AEGEAN ISLANDS - CYCLADES - AMORGOS - First glance - Sights - Culture - Discover - Beaches - Activities - Gastronomy - Info

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First glance

One of the most beautiful destinations in the Cyclades. In many areas it seems still untouched by the tourist development. The special energy that Amorgos gives out, its unique nature, the contemplation from high above, the old paths which bring out the pleasant herb odour, the lovely deep blue color of its waters, make visitors keep it deep in their hearts, in a very special place.

Thousands of small and big secrets are hidden in every corner of the island. Here they still thresh and winnow their ‘fava’. They keep ancient customs, such as the Captain’s, in Lagada. They make their ‘pavli’ from wheat and rye and boil the baked raki in the pot. They whitewash the alleys and they draw flowers and suns on them every year.

Archaeologists’ “Tripolis Amorgos”, an island always divided in three parts: Arkesini, Minoa, Aegiali. Amorgos of Pano andKato Meria. Amorgos of the two ports, the one of Katapola and that of Aegiali, and that of shiny and wonderful Chora which encloses its castle and leaves its mills high on the ridge to flounder in the winds. Amorgos of Hozoviotissa and Big Blue, the movie by French director Luc Besson, which made the island famous abroad.

Hospitable, proud, pure and untouched it welcomes you every summer with ‘rakomela’ (raki with honey), smiles and the improvised Amorgian songs which you will listen in the old traditional cafés and the villages’ taverns.

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  • Sights - General Information

• • • • • The island of Amorgos is located on the eastern edge of the Cyclades, towards the Dodecanyse and it covers an area of 121 sq. km. The length of its coastlines is 126 km.

        • Its shape is long and narrow. It is run by mountainous masses, with its highest peak being Krikelos or Kroukelos (822 m), which has overgrown oak trees and rich plantation until the conflagration of 1835.

        • Due to its mountainous masses the island is divided in two sections –Kato Meria (southwest) and Apano Meria (Giali) northeast. Until the 80s, when it was supplied with electric power and dirt roads were opened, the only way of communication between one side with the other was the pebble-paved road starting from Chora, along with its detours.

        • The coasts of Amorgos are quite steep. The western coast has a few windless coves, such as the ports of Katapola and Aegiali, Finikes, Kato Kambos, Agios Pavlos, Paradisia. On the contrary, the eastern coast has a very steep terrain.

        • The impressive surface ground of Amorgos’s grand rift dominates over its SE side creating a coast which looks unwordly. This active rift is connected to the earthquake of 1956, measuring 7.4 degrees of Richter scale, one of the most destructive earthquakes in the Aegean. Parts of the island have been integrated in the municipal network of protected areas NATURA 2000.

        • The northeastern part has been characterized as a Special Protection Area and the northern one as a Site of Community Importance.

        • It constitutes an Important Area for the Birds of Greece.

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Sights - Chora

• • • • • Visible from ancient Minoa and Profitis Ilias (698m), unseen from the sea, Chora of Amorgos encloses the hill with its castle, it extends up to the main asphalted road which surrounds it, it controls land and sea routes, it “makes peace”, as in the past, between Kato Meria and Aegiali, since all the paths and the roads towards the two edges of the island pass from here.

        • All the summer visitors, sooner or later, end up here: in square Agion Panton, Platisteno, Plateaki, Loza and the windmillsstretching in Troullos. The wanderings in the maze of the narrow alleys, from Vorina up to Vlycha and Kato Gitonia, rarely bring you to the same places –there is always an alternative road and always something will make you stand puzzled for a bit.

        • The naturally fortified, rocky, salient stands out above the whitewashed houses and the ascent up there is an amazing experiencre. Agios Georgios plays the role of the gate for the castle with the slippery rocks, the embrasures, the low surrounding wall and the panoramic view. Going uphill you will find the chapel of Kyra Leousa (or Kera Leousa). The oldest church in Chora, Agios Konstantinos and Ai Giannis Theologos.

        • IN THE NORTH

        • In the neighborhoods of Chora there are alleys, stais and arched arcades –the ‘emprostiades’. Spectacular elements of folklore architecture are preserved in Vorina district, in the two-storey residences with the very narrow “front”, the characteristic ‘krevati’ and ‘apokrevati’ (storage spaces under the bed for the cereal).

