Amorgos - Cyclades (Greece)
Amorgos. Amorgos is the easternmost Cycladic island. It lies between the islands of Naxos and Kos in the Aegean Sea. It is an elongated island, with a length of 33 kilometers (20.5 mi). The width of the island varies between one and six kilometers (less than 1 mi to less than 4 mi). About 2,000 people live on Amorgos. Most of them work in tourism, fishing, agriculture and animal husbandry.
The name of the island, Amorgos, comes from a plant called “amorgis,” a kind of flax that was once used to make the famous tunics of Amorgos. Amorgos is a mountainous island. Its highest mountain, Krikelos, lies to the east and is 821 meters (2,700 feet) high. Many hills and valleys dot the island. The east is rocky, while the west is less rugged and is where most of the small bays are located. The island has two ports, Katapola (in the southwest) and Aigiali (in the northwest). Both ports are in deep bays on the west coast.
The island is very popular among island hoppers and walkers. The island is especially attractive to hikers because mountain paths connect each village to the next.
Photo Gallery Amorgos - Photos of Cyclades
Sights and tips Amorgos
- The ancient Minoa, which was founded by the Minoans of Crete, sits on a hill near the port of Katapola. In ancient times, the area was home to an Apollo temple. On top of the ruins of this temple an early Christian basilica was built and later the church of Panagia Katapoliani (Holy Mother of Katapola).
- The Venetian castle in Amorgos town.
- The Byzantine monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa built against the wall of a cliff 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet) above sea level near Amorgos town. The miraculous icon of the Holy Mother is in this monastery and every year on November 21 there is public festival in honor of Mary.
- The Monastery of Aghios Georgios Valsamitis built on the spot where, in ancient times, there was a water oracle.
- The gorge of Araklos at Langada.
- Walking through the marked mountain trails that cover the whole island.
Weather forecast Amorgos
How to reach Amorgos
Amorgos is accessible by ferry from Piraeus, and also with the following ports: Astypalea, Iraklia, Kos, Koufonissi, Leros, Naxos, Paros, Patmos, Rhodes and Schinoussa.
Amorgos beaches
There are many beautiful beaches on Amorgos. Some of them are accessible by car or motor bike, others are only accessible by boat or by foot. Most popular is the beach of Aigiali, which also has a campground. A very famous beach is the beach of Aghia Anna because scenes from the movie "The Big Blue" were shot here. Other popular beaches are Katapola, Kalotaritissa, Mouros, Vlichada (Mikri and Megali Glyfada) Levrossos, Nikouria, Perivolas, Ormos Liverou and Aghios Pavlos.
Local specialties
Pasteli (sesame with honey), fava (split peas), honey, wine and liqueurs. For more about Amorgos, see amorgion.gr
Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer
Photos Amorgos - Amorgos pictures
Amorgos in other languages
Amorgos (GriekseGids.nl)
Amorgos (GriekseGids.be)
Amorgos (JustGreece.com)Amorgos: Where on the map is Amorgos located?
