Astipalaia (alias Astropalia) is the most western and the most remote island of the Dodecanese. The island's surface area is 97 sq. km while the coasts are 110 km long. Astipalaia is divided into two parts, Messa Nissi and Oxo Nissi, which are joined by a narrow piece of land 100 m. wide. Astipalaia is 23 n.m. away from Kos, 27 n.m. from Anafi, while Piraeus is 175 n.m. and 16 hours away. The southern part of the island is part of the Cyclades. Most of the 1,000 inhabitants of Karpathos who live here and, in spite of their solitude, are very hospitable. The locals, mostly fishermen, are simply, pleasant and polite people who never hesitate to invite foreigners to the island's feasts. The island is mountainous -its highest peak being Vardia (482 m.), while on the small plain grow with fruit trees, garden products and vegetables, as well as many walnut trees, watered by the local springs.