Astypalaia is one of Europe's most ambitious sustainable island projects. In 2018, the Greek government partnered with Volkswagen to transform the island into a "smart, zero-emission destination." Today, that vision is becoming reality. The island has world-class charging infrastructure, a thriving electric vehicle program, and a commitment to green tourism that is genuinely rare in the Greek islands.
We have been renting cars since 2000, watching the island evolve. In the past five years, we have seen the transformation firsthand. We now offer the Volkswagen e-up!, a perfect electric companion for exploring Astypalaia's paved roads. Here is everything you need to know about renting an electric car on the green island.
🔑 The Astypalaia Green Island Initiative
In 2018, Astypalaia was selected by the Greek government and Volkswagen as a pilot project for sustainable island mobility. The goal: transition the island to 100% renewable energy and electric vehicles. Today, over 40% of the car fleet on Astypalaia is electric or hybrid. Charging stations have been installed in Chora, Maltezana, Livadi, and major tourist sites. It is one of the most successful green island experiments in all of Europe.
Astypalaia's Green Island Project — An EU Pilot
Astypalaia was not chosen at random. The island's size (just 110 square kilometers), small population (around 1,200 people), and strong local commitment made it the perfect laboratory for a zero-emissions experiment. The project is funded by the EU and supported by major institutions including the Technical University of Athens and Volkswagen.
The transition has been comprehensive. Solar panels have been installed across the island. Wind turbines power both residential areas and charging stations. The electricity grid has been modernized. Most remarkably, the local community embraced it. Today, visiting Astypalaia means being part of one of Europe's most ambitious green experiments.
For tourists, this means something simple: you can explore the island with zero guilt. Rent electric, and you are driving on clean energy, generated by the island's own sun and wind. It feels different than driving on the mainland.
Our Electric Fleet — The Volkswagen e-up!
The Volkswagen e-up! is the perfect electric vehicle for Astypalaia. We have chosen it specifically because it matches the island's topography and road network perfectly.
Key specs:
- Range: Approximately 260 km on a single charge (WLTP cycle). More than enough for an island that is only 18 km long.
- Size: Compact and nimble. Easy to park in Chora's narrow streets. Perfect for island roads.
- Performance: 83 kW electric motor. Surprisingly fun to drive — instant torque and incredibly quiet.
- Comfort: Spacious interior for a small car. Air conditioning, modern infotainment, comfortable seating for four adults.
- Price: From €35/day. Includes free delivery to your hotel or the port.
The e-up! is silent. You will notice this immediately. No engine rumble, no gear changes — just smooth, electric propulsion and the sound of the road. After a day in an e-up!, many guests tell us they find petrol cars loudly excessive.
⚡ The VW e-up! on Astypalaia
The electric motor produces 120 Nm of torque instantly. This makes even Astypalaia's steeper roads easy to climb. The regenerative braking system recaptures energy when descending, meaning your range actually increases on hilly routes. It is the opposite of petrol — the more complex your route, the more efficient you become.
Where to Charge Your EV
Charging is simpler than most tourists expect. Astypalaia has invested heavily in charging infrastructure over the past five years.
Public charging stations:
- Chora: Multiple fast and standard chargers in the main town, near the port and central square.
- Maltezana: Fast chargers near the second port, ideal if you spend time on the eastern side of the island.
- Livadi: Standard charger at Livadi beach, perfect if you are spending the day swimming.
- Tourist sites: Several smaller charging points at key attractions across the island.
Charging speeds:
- Fast chargers (DC): 50 kW chargers will give you 80% charge in about 35-40 minutes.
- Standard chargers (AC): 11 kW chargers will fully charge the e-up! in approximately 8-10 hours. Perfect for overnight charging at your accommodation.
- Slow charging: Many accommodations have a standard outlet (220V). You can charge overnight, gaining 15-20 km of range per hour.
Honestly? Most visitors find they only need to charge once during their stay. The e-up!'s 260 km range covers the entire island multiple times. We recommend charging overnight at your hotel if possible, and you will never worry about range for the rest of your trip.
Is an Electric Car Right for Your Trip?
The e-up! is perfect for many trips. But be honest about what you want to do. Electric vehicles suit certain journeys better than others.
PERFECT for:
- Couples and small groups exploring paved roads (Chora, Maltezana, Livadi, Agios Konstantinos).
- Eco-conscious travelers who want to support the green island initiative.
- The classic Astypalaia loop: Chora → Maltezana → Livadi → Agios Konstantinos → back to Chora.
- Quiet driving experiences. You will hear the cicadas and the sea, not an engine.
- Day trips to accessible beaches and villages.
NOT ideal for:
- Off-road beaches like Vatses or Kaminakia (accessible by rough dirt roads requiring 4WD).
- Adventurous route-finding into the northwestern wilderness.
- Travelers who want both smooth paved roads AND serious off-road terrain on the same trip.
Our honest recommendation: If you want both options, rent the e-up! for 2-3 days on the paved road network, then rent a Suzuki Jimny 4WD for 1-2 days for the rough roads. Cost is similar, and you get the full Astypalaia experience.
The Astypalaia EV Experience
There is something special about driving electric on a Greek island.
The silence. You are cruising along the coast toward Maltezana, the Aegean stretched out below you, and the only sound is the wind and the sea. Your car makes almost no noise. This sound absence — this is what electric driving feels like. After a day in the e-up!, the world feels quieter, cleaner, more present.
The acceleration. Despite being a small car, the e-up! has instant torque. Merging onto the road, climbing a hill — these feel responsive and quick. It is a very different experience from a comparable petrol car.
The guilt-free driving. Astypalaia's power comes from solar and wind. Every kilometer you drive is powered by the sun and the Aegean wind. You are not leaving a carbon footprint on this island — you are supporting its commitment to green energy.
Being part of something bigger. You are driving a vehicle in one of Europe's most important green experiments. You are a participant, not just a tourist. Hotels on Astypalaia market themselves as part of the green island initiative. Restaurants mention the island's sustainability commitment. By renting electric, you are joining that story.
Practical Tips for Renting Electric
Book early. We have a limited electric fleet. During summer (June-August) and weekends, the e-up! reserves fill quickly. Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for summer trips.
Bring your charging cable if you have one. While all standard outlets work, your own cable (if compatible) can be handy for hotel charging. Most modern accommodations provide charging infrastructure, but it is good to have a backup.
The car arrives fully charged. We deliver the e-up! to your hotel or the port with 100% battery. You can drive immediately. Plan your first day route knowing you have the full 260 km available.
Regenerative braking is your friend. Coming downhill? Release the accelerator and let the car slow itself. This recaptures energy and increases your range. On Astypalaia's hilly roads, this is genuinely noticeable. One day of mixed terrain, and you might use 20-30% less energy than expected.
Plan charging around attractions. Many of Astypalaia's best sites (Livadi beach, Chora port, Maltezana town) have nearby chargers. Combine your sightseeing with a 30-minute charge. By the time you finish lunch, the car is ready for the next stretch.
Download the charging app. Most chargers on Astypalaia use standard apps (like IONITY or local providers). Download before arrival. You can reserve chargers and monitor charging in real-time from your phone.
Enjoy the quiet. This is not a practical tip, but it matters. Electric driving is quieter. If you are used to petrol cars, this takes one day to adjust to. By day two, you will never want a loud engine again.
Ready to drive electric?Join the green island movement.
The Volkswagen e-up! is waiting for you. Zero emissions, full charge, free delivery to your hotel or port. Experience Astypalaia the way it was meant to be explored.