AMORGOS
Tradition, Nature and the Sense of Time
Hike on the old trails, visit chapels, experience the local festivals and enjoy the beaches of Katapola.
AMORGOS
From the Minoan Tradition to Modern History
The history of Amorgos starts from the 4th millennium BC, continues in Byzantium and passes to modern Greece. Characteristic archaeological monuments are the ancient city of Minos in Katapola, the ancient Aegiali on the hill of Vigla, the ancient acropolis with the strong wall in Vroutsis and the ancient Arkesini with the early Cycladic ancient acropolis.
Some examples of modern history are the Venetian castle of Chora, the tower of Gavras, which today operates as a museum, the First Gymnasium, one of the first schools of independent Greece and the Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses of the Greek lighthouse network.
The Spiritual Heart of Amorgos
On the island of Amorgos, as on most of the Cycladic islands, you will find hundreds of churches and chapels. The monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa is the trademark. It is located high up on the rocks, about 400 meters above the sea surface. It is 40 meters long, only 5 meters wide, consists of 8 levels and its inner side is the rock and the outer side is a wall. Some of the most important chapels are Agios Georgios Valsamitis, probably an early Christian Basilica, Agia Anna, on the homonymous beach, Panagia (Virgin Mary) Theoskepasti etc.
HIKING IN AMORGOS
Discovering History and Landscapes
For hiking enthusiasts, Amorgos has eight main routes. All trails start or end in a settlement. On these paths the hiker encounters interesting points of the island from environmental, ecological and historical point of view such as water monuments, archeological sites, as well as many churches.
Beaches that enchant with their Blue
As in every island, so here, you will find beaches that combine wild beauty with blue and crystal-clear waters. In Katapola you will find Ammos, Maltezi, but the most easily accessible beach is Kato Akrotiri, just 150m from the port. Among the beaches of Chora is the famous beach of Agia Anna, where scenes from Luc Besson’s film “The Big Blue” were shot. Many more can be found in Kato Meria, Aegiali and the nearby islets (access is by boat from the port of Katapola).
Kato Akrotiri - 5' walk from Katapola.
A peaceful corner of Amorgos, built by the sea and surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape. Just a five-minute walk from the port of Katapola, Kato Akrotiri offers the ideal balance between tranquility and direct access to shops, tavernas and transport.
Here you will enjoy moments of relaxation overlooking the endless blue sea.
Maltezi - 5' by boat or 20' walk from Katapola.
A hidden treasure of Amorgos, Maltezi invites you to discover it through a dreamy boat trip or a quiet walk next to the Cycladic landscape.
With its golden sandy beach and clear, deep blue waters, it offers the ultimate sense of escape and serenity.
Ideal for those who want to touch the simplicity and authenticity of the island – away from the hustle and bustle, but so close to the heart of Amorgos.
Where Tradition Meets Faith
In Amorgos there are many festivals and events throughout the year, mainly of a religious nature. The largest festival on the island, with 2,500 people, is that of Agia Paraskevi. It takes place on July 25, the eve of the feast of Agia Paraskevi, but preparations begin on the feast of Agia Marina on July 17. Among the most important events that take place in Amorgos are the “Pasteli” (Sesame seed candy) Festival and The Authentic Big Blue, an international freediving tournament, which started in 2017 and takes place in September.
