Amorgos

1. Welcome to Amorgos island

The beautiful, small island of Amorgos is the most eastern island of the Greek Cyclades island complex, and also the nearest island to the neighboring Dodecanese island complex. Together with several neighboring islets, the largest in size of which is Nikouria Island, it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 km², and a population of 1,859 (2011 census). Amorgos has ferry connections with Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Syros, Donousa, Iraklia, Astypalea and Piraeus.

The most famous religious icon of Amorgos is that in the monastery of Panayia Hozoviotissa, which hangs on an impressive wall that stretches up to a height of 300 meters. The walls of rocks climb out towards the west, where you can find long, beautiful sandy beaches and the island’s two ports, Katapola port and Aegiali port. The traditional picturesque capital town of the island of Amorgos, is known as Chora (many islands name their main town Chora) which has been built on a hill in the center of the island and has been decorated with traditional windmills, white houses, and many old churches that are overlooked by the ancient, imposing castle.

2. Activities on Amorgos

The small island of Amorgos is a very quiet and peaceful choice, there are no loud and adventurous activities but most of the island’s visitors seem to prefer long hikes in the countryside, the hills and mountains, sightseeing, swimming, fishing, snorkeling and sun-bathing. Snorkeling on Amorgos offers the clearest view underwater in the world therefore, swimming and snorkeling is a fantastic way to enjoy your holidays on Amorgos. There are a few car rental agencies available (listed below) and we can also help to arrange a tour of the island via a minibus, just for you or with other people. Our team has a small speedboat available upon request, used to whiz you out to nearby small, uninhabited islands for a day trip, if you feel that life on Amorgos island not enough for you. Various types of activities, barbecues and picnics can be arranged upon request through the travel agencies on the island or with the help of this website.

Some of the more adventurous tourists might like to go diving with the PADI-licensed dive center, located  in Ormos or to spend time climbing the cliffs that offer professionally located climbing routes. Most climbing equipment is supplied for a small fee by the owners of the travel agencies for both of these activities.

There are also yoga and Tai Chi lessons available on Amorgos Island. If you feel like you have overdone the walking or climbing activities, a professional relaxing massage can also be arranged (for more info visit IRIS Amorgos). One time, each week during the summer season, our astrophysicist resident of the island runs unique astronomy courses for visitors of the island. These unique courses have become very popular with tourists. If you wish to view and explore the mountains, countryside and hills without walking all the way, we could arrange special escorted donkey tours for you (depending on the route and the weight of the person interested). On one of the hot, wind free summer days, you could hop onto our local small boat for a tour of the other nearby islands, known as The Small Cyclades Islands, perhaps spend a few hours on Naxos Island.

You might be interested in discovering the old chapels and churches that are located in the middle of nowhere, all over Amorgos, most chapels and churches have evidence of the 5th century BC and many Venetian repairs as well as Byzantine icons can be located, all under the same roof. You will admire the watch towers that derive from the 4th Century AD you might be interested in helping find the two watchtowers that are said to be missing. The locals on the island know their location, but they are still looking for evidence of their existence. The watchtowers and the many caves that are located high up on the steep cliff sides, derive from the years when Amorgos was plagued by the pirates.

If you get some advice on where to look, the whole of the island of Amorgos is very rich with history. Most buildings, chapels, churches, and farmland upon closer inspection, tell us the secrets of the local islanders from centuries ago, many also display old traditions of which some still remain today. The more adventurous visitors might like to go snorkeling along the small, uninhabited island of Nikouria and perhaps discover the underwater city that still exists there and see many ancient clay pots and vases. Some may even come across coins from the mint that once existed there.

We can show you the ‘tip of the iceberg’, the rest is up to you.

You can travel around the island of Amorgos bus, as the bus routes run frequently from Katapola (the port) to the most important town of Amorgos (Chora), then, to and from the famous Monastery and the beach of Ayia Anna to the second port of Amorgos, known as Aigiali also to the area of Kato Meria. The local buses can also take you to the small boats that sail the southern sandy beaches. There are many taxi services and vehicles for rent available for you that prefer exploring the island at your own speed and more privately.

Walking around Amorgos

If you a very relaxing holiday, then you could rent a quiet simple room or holiday house and spend your time near the sea or on the beach.  It is possible to visit all areas on Amorgos by following the 6 main footpaths that connect the port of Aigiali to the famous Monastery of Chozoviotissa and the town of Chora, Katapola and Minoa etc. However, these footpaths are quite long (Aigiali port to Chora is about a 4 hours hike) so we advise you to always have water with you and a hat) if you would like to try out the footpaths, then the best time for hiking is early in the morning as later on, the sun will cause you to suffer). There are quaint wooden signs on the paths that show the names of the destination (in Greek) and you will need some time to make it to your destination.

The buses on Amorgos
Amorgos island is not a big island, in fact it is a small island, however, it is an interesting experience visiting some of the chapels, churches, sites, and beaches. During the summer season, there are many buses that cover the main areas of the island, however, please be sure to check the bus timetables which are located at the kiosks at the bus stops because there are only a few popular routes (off-season most of the routes don’t operate at all).
The main bus routes are:
Katapola port – Chora – Ayios Pavlos – Aigiali
Katapola port – Chora – Monastery – Ayia Anna Beach
Aigiali – Thoralia
Aigiali – Langada
Katapola – Kalotaritissa

Taxis on Amorgos
There are some taxis on the island of Amorgos, most are located at Katapola port and they will gladly take you to Aigiali port or wherever you need to go, We have collected some contact numbers of the taxi drivers on Amorgos: +30 6937883838, +30 6932103077. While visiting Tholaria