        • Vorina is the oldest district in Chora, built on the foot of the castle. It is here that the more ancient residential remains of the 3^rd millennium were found. In every step you take you will discover ruined and restored houses that were stuck with each other forming a complex residential system, while at the same time they communicated with secret passages to ensure a way out towards the castle. You will also see oil presses and wells. In the district the historical building of the old ‘scholarchio’ (old type of school) stands out, on Exarchopoulou Street, which is now used as a junior high school built in 1829. Behind the junior high school there is Fotodotis Christos, a Byzantine church and once a dependency of Hozoviotissa. It is surrounded by a cell and warehouse complex and it has murals of exquisite art.

        • IN PLATISTENO

        • Platisteno (or Mesi Odos), the paved main alley that was built during the Venetian rule, is the "backbone" of Chora. Here there were always commercial shops and traditional cafés. Today taverns, coffee bars, shops with souvenirs, clothes and accessories are lined here, but also some of the major attractions of Chora such as the famous Tower of Gavras which houses the Archaeological Collection and beside it the Byzantine church of Zoodochos Pigi.

        • Walking through Steno you will find Plateaki in front of you with the three small, white churches (Agios Thomas, Agios Tharraleos and Stavros) and will arrive at Ano Plateaki. You will see the church of Agios Ioannis and the tiny chapel of Agia Irini which claims the title of the smallest chapel on the island. From there you can walk towards Emprostiada or Tholos, the main eastern entrance of the settlement during the Venetian rule . Stuck in Tholos lies the House of Excavation, in a great building of the 16^th century. After Tholos you pass to Fotodotis and Kalogerikos areas.

        • If you continue straight on Platisteno, you will pass by the post office and the church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) to reach Pano Gitonia. Turning left you will go to Kalogerikos and the schools, while continuing to the right and climbing the stairs on your left, you will reach the mills.

        • The square of Kalogerikos is one of the most beautiful balconies in the Aegean and a rendez-vous point for many years. It offers incredible views-especially at nights with moonlight. Exiled leftists and couples have engraved their names on the rocks. The cobblestone path towards Hozoviotissa passes underneath.

        • Ιnfo

        • - Loza, the Venetian square of Chora, is where events, festivals and celebrations always took place. The main church (Kimisi Theotokou -Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is located here, the building of the Police station and the old municipal office. From Loza you can go uphill towards the castle with its churches, or go towards the bus square.

        • - The mild tourist development of Chora with the small hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, taverns, cafés, bars, gift shops etc. began in the 80s respecting the character of the beautiful settlement.

        • - Amorgos has gathered many political exiles from 1917 onwards-rightists, leftists, criminals. The presence of the leftists 'initiated' the locals into leftist ideas. It was not included in the exile places during Metaxa’s time, but individual deportations took place during Junta (military dictatorship).

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Sights - Settlements

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Castles - Towers

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Habitat

The Natura area of Amorgos

A big part of the island’s northern side, including a large sea area as well, belongs to the network of protected areas NATURA 2000. The total extent of the protected zone is 60.686 acres and it includes the northern part of Amorgos along with the islets of Levitha, Kynaro and Mavria which are located further to the east. The entire area is really important from an ecological as well as scientific point of view.

Amorgos combines Asian and European ecosystemic elements. The steep slopes with limestone substrate are typical habitats of endemic species. The most important species are the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus, the freshwater turtleMauremys caspica, and the four-lined snake Elaphe quatuorlineata. The underwater Posidonia seagrass is important as well. On the islets, the plantation consists of brushwood and maquis.

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  • Projects of the people

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  • Culture - Amorgos

    • • • The mythological tradition, according to which the foundation of the town of Minoa is related to the erection of the summer palaces of the Cretan king Minos, indicates the importance of Amorgos as a trade centre of the Minoans (1600-1450 BC). The ancient lexicographer Souidas mentions that “the Samians under the leadership of Simmias the Grammarian inhabited Amorgos and built the towns of Arkesini, Minoa and Aegiali”. The presence of the Samians on the island is also indicated by the numerous inscriptions discovered. According to those inscriptions, there were also Milesian settlers in Aegiali. It is mentioned that Amorgos was also inhabited by Naxians in the extrapolations of Anonymous to Dionysius Periegetes.

        • The island had other names during the Antiquity as well, such as “Ipatria”, “Patayi” or “Platayi”, “Pagali”, “Karkisia” and “Psichia”. The names “Amolgos”, “Amourgos”, “Amoulgos” and “Amourgia” are considered to be subsequent corrupted forms of its name. Scylax was the first to mention the existence of three towns. The names of the towns of Minoa, Aegiali and Arkesini were passed down to modern historians by the lexicographer Stephanus of Byzantium. During the Byzantine period, Aegiali was also called Melania. According to Ptolemy, Minoa was called Miniia and Aegiali was called Vegialida.

        • Athena Polias, Dionysus Kissocomus, Apollo Apotropaeus, Hera, Delian Apollo, Artemis and Aphrodite Urania were worshiped in Amorgos. Coins of the island’s ancient towns indicate that Pan and Zeus were also worshiped on the island. The Heraean Games, the Dionysia and the Ekatomvaia were major celebrations.

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Culture - Architecture

Until the 60s the island was mainly rural and due to the fact that it is inaccessible, people were not able to build big houses or extended settlements. The stone constructions that characterize the landscape were usually ‘zevgospita’ (old farmhouses) and the so-called ‘katikies’ (residences), combined with the underground arched tanks, the windmills, the churches and the country churches. The single-roomed buildings had the so-called ‘parastia’ (a type of fireplace where they used to cook) and ‘apokrevato’ (elevated bed). The house was connected to the wood burning oven and the ‘voudospita’ (stables). There are exquisite samples of Amorgian houses in Kato Meria (Lefkes, Agia Thekla, Skeparnies, Vroutsi, Kamari) or in Apano Meria atTholaria and the small settlement of Stroumbos.

Big and rich houses were built only in Chora, Lagada and Katapola.

People settled in Chora when the danger of the Arabs’ invasions ceased (7^th-9^th century). The castle which was fotified by the Ghisi brothers, enclosed the fort rock and during the Venetian rule it was extended. The way of the settlement’s development had as a result the existence of many typological styles of the Amorgian house in a residential complex which includes the rural accommodation in the North and the defensive fronts with the shaded ‘emprostiades’ (passes) of the Venetian rule, the half-urban residences and the mansions of the 18^th and 19^th century. The churches constitute the epicenter of the settlements’ social life –many of which, in fact, have been built upon ancient ruins.

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Culture - Archaelogical Sites - ‘Tripolis’ Amorgos

One of the most significant archaeological sites of the island are the three towns of the ancient Commonwealth: Minoa, Arkesini and Aegiali. In the area of Aegiali near the village of Tholaria, there is the ancient acropolis on Vigla hill, with traces of past times. In Arkesini ruins of early-Cycladic acropolis and a cemetery on Kastella hill have been found, while in the neighboring village of Vroutsi, at Kastri, an ancient acropolis is seen clearly, which has a sturdy wall, traces of middle-Cycladic facility and Venetian fortification.

In Katapola, one of the best-protected natural Cycladic ports, there are three settlemenets (Katapola, Rahidi, Xylokeratidi). On the peak of the port’s hill the ruins of Minoa are preserved with sections of a sturdy wall, remains of a stadium and a gymnasium, as well as a temple of Dionyssus.

In Katapola a vaulted Mycaenean tomb has been found, while early-Cycladic and Mycaenean tombs have been found in Xylokeratidi as well, along with traces of a settlement.

All these locations are very close to modern settlements and they are visitable, but not organized in archaeological sites.

Particular reference should be made to the early-Cycladic acropolis of Markiani, with the sturdy wall and the supporting towers, which reflects the development of the island at that time.

The findings from the excavations are exhibited on Chora’s Archaeological Collection.

Source: www2.egeonet.gr

Info

- You will find detailed info about ancient Minoa at Odysseus portal, of the Ministry of Culture

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2568

-For ancient Minoa as well as ancient Aegiali see the portal of the Foundation of Hellenic World as well:

www2.egeonet.gr

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• • Culture - Museums -

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Culture - Monasteries - Churches -

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Culture - Traditions -

FESTIVALS/CUSTOMS

There are many celebrations and festivals on the island of Amorgos. With the residents’ offers they gather the materials and the cooks produce the traditional dishes which are ‘patatato’ (a mixture of different kinds of meat and potatoes) and ‘xidato’ (soup with goat offal). A celebration with local musical instruments and songs follows.

FESTIVALS

-Hozoviotissa, on November 21

-Sotiras Christos (Savior Christ), on August 6

-Agia Paraskevi in Kolofana, on July 25-26

-Ascention in Potamos (moveable holiday, 40 days after Easter)

-Agioi Anargyroi in Tholaria, on July 1

-Panagia Epanochoriani in Lagada, on August 15

-Agios Ioannis Theologos in Krikelos, twice a year (May 8 and September 26).

THE FESTIVAL OF AGIA PARASKEVI

Everyone in Amorgos will have something to say about the festival of Agia Paraskevi (July 25-26), in Kato Meria, where up to 3.000 people participate. It is one of the biggest festivals in the Cyclades and that is why, beside the church, spacious facilites that include cells for hospitality, storage rooms, kitchens etc. have been created. The preparations begin 10 days before the celebration. They cook 14 cauldrons of ‘patatato’ and others of so-called ‘kofto’ (wheat poridge with Amorgian myzithra cheese), or of ‘xidato’ which looks like chopped tripe.

THE FEAST OF ‘PASTELI’ (SESAME SEED AND HONEY CANDY)

On the island there are celebrations with a more touristic nature, such as the one of “baked raki” in Katapola on July 26 and the one of “pasteli”, the traditional dessert of Amorgos, in Chora’s Loza, around the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15). This feast is organized by the Cultural Association “Simonidis” during which the process of pasteli’s production is presented, which is offered to the visitors along with raki afterwards.

Information at: +30 22850 74033

Info

In the traditional cafés and the little taverns of the villages you will listen to the Amorgian ‘mantinades’ (musical declamation in form of a narrative or dialogue) and the improvisations of the musicians who play the violin and the lute.

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  • The old traditional cafés

    • • • You will find them throughout island: from Katapola up to Tholaria and from Lagada up to Arkesini and Vroutsis. They have the typical worn out mosaics, their walls are painted with successive layers of oil paint and they include numerous objects. The elder Amorgians are present there daily enjoying, along with the visitors, Greek coffee and refreshments.

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  • Activities

    • • Everyday is an opportunity to do something you have never done before in a place that is unforgettably beautiful.

      • Engage you senses and have a look at all the activities the Island has to offer

      • A wide range of activities are available for adults, children & families. Be active … relax … explore …

      • Click on the links of the menu above on your left to get more information on various activities.

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• • For Sailors

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  • By Boat

    • • • Cruising around Amorgos is a unique experience. Starting from the port of Aegiali going NE, you pass by the desert beaches of Mikri and Megali Vlychada and after that the evocative, rocky coasts of Krikelos and the old mine await you. Continuing on the west you will find the bay of Sparti which is formed by a huge gulch 500m high and further down the coastal strip of Halara.

        • Continuing on a southwestern route you will admire the eastern coasts of the island, pass below the monastery ofHozoviotissa and enjoy the landscape of the famous beach of Agia Anna and Kambi with the clear waters. On the southern part of the island there are the beaches of Mouros and Ammoudi and after you leave the last cape on the western side of the island, you will find the cove and the beach of Kalotaritissa.

        • Sailing towards north now, you will see Paradissia and Kato Kambos and after that you will moor at Katapola having passed by the beaches of Agioi Saranta and Finikes.

        • Near the north entrance of Katapola’s bay there is Plakes with slate rocks and after that there is Martezi and Agios Panteleimonas. Sailing towards Aegiali you will see the beach of Agios Pavlos and on the other side the islet of Nikouria.

        • Ports: There are two ports in Amorgos, Aegiali and Katapola, but the bays where you can moor are much more.

        • -Two statues with female figures welcome you to Katapola (VHF: channel 12). From the side of Agios Panteleimonas, Nafsika is upright on the rock, while on the other side Erato is lying. The bay constitutes an excellent shelter for boats, but it is affected by southwestern to northwestern winds. On the port the seabed is sandy and the anchors take a good grip.

        • -The port of Aegiali (VHF: channel 12) is affected by the south winds and it offers protection from ‘meltemia’ (north strong winds). Apart from the breakwater, it is safe to moor on the northeastern side of the bay. The seabed is muddy.

        • Other anchorages.

        • -Kalotyri-Panagia tis Nikourias: Safe shelter with north to south winds.

        • -Akrotiri or Kato Kambos. Narrow bay in a fjord shape and excellent shelter, protected in all weather conditions.

        • -Kalotaritissa. A very small bay, which is ideal only for short draught boats, with a sandy beach.

        • -Kolofana. The small bay across the islet of Gramvoussa is ideal for anchorage. The seabed is sandy with a depth of 3-4 m.

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  • Gastronomy

• • • • Traditional recipes. The traditional dish of the island is ‘patatato’ – cooked goat meat with potatoes. It is served at restaurants and taverns, but the festival of Agia Paraskevi, in Kato Meria of Amorgos, is where it is consumed in enormous quantities. At the same festival along with other festivals organized on the island, they serve ‘xidato’ as well (soup of offal like tripe). At Easter the housewives cook the “roast of Easter”, which is goat stuffed with rice and offal, dill and rosemary, baked in the oven (or better in a wood burning oven).

      • In Amorgos they make “pavli”, which are rusks of wheat and rye.

      • Beverages.–‘Rakomelo’ and baked raki are synonymous of Amorgos. Rakomelo is raki boiled with honey and some clove which is drunk hot. You will try it in almost all the traditional cafés, the cafés, the bars and the taverns of the island.

      • -Baked raki is a kind of local homemade liqueur. It is made of raki, honey and herbs or dried fruit, in several variants. It is served along with ‘pasteli’, ‘loukoumades’ (fried-dough pastry soaked in sugar syrup), ‘xerotigana’. You can buy bottled baked raki at the stores of Amorgos.

      • -‘Xerotigana’ of Amorgos is a variant of ‘dipla’(honey-dipped pastry), with cinnamon and roasted sesame.

      • -‘Pasteli’, which is served in other Cycladic islands as well, is made of susame and honey. The difference is that in Amorgos they make it softer and they put a small dose of cumin.

      • How the Baked raki is made

      • Amorgos is the only place that produces baked raki. It is served as an appetizer or as a digestive, usually though as a treat in celebrations. In order to produce the baked raki, they put water, sugar or honey, cinnamon, clove –and, optionally, some herbs- in a pot or a small cauldron. After they boil for 30 minutes, raki is poured in. They stir until the sugar or the honey melts, and it is ready.

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• • Info - Travel Tips

    • • • You will come to Amorgos by ship from the port of Piraeus. It anchors in the ports of Katapola and Aegiali.

        • Express Skopelitis based on Katapola, connects the island to the Small Cyclades, Naxos and Santorini.

        • Other ships connect Amorgos to Syros and Naxos.

        • Port Authority of Piraeus

        • +30 210 4147800

        • 14944 (ships itinerary)

        • Port Station of Katapola

        • +30 22850 71259

        • Coast guard of Aegiali

        • +30 22850 73620

        • Town Hall

        • +30 22853 60200

        • Citizens Service Center

        • +30 22850 74100

        • Development Company of Amorgos’s Municipality

        • +30 22850 71257

        • Police Stations

        • Chora: +30 22850 71210

        • Lagada (Aegiali): +30 22850 73320

        • Multi-functional Regional Health Centre of Chora

        • +30 22850 71207

        • Rural Health Clinics

        • Katapola: 22850 71805

        • Aegiali: +30 22850 73222

        • Arkesini: +30 22850 72250

        • Vroutsi: +30 22850 74070

        • Tholaria: +30 22850 73170

        • Useful links

        • www.amorgos.gr

        • www.katapola-amorgos.com

        • www.visitgreece.gr

        • http://odysseus.culture.gr

        • www2.egeonet.gr

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Beaches -

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