Le Figaro: Praises for Astypalaia – The green island of “a thousand shades of blue”

The newspaper “Le Figaro” recommends Greece to millions of French travelers for this summer, choosing quality destinations off the beaten path.

The international media singles out Astypalaia as the island that “cultivates” the unexpected and offers unique experiences. The columnist explains that “Astypalaia is an island of the Dodecanese that resembles the Cyclades, has a butterfly shape, is an “unexpected” laboratory of sustainable mobility and remains off the radar of mass tourism”.

The first island with energy autonomy in the Mediterranean

The tribute highlights the initiatives of the Greek government, Volkswagen and the municipality to make Astypalaia the first “smart” and “sustainable” island with energy autonomy in the Mediterranean. At the same time, however, the 1,500 inhabitants of Astypalaia remain a small, “close-knit” community, where sincere hospitality goes hand in hand with an innate sense of sharing and celebration. According to the tribute, the unforgettable boat trips, the paths and the endless lace of beaches with shallow turquoise waters, ideal for families, couples and water sports enthusiasts, confirm the “nickname” that connoisseurs have given to Astypalaia, as “the island of a thousand shades of blue”!

Culinary culture

The article makes special reference to the culinary culture of the destination, emphasizing that if the gods of Olympus had found themselves in Astypalaia to feast, it is because the island was already known since ancient times for its fresh fish, seafood and the most unexpected flavors of the products of its land, while today the lobster and the two types of shrimp of the area “star” in unusual dishes. “In recent years, we have taken important steps towards the extroversion of the destination, which is now differentiated in the perception of the international public for the “marriage” of authenticity and tradition with the future of “green” tourism,” said the mayor of Astypalaia, Nikos Komineas, commenting on Le Figaro’s tribute, which was the result of a planned journalistic mission of the municipality.