacious rooms with sea view, also you can go everywhere on foot
- (€) Enalion Beach Hotel (⭐ 8.5) at Atsiganos beach, a relative distance from the center but you can also go on foot
- (€) Betty's rooms (⭐ 9.0) although cheaper it is very decent, in a central location
My impressions from the harbour to the beach
I find it rather picturesque with the castle that dominates a hill above the city offering a very nice sight even at night. The harbour is very picturesque and has evolved into a very nice marina. Going for a walk you will discover the statue of the mermaid, the open-air theater where events take place and an old anti-aircraft gun that I believe dates from the war.
The seaside promenade
The beach is immense, literally kilometers long and one of the largest I have ever seen. In Paralio it is organized and busy but going further it becomes deserted. The shops offer their own sun loungers with the obligation of consumption only at no extra charge. After the sunbeds a free stretch begins with 2-3 canteens at a great distance from each other but an umbrella is essential because there is no shade not even for a sample.
Far further down is called Portes (Gates) after an old construction from the king's Otto era (1832 -1862) that used to close the mouth of lake Moustos. From there the beach is deserted, I have never been there and there is no reason to go, after such a long beach there is no reason to continue.
Where I stayed - where I went to swim - where I went to eat
We stayed two nights at the airbnb Elmar House, a two-bedroom house near the city center and with a very nice view of the harbour. As soon as we arrived at the apartment we immediately headed for the beach. I have my own umbrella so I always choose the free part. I did a quick search and found a shower so we could leave clean of salt and sand. The waters are rather pleasant and deep, we had a great time, young and old!
Just a part of the immense beach
After swimming, we went for lunch at the souvlaki restaurant "Ellinon Gefsis" for simple, delicious and filling food.
We went out again late in the afternoon. Something you should know is that Astros has everything, so it's a good idea to do a little research before you go. As for bars I would single out Katafygio for its interesting beer brands and very good music. For food we chose the taverna Pyramia to eat small dishes in a warm atmosphere with live music. I should note that it doesn't have live music every night. We ate sfakian pie, zucchini meatballs, pork chops, meatballs and greek salad. From there we continued along the beach and sat in a peaceful shop whose name I didn't catch for ice cream.
At the taverna Pyramia
The next day we had breakfast at Armonia. It has a rich breakfast menu and also very nice food for every hour of the day. Its varieties are fantastic. Then we went for a swim in the same spot as yesterday. Although it is very nice there can be a problem if there is a strong southern wind so in such a case the locals go to Atsinganos which is a beach protected from the winds.
For dinner we chose crepes at Crepa House as we liked the very long list of savory and sweet flavours. We, the parents, got savory while the children got sweet. I have to say that I am not a fan of expensive restaurants and I always look for cheaper solutions for food without compromising on quality. For drinks we went to the cafe bar at the theater a very nice romantic spot with a great view.
An alternative stay option
If you are looking for the absolute peace then you can stay at Lileika, a cove with an olive grove just before Astros that has nothing but houses and hotels. There you will get bored of listening to the cicadas.
My excursions outside Astros
If you consider Astros a pristine area then why not see the surroundings! We visited Loukou Byzantine Monastery in Mesogeio Astros in an area with ancient and roman presence to see up close the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior which was built using ancient material. A little further up there is a roman aqueduct that has become one with the landscape, as if the earth took it out of its bowels and has been there for millions of years. There is also the villa of the roman senator Herodes Atticus, yes the guy who built the Odeon under the Acropolis of Athens but it is not open to the public, I hope that at some point in my lifetime it will open because it is a very interesting archaeological site.
The Roman aqueduct in Loukou monastery
If you want to continue your journey on the south there are many magnificent beaches, see them in the guide I have written here.
