Astypalaia lies in the South Aegean Sea, kind of in a liminal space between the Dodecanese and Cyclades island chains. It has a rugged coastline, really a craggy mountain top poking out of the sea. Lots of inlets, coves and bays ring the island. Perfect landscape for marauding pirates.

The main settlement on the island, Chora, is way at the top of the mountain just under the medieval castle. This high vantage point allows for an unobstructed view of any ships approaching the island.

The house that we are staying in lies just under the castle walls. We have a vestige of an ancient home security system on the back door which faces Livadi Bay. It is literally a bar that juts out from the wall and hooks onto the door making an effective barricade.

We can see all of Livadi Bay and out to the open sea from our patio. If we see pirates we only have a short distance to travel in order to be protected by the fortified walls of the castle. Something tells me that the ruin will offer limited protection at best.

The very wealthy pirate Barbarossa is said to have taken the island in 1537. He must have gotten tired of sacking Spanish galleons full of gold.

I’ll keep an eye out, but it will be difficult because someone stole my binoculars! I’m really miffed about it!