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Amorgos Greece
By Katia Luz
Peace & Beauty
Amorgos Greece - Αμοργός - is a beautiful Greek island located in
the Cyclades. It is one of the most easterly Cycladic islands, sitting
south-east of Mykonos and Naxos, and north-east of Santorini. It is a
long, narrow and hilly island with many beautiful beaches and rocky
shores.
The relatively unknown island does not suffer from mass tourism, whilst still catering to travellers from all over the world, especially in summer. People come to enjoy the simple way of life, the quiet, the fresh air and the expansive views.
People come to simply sit at the beach
and swim in the clear waters day after day. Others come to walk in the
hills and visit the villages that preserve a way of life from simpler
times.
Αμοργός - Chora VillageThe cube-white building style of the islands is so beautiful here, especially in the inland town of Chora, which makes special effort to retain the stunning crisp white streets and buildings, with spectacular results. The lime-rendered dwellings with minimal frontage, narrow lane ways or stena paved with large rock slabs.
A characteristic element is the vaulted arches connecting the upper floors of home. These elements form the core of the island's architectural style.
Amorgos Greece – Seaside Villages
Katapola Harbour is a beautiful horseshoe shape
Katapola (above) is the arrival point of the ferries. It is a small
fishing village with its own natural rhythm. There are some good fish
tavernas here and a few small hotels and rooms for rent. Yachts moor
here from all over the world and yachties sit in cafés soaking up the
sun. It is a picturesque bay, a perfect horse shoe shape and one of the
most protected bays in the Cyclades. High in the hills above the town
are the ruins of the ancient settlement of Minoa.
Αμοργός Aegiali VillageAegiali (pictured above and below) is one of the most tantalising and romantic
seaside villages in the Cyclades. The combination of soft greens of the
tamarisk trees by the water, against the intense blue of the sparkling
Mediterranean, against the bright white sugar-cubed village is
breath-taking. Aegiali beach and the longer Ormos beach have beautiful
white sand with plenty of wide open spaces.
Aegiali BeachAmorgos Greece – Inland Villages
Chora Amorgos
Just 5 km inland from Katapola is the island's largest town, known simply as Chora.
The town clings to rocky mountains with a castle at the highest point.
Old windmills are dotted about in various states of disrepair. The
narrow streets are well worth exploring. In the main street there is the
Mansion of Gavras, a beautiful aristocratic building of Venetian style
of the 16th century. Today it houses the archaeological collection of
the island.
Other inland villages to explore on Amorgos Greece include Tholaria, Langada, Arkesini and Kolofana (or Kalofana).
Amorgos Greece - Beaches
Levrossos Beach
Levrossos Beach (pictured above) is a small secluded cove just north of
Aegiali, just around the bay. It can be reached by a walk and a hike
15-20 minutes from Aegiali or by car, take the road from Aegiali to
Tholaria and turn off left before you reach Tholaria. There is a tavern
and some rooms, a lovely tree-lined beach with sand and shade.
Further around the bay is Psiliamos Beach and then Xoklakas Beach.
Agios Pavlos Beach
Agios Pavlos Beach (above and below) is on the west coast of the island just over 5 km south from Aegiali, it is a pristine sand formation sitting in the middle of a picturesque natural bay formed by the island of Amorgos and the smaller island of Nikouria (see below). There are a couple of pensions and a taverna here, otherwise, stunning nature dominates.
Agia Anna Beach
is below the beautiful monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa, and is
somewhat famous as the scenes for the film 'The Big Blue' were taken
here. There is a regular bus service from Chora, which is more frequent
in summer. The crystal clear waters and dramatic architecture of the
monastery make it a uniquely beautiful spot.
Agia Anna Beach & Rock PoolsThe Island in Movies
The Big Blue or Le Grand Bleu by French director Luc Besson was released in 1988, it is an esoteric and truly metaphysical movie about sea diving that became a favourite of both water and nature lovers and a mini cult classic. It is really a treatise on the relationship between humans and the sea in a modern parable.
The beautiful scenes shot in Amorgos took the imagination of many people who sought out the island, especially French alternate life stylers.
The Greek language film Ariadni by Greek director Giorgos Kordelas was released in 2002. The island of Amorgos contributes as a character in the film with her beauty and mystery. This is a modern day psychological thriller; intense and mysterious. Again this movie intrigued viewers so much that they sought out the island to experience her seduction for themselves.
