Amorgos Luxury Vacations

Things to do in Amorgos

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  Hozoviotissa Monastery

  One of the top sites on Amorgos, this 11th-century monastery, the second oldest in the country, is a glistening white structure made up of eight different levels set on the rocky cliff overlooking the sea along the island’s east coast below Chora. One of the most impressive destinations in all of Greece, it’s worth climbing the 350 steps along the rock staircase to view it up close and take in the jaw-dropping view over the Aegean. The monks serve visitors the local liqueur, psimeni raki.

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  Beaches

  Some of the best beaches to visit include Aghia Anna, the closest to Chora. It’s known for being featured in “The Big Blue” as well as for its dramatic, photogenic looks. The largest beach on the island is Aegiali, it follows the shape of an arch and offers soft sand edged by crystal-clear waters for swimming, located near the port of Aegiali. Other popular stretches include Aghios Panteleimonas, Maltezi and Aghios Pavlos. The latter is just across from the islet of Nikouria which hosts two gorgeous sandy beaches that can be accessed by boat, with regular crossings during the summer.

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  Snorkeling and diving

  The Amorgos Diving Center offers scuba diving trips and snorkelling excursions that will bring you to experience stunning underwater architecture and a variety of marine life. There are octopus, which have their own special sanctuary made using clay pots; damsel fish, moray eels, barracuda, sponges and more.

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  Hiking trails

  The island is ideal for hiking, crisscrossed with many different trails. A short and easy one-hour trek along the Fotodotis route leads from the northern part of Chora to Katapola. It passes several chapels, an oasis with springs and lush vegetation, and meanders through an olive grove. A moderate three-hour walk along Itonia begins in Lefkes, connecting two ancient cities, Minoa and Arkesini. You’ll pass important archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, canyons and chapels.

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  The Chora

  Wander through the Chora, the town of Amorgos, one of the most beautiful island capitals, and authentically Cycladic. It’s filled with alluring alleyways, water fountains and churches. The Venetian tower, Gavras Tower, is believed to date to the 16th century and houses the Amorgos Archaeological Collection. Located in the reception hall of the restored building, the exhibits date from the 6th century BC to Roman times and include statues, sculptures, weapons, tools, ceramics and various relics. Nearly all were found in the island’s three ancient towns.