Information about Astypalea The island is in the shape of a butterfly and this is also called "the butterfly of the Aegean". Chora, the capital of the island, is completed perfectly with Skala, the port below, from where the few tourists come who decide to enjoy a holiday here. Geographically Astypalea belongs to the Dodecanese but very often it is inserted among the Cyclades, as there are many characteristics that unite it to the islands of this archipelago.