To See & Do in Amorgos
Snorkelling & Scuba - the clear, clear waters around Amorgos make it a perfect location for endless hours of underwater exploration. In Aegiali see Dimitris Sinodinos at Amorgos Diving Centre for a full range of snorkelling, scuba and boat trips.
To See & Do in Amorgos
The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa (above) is remarkable
for its juxtaposition against the harsh rocky cliffs, and bright pure
white walls of the edifice. The original structure dates from 1088 AD.
It
is said that an icon of the Virgin Mary was found in the waters off the
rocks, in this place, many years ago, before there was any idea of the
monastery. It is said that the icon came from the village of Hozovo in
Palestine, so the -iotissa ending means 'she of Hozovo'. The
construction of this place of worship and comtemplation must have been a
true labour of love, situated as it is 300 metres up on a sheer drop
above the sea.
16 windmills such as the one above are preserved near Aegiali, and 7 near Kato Meria.
At Cape Vathy near Katapola is the traditional Lighthouse of Amorgos which dates from 1882. A solid structure made from local stones, it sits on the windswept peninsula.
The Wreck of the Olympia is located at the western end of the island at Liveros. This stunning location featured in the film The Big Blue.
Our top tips for day tours
- Amorgos: Hiking Along the Ridges of Mt. Krikelos
- Amorgos: Aegiali Bay Villages Guided Hiking Day Trip
- Amorgos: Guided Hike of the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery
Accommodation in Amorgos
Pano Gitona (below) is a small aparthotel with only eleven rooms overlooking the bay of Katapola - with such style and white crispness, it epitomised the Greek island experience - the time here will leave you feeling uplifted from the incredible views, crisp fresh air and expansive scenery.
Pano Gitona - Aparthotel looks over Katapola Harbour in AmorgosGalaxy
The Galaxy is just 200 metres from the beautiful beach at Aegiali, offering crisp clean white spacious rooms and balconies and the relaxed Cycladic lifestyle at mid-range prices. Be welcomed by the very friendly hostess.
Enjoy great breakfasts, good views and central location. 2 minutes walk to fantastic local tavernas.
Villa Handras,
Aegiali
The view from the patio of Villa Handras just outside of Aegiali, AmorgosSituated in quiet countryside outside Aegiali in Amorgos Greece is the Villa Handras (above and below), actually two villas with exquisite views, stylish charm and complete privacy whilst wanting for nothing from your host.
These completely modern environmentally-sound buildings have been created in the island style, with patios facing the exquisite bay and sunset aspect. Both villas sleep four with one bathroom each. From the houses you can see glimpses of the white villages of Tholaria and Laggada. Less than 2 km from the port and the beach, you are assured of a wonderful position from which to explore Amorgos Greece.
Villa Handras - near AegialiGetting to Amorgos Greece
Amorgos is a little out of the way and more difficult to get to than other Greek islands. That is what keeps it special.
From Athens - in the busy season, flights are available to the nearby islands, for flight timetables and bookings check with Olympic Airlines and
Aegean Air.
The ferry trip, with various stops, will take around or about 7 - 9 hours from Pireaus, the port of Athens. This all depends on the route taken and how many stops in the islands the ferry takes. Most ferries to Amorgos depart Pireaus around 17.30.
Ensure any flight into Athens arrives with plenty of transfer time. Costs are approx. 30 Euro or 45 Euro (business class is suggested). Blue Star, Hellenic Seaways and Seajets all run on these routes.
From Naxos - from Athens to Naxos there is one
flight daily with Olympic Airlines, then from Naxos port, ferries depart daily at 14.00 and 23.00 for the 3 - 4
hour trip to Amorgos. This is the closest airport to Amorgos.
From Santorini - from Athens to Santorini (Thira) there are eight flights per day in high season. Fast ferries then link to both Katapola and Aegiali in Amorgos.
From Mykonos - from Athens to Mykonos there are six flights per day in high season. Fast ferries then take the very scenic route to Amorgos through the Cyclades.
Getting Around
Amorgos Greece - Transport - the Amorgos Bus Company services Katapola, Chora, Agia Anna and the seaside village of Aegiali. Or you may choose a car and scooter rental, or a taxi. The buses are regular but infrequent. In summer there are more buses than in winter. Always check the timetables and talk to the locals, because timetables can change from week to week, depending on the season.
Video
Here you can see a video collage of Amorgos Greece - scenes including the pretty harbours, mountain views and Chozoviotissa Monastery:
This video shows the beauty of Amorgos blue and white and space with time to breathe...
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
