Amorgos beaches
If you seek for relaxation by the sea during your holidays, Amorgos is perfect for you. As there is a considerable number of both sandy and pebbly beaches with crystal clear water against a dramatic landscape, you are sure to be spoilt for choice when it comes to Amorgos beaches.
Some of the best Amorgos beaches are the sandy beach of Aegiali, as well as Levrossos, and Chochlakas, Psili Ammos, Agia Anna, Mikri Glifada, Megali Glifada, Kato Akrotiri and Xylokeratidi. Near Arkessini you can swim at Paradisia and Mouros. Many wonderful beaches such as Maltezi, Plakes and Gramvoussa islet can be accessed by caique from Katapola, while boats set off to Nikouria from Agios Pavlos.
Attractions & Sightseeing
In Amorgos you will have the chance to admire natural, historical as well as architectural attractions. For nature lovers there are excellent routes to walk along the island, while if you prefer sightseeing, pay a visit at the renowned Byzantine Monastery of Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa, literally perched on a cliff. You can also visit the church of Virgin Mary Katapoliani and the ruins of Ancient Minoa, in Katapola, the ruins of the Aegiali Acropolis and the archaeological site of Ancient Arkessini.
If you want to skip sightseeing in Amorgos, just take relaxing walks at the traditional settlements such as Chora and wander around the quaint narrow alleys, admire the windmills or climb up to marvellous Cycladic chapels. You will be rewarded by unparalleled panoramic sea view, so it’s worth it!
Culture & Tradition
Amorgos is an untouched island with local culture being interwoven with daily life. If you would like to experience authentic traditions and discover local customs, don’t miss attending some of the local festivals or traditional events which are held in Amorgos throughout the year.
On the island there are more than 300 churches, so traditional festivals are organized quite often, on the day each saint is celebrated. Some of the most popular events are the grand festival of Panagia Chozoviotissa Monastery on November 21, Agia Paraskevi festival on July 26 taking place at Kalofana right above Paradissia beach, and Panagia Panochoriani Festival in Lagada on August 15. Festivals usually include a church service followed by a feast with traditional local dishes, drinks and dancing.
If you are in Amorgos early August, don’t miss the “Pasteli” festival in Chora, a unique local fiesta inspired by a most famous traditional delight, pasteli (sesame and honey bar), which used to be served in weddings on a lemon-tree leaf, but nowadays is enjoyed as a snack anytime. After a demonstration of the traditional preparation process, there is a feast with local music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
Hiking in Amorgos
If you are a hiking lover, you will take lots of pleasure in exploring the various walking paths of Amorgos. You will not only enjoy the fresh air and the smell of Amorgian herbs, but you will also observe unique flora and fauna, watch mesmerising sea views and dramatic landscapes from the top of mountain slopes and you will bump into archaeological remains and historical sights.
As the there weren’t any proper roads constructed in Amorgos before the 1990’s, settlements used to be connected by paths while donkeys were used for transportation of goods from one place to the other. Now that cars have replaced donkeys, we are left with very well preserved paths passing through cultivated valleys and impressive rocky slopes waiting to be explored.
Hiking trails
There are trails of all levels of difficulty including easy paths and more demanding trails, both short and longer ones, so that you can select what suits you best, depending on your experience, mood and time available.
Some of the most popular walking paths are from Aigiali to Chora, which is the longest trail, from Katapola and Minoa to Agios Georgios Valsamitis, from Arkessini to Vroutsi and then Chora, from Chora to Katapola, and many more.
Get the right equipment and get ready to discover the wild beauty of Amorgos.