Amorgos

In ancient times, Amorgos had various names such as Pagali, Psyhia, Karkisia, and Melania. During the 3rd millennium BCE, the Cycladic civilization left its traces on the island with its famous Cycladic idols. This was followed by the Mycenaean civilization, and later the island was settled by Miletians from Asia Minor and Naxians. Amorgos participated in the First Athenian Alliance. From the 3rd to the 2nd century BCE, there was a continuous change of guardians of the island, depending on the Macedonians, Ptolemies, Samians, Rhodians, and Romans. During the Hellenistic period, the customs of that time prevailed, and in the 4th century CE, the ancient worship sites underwent Christianization.

During the period of Iconoclasm, the Wonderworking Icon of Panagia Hozoviotissa arrived on the island from Palestine. In 1088, Emperor Alexios Komnenos renovated the Monastery. Following that, the period of Ottoman rule followed, during which there was economic prosperity and ecclesiastical revival in Amorgos. In 1822, Amorgos became the seat of a Province under the newly established Greek state. In 1829, with funding from the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, one of the first Greek schools was built. After World War II, the population of Amorgos declined due to internal and external migration of Amorgians. In the past 20 years, tourism has experienced rapid growth on the island.

• Agia Anna: This beach is the most famous and photographed on the island. It consists of a small cove with sand and steep cliffs, below the Monastery of Hozoviotissa. The cliffs act as natural diving boards into the cold, crystal-clear waters of the sea.
• Agios Pavlos: This beach is considered one of the most exotic in Amorgos and is located a short distance from the islet of Nikouria (approximately 300 meters). It combines sand and white pebbles, while a part of it forms a "nose" of land that sinks into the turquoise waters. The waters are calm and ideal for families with children and for fishing.
• Mouro: This small cove features gray sandy beach and fine black pebbles, surrounded by imposing cliffs. The stunning turquoise and refreshing waters complement the impressive landscape, while at the edge of the beach, there are two underwater caves, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Levrossos: This beach is a paradise with golden fine sand and shallow, crystalline waters, located at the northernmost point of Amorgos. A small tamarisk tree provides natural shade. The beach is protected by steep hills and is an ideal refuge for those seeking isolation and tranquility.
• Maltezi: This beach is located in the northwestern part of Amorgos, near Katapola. It features golden fine sand and azure waters, and it serves as an ideal shelter from strong weather phenomena due to the protection provided by the winds. It is relatively organized with a beach bar and some sunbeds.

If you head towards the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, you will be rewarded with the stunning view of the Aegean. This monastery is one of the most significant attractions on the island. It is white and built at the base of an imposing vertical cliff. Passing through the narrow door, you will climb the monastery's 8 floors, with a width of just 5 meters, to reach the Catholicon, where you will see the Byzantine icons of Panagia Hozoviotissa.

The beach of Agia Anna is located on a winding road. From above, you can enjoy the deep blue of the Aegean, which seems to stretch endlessly. It is infinite, just as emphasized in the film "The Big Blue" by Luc Besson, which was filmed here. The beach has clear and transparent waters, as well as little cliffs that allow you to dive into one of the most impressive beaches in the Cyclades.

The Chora (main town) and castle of Amorgos stand out above the Cycladic houses, showcasing the island's Byzantine and Venetian past. The Chora is naturally protected by rocks and bears witness to the presence of Byzantines and Venetians. If you climb up to the castle, you will enjoy an unforgettable view. From there, you can admire the beautiful Voreina neighborhood with its houses, wells, and threshing floors. You will also see the semi-ruined windmills on the ridge of Troulos, as well as the shops and cafes in PlatyStenon. In the square of Kalogerikos mill, you will find one of the most beautiful "balconies in the Aegean."

Enjoy the atmosphere and have fun with some raki and traditional music in the taverns and cafés of the island. There, locals pick up instruments like the violin and lute and spontaneously organize festive gatherings.Stay up late with refreshing cocktails and enjoy jazz melodies under the stars at the beach bars of Aegiali.

Take an afternoon stroll in PlatyStenon, the main paved path, and the "backbone" of the Chora, where you will find dozens of cafeterias, bars, taverns, and picturesque shops. Don't forget to visit the chapel of Agia Triada in Lagkada, a small white structure of just 6 square meters, located on the vertical cliff of the castle.