Αμοργός
Amorgos

 

Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades. Its natural beauty, a combination of mountains rich in flora and fauna with the clear blue waters and bright sun of the Aegean, makes the island a favorite destination and a reference point for those who visit. Its history goes back to prehistoric times, as shown by lots of archaeological finds (citadels, castles, houses, etc.). Material and written evidence traces the evolution of the island and its inhabitants through the ages to our time.

 

The rectangular 121 sq. km. island greets its visitors at Katapola in the South, the best natural harbor in the Cyclades, and Aegiali, which is located in the north of the island. The capital is the beautiful picturesque Chora, built high to protect the inhabitants of the island from pirate raids. Kato Meria is another area of unique natural beauty. The traditional architecture remains intact in most of the island, contributing significantly to the maintenance of its identity and authenticity.

 

Amorgos is an island full of surprises that one can discover on foot, either in well-maintained old trails or through the good road network connecting the two ends of the island, or else by a sailing or inflatable boat. The beautiful beaches of sand, pebbles or rocks, and crystal clear waters have made the island famous worldwide and were used as the set of the film The Big Blue. The local cuisine is particularly interesting too: the most distinguished among the local dishes are: “patatato” (lamb cooked with tomatoes, potatoes and herbs), “kofto” (lamb stuffed with rice and herbs), “kaloghiri” (eggplant with meat and cheese), “pitaridia” (noodles) and Greek salad with xinomyzithra (a local cheese). You can enjoy traditional dishes in most of the restaurants and taverns on the island, and in traditional feasts you will be served xerotigana (a dessert), pasteli (sesame bars) on lemon leaves and “psimeni” raki (raki liqueur with honey and herbs).

 

Summer is the ideal time to visit Amorgos, as you have the weather on your side while you explore, enjoy and experience everything the island has to offer. During this season a lot of festivals take place, the major of which is that of Aghia Paraskevi on July 26th, at Kato Meria, where locals and visitors enjoy traditional food and dance until dawn.

 

Amorgos, however, is not beautiful only in summer: spring brings out its best self, as nature gets dressed in its finest colors, while autumn is ideal for a wonderful low-key holiday. All year round customs and ceremonies that have their origins in ancient and Byzantine times take place. Prevalent among them is the transfer of the images from Chozoviotissa Monastery around the island and back to the monastery. This transfer is done in the days of Easter, mostly through the old trails, many of which lie across the steep coastline, overlooking the endless sea.

 

The beauty of the landscape, the historical and folkloric elements are completed and enhanced by the inhabitants’ warm hospitality. It is this element that makes anyone who visits the island, leave it not as a tourist but as a friend.