Amorgos offers a combination of white, blue and grey scenery that is perfectly balanced. As a typical landscape of a greek island in Cyclades, Amorgos has extent pieces of rocky land with minimal vegetation, resulting in a dominating and imposing landscape with steep slopes of the eastern side, beautiful settlements like this of Hora and hotels with great view.
History
Amorgos is one of the centres of Cycladic Civilisation and has been inhabited since prehistorical era. The presence of the Byzantine Civilisation is also intense during the history of the island. The evidence for its intense existence is the foundation and operation of many monasteries and churches. The Venetian castle that was built in the 13th century and the monastery of Panaghia Chozoviotissa that dominates even today the Eastern side of island since the 10th century are the most representative samples of Byzantine Architecture on the island.
Geography
Amorgos is inhabited by 1859 permanent residents that their main occupation is agriculture, livestock-farming, fishing and tourism in the summer. The island of Amorgos spans an area of 121 sq. km. and has two natural ports, Aegiali and Katapola. The islands close to Amorgos are Naxos on the northwest and Santorini on the southwest.
Sights
The most characteristic landmark of the island in the monastery of Panaghia Chozoviotissa, built in the place of an ancient oracle of hydromancy. For those seeking adventure there is a mountaineering path that begins from the monastery of Panaghia Chozoviotissa and leads to Aegiali, passing through old caves of pillars and unique small churches, abandoned settlements and relic of Hellenistic years. The beach of Saint Anna is the most famous on the island since the filming of Luc Besson’s movie “The big blue”.
Products
Try the local liquor rakomelo, made of moonshine boiled with honey and spices. It is served hot in the winter and cold in the summer.
Getting to
By ferry boats departing from Pireaus Port in Athens.
Useful phones
Police: +30 22850 71210
Aegiali Port Authority: +30 22850 73620
Katapola Port Authority: +30 22850 71259
Health Center of Amorgos: +30 22850 71207
Best time to visit Amorgos
From June to August, although it is high season Amorgos is never over-packed with tourists.