Hidden-away Amorgos, with its secret beaches and untouched timelessness, is one of the most intriguing of all the Greek Islands, turning up surprises wherever you look.
Amorgos is a remarkably unspoiled island at the south-eastern edge of the Cyclades group, where traditional customs are still inextricably interwoven into a landscape as rich in beauty as in its history. Originally inhabited by seafarers from Asia Minor in the 4th Century BC, the island now cradles a people who enjoy a lifestyle that has been shaped by a varied and dramatic past. This is a place that appears untouched by time, but where the inhabitants quietly preserve one of the best kept secrets of the Aegean.
The length of the island is 33 km and its width between 1,5 to 6 km. There are three mountain peaks — Krikelos (822m) to the north, Profitis Ilias (699 metres) in the middle and Korax (607 metres) to the south-west. The dramatic mountain scenery provides a fine backdrop to some excellent walking.
Meadows and areas for cultivation, can be found in the area of Aegiali at the north, in Katapola at the centre, and at Arkesini the southern part of the island
There are two ports on the island: of Katapola, and of Aegiali, where ferries, catamaran and hydrofoils call, connecting Amorgos with the other islands and the main land.
There are several beaches along the coast line.
In Aegiali, the beach is long and sandy, and starts from the edge of the fishing village Ormos. “Levroso”, “Psili Ammos” and “Hohlakas” are 15 min. walk from the port, and can also be reached by small boat on a regular schedule.
On the nearby small uninhabited island of Nikouria, there are two nice sandy beaches, where small boats cross people for swimming, from bay of “Agios Pavlos”.
On the other steep side of Amorgos, bellow the Byzantyne Monastery of Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa, the beach of Agia Anna, is famous for the clear blue and turquoise waters. Going south, at the same side of the island, “Mourou “ beach is very popular to all for the clear waters, the dark thick sand and the two caves where one can swim in. In Arkesini, “Kalotaritissa,” “Kato Kambos” and “Paradisia” beaches are some among others found at the South end of Amorgos.
The island has a population of about 1.800 which is found in the port of Katapola, in Chora, the capital, up in the mountains overlooking the east coast, in the port of Aegiali, in the three villages of Lagada, Tholaria and Potamos and in the small villages of South Amorgos: Vroutsi, Arkesini, Kolofana.
The Island was first inhabited during the Neolithic period and 14 sites dating from the Early Cycladic period have so far been excavated. In antiquity there were three main cities on Amorgos, all founded in the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. Remains of all three can still be seen. The island played an important role in antiquity, due to the special geographic location. During the Middle Ages Amorgos was ruled by the Dukes of Naxos but after the Byzantine Empire was restored to Constantinople, Amorgos was captured in 1268. Before the end of the century, however, the Venetians and Genoese defeated the Byzantines and Amorgos returned to the rule of the Dukes of Naxos until the Ottomans captured the island in 1566.
PLACES TO VISIT IN AMORGOS ISLAND
Katapola
Katapola itself is busy with a waterfront lined with cafes, tavernas and mini-markets and a shelter for sailing boats. On the hill above Katapola, the excavations of the ancient city of Minoa, is of significant value. At the head of the bay lies Rahidi, with its large church of St George and the village that lies behind the church. The most picturesque part of Katapola is the third section called Xerokeratidi, with its pretty narrow streets and a couple of tavernas where you can sit in the shade of large trees and enjoy the view.
Chora
The Chora is without doubt one of the prettiest towns to be seen in the Cyclades. It stands nearly 400 metres above sea level with views of both the east and west coasts of Amorgos. Forty churches are dotted around the village and there are beautiful shaded squares and narrow lanes to wander around bellow the Venetian Castle. There are a few tavernas in the village which offer excellent food, and some cafes. There is also an Archaeological Museum, housed at the Gavras Mansion, in the middle of the village.
Monastery of Panayia Hozoviotissa
The 1000 year old monastery, a treasure of the Byzantine Empire, overlooks the north east coast of Amorgos and lies about three kilometres from Chora. The monastery, which is the most important monument on Amorgos, is a spectacular white edifice built into the side of a mountain. It was renovated by the Byzantine emperor Alexius I Komninos around the year 1090. The story goes that an icon of the Virgin Mary had been found on the shore of Amorgos, having floated all the way from Chozova, Minor Asia. The locals decided to build a monastery to house the icon, above the shore where it was discovered.
Aegiali
In the north, the area of Aegiali, consists of the small port, and the three traditional villages on the hills, a very picturesque set up. In Tholaria village, at Vigla hill, laid the ancient city of Aegiali. One combines the pleasure of walking through stunning paths, with breathtaking views, enjoying the aroma of the herbs and the flowers all over, encountering local people, and old churches.
Being remote, the island suffered continually from the attacks of pirates and the situation got so bad that at one point the whole population moved to Naxos. The island remained remote even after the War of Independence and has therefore developed at a slower pace than other islands. This indeed constitutes one of its charms. Every Easter Sunday the icon, together with an image of St. John the Balsamite, is carried in procession from the monastery to the Chora. On Easter Monday the icons are carried in procession to the chapel of Agios Profitis Ilias on the top of the mountain of the same name. During the following week they are taken to churches all-round the island until they return to the Monastery on the Sunday after Easter when special festivities happen with the participation of any pilgrims who join the icons, walking through the blooming and smelling mountains of Amorgos.
After getting off the bus there are about 300 nice stone steps up to the entrance of the monastery, where only three monks now inhabit the 50 rooms. Climbing in through a tiny entrance you climb steep stairs up to the church where the icon is on display. On leaving you are offered the traditional piece of loukoumi, a small glass of liqueur and a very welcome glass of cold water.
Flight to Athens-a Ferry from Piraeus Port to Amorgos
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Amorgos, which was taking a Blue Star ferry from Piraeus Port. It takes around 7 hours to get there but that’s because it stops at 4 or 5 other islands which makes it very excitement journey. It is a big adventure for families with children to enjoy any moment in this sailing.
If you’re already on some other Greek island you can check out ferryhopper.gr for tickets. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance as especially during August many ferries are full
Ⓒ All rights reservsd to Wellness Greece | Design & develop: Inline Studio
