Astypalaia: the ‘smart island’

Like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon, the secluded, butterfly shaped island of Astypalaia has been reborn as one of Greece’s smartest and most sustainable islands.

Through a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, the island has shifted to electric vehicles. E-bikes and e-scooters whizz along the winding roads and even police cars, ambulances and public transport are electric. A new “ASTYBUS” network has been introduced, opening up new corners of the island now accessible by electric bus. And there is no need to rent a petrol-car, locals and visitors alike can use the new electric-vehicle sharing service astyGO, renting electric cars, e-scooters and e-bikes from the palm of their hand with the astyMOVE app. The smart collaboration has significantly reduced the island’s vehicle numbers, replacing 1,500 engine vehicles with around 1,000 electric ones.

Hopping on an electric vehicle, visitors can explore the wonderfully wild island that is home to just 1,344 residents, taking in its pretty whitewashed villages, ancient Venetian castle, sleepy taverns and kaleidoscope skies. Plans are underway to make the island even more green, with the development of a hybrid RES station, maximising the island’s renewable energy potential. All with the aim of preserving the island’s natural beauty and enchanting character.

Visit Website: https://smartastypalea.gov.gr/