In the centre of the Aegean, where mother nature prevails and the sea reaches its deepest blue, lonely Amorgos, cut off from other famous Cycladic islands, retains its unadulterated charm and becomes a favorite destination for a short numbered elite.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

First impressions

The oblong but sturdy torso of Amorgos comprised of vertical rocks and crests, beaten by the winds from all sides, will fascinate you along with its wild beauty, rough interior and hospitable people.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

 History at a glance

The Cycladic culture flourished here (3rd millennium BC), while in the historical and classical years, cities Arkesini, Aigiali and Minoa saw significant growth. After the Persian wars, Amorgos joined the Athenian League. In the 13th century AD, the Cycladic islands all passed under the rule of the Venetians, with the Ottomans taking over in the 16th century. After the revolution of 1821, the island was incorporated into the Greek state.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Katapola

Katapola is the port and center of the island’s services, with many taverns, cafeterias and hotels, along the quay. To the north, you will find the frequented “Xylokeratidi” beach followed on by the “Treis Ierarches” beach. From Katapola, an uphill road leads to the site of the ancient city of Minoa (2,5 km).

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Picturesque Chora

Churches, crumbling windmills, stone-paved squares and dozens of small and larger cube-shaped whitewashed houses, all form the Cycladic, medieval urban fabric of Chora. Built high up on the mountain, invisible from the port, the capital is considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades and was praised by poets and painters.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

The settlement of Chora grew gradually around the fortified rock by the Venetian Gizi family in the 13th century. You can reach its center on foot- the tiny “Plateaki” square, with the Three Churches towering over it.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Aigiali and its villages

Seaside village Aigiali (15 km away from Chora) perches inside the cove of a well-defined bay, attracting, along with Katapola, most of the island’s tourists. Next to it, lovely Gialos beach is also shaded by giant tamarisks. The minuscule, but popular Levrossos bay, can be reached on foot. The shore of Agios Pavlos is also quite good (5 km far from Aigiali).

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Don’t miss

Hozoviotissa Monastery: The Monastery of Hozoviotissa was founded in 1088 by the byzantine emperor Komnenus. According to Christian tradition the icon of Virgin Mary arrived in a miraculous way from Hozova of Jericho (Palestine), during the iconoclasm period (9th century). The courtyard offers an unforgettable view to the deep blue of the Aegean (+30 22850 71274).

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Tholaria, Lagada: A short uphill road or footpath will bring you to stone-built villages Tholaria (3 km), Lagada (4 km), Potamos (1 km), that survey the bay of Aigiali from an altitude; they are considered the most authentic on the Cycladic islands.

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Agia Anna – Kato Meria: The miniscule beach of Agia Anna, with its rocks, open waters and white chapel, is one of the best-known locations of the island. The route from Agia Anna to the isolated sandy bay of Kalotaritissa is also intriguing.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

On the paths of Amorgos: The old paths have been cleaned and marked, which means that you can reach even the remotest point of the island and enjoy the Cycladic landscape.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Shopping

In the shops of Chora you will find the exceptional local ‘rakomelo’ – a drink made with raki and honey – the best in the Aegean, made by small local producers.

Αμοργός,  παραλίες, Χώρα, Χοζοβιώτισσα, big blue, Κυκλάδες, Amorgos, Cyclades, Aegean, Chora

photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

COPYRIGHT PHOTO: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

COPYRIGHT TEXT: Germaine Alexakis/ Views Of Greece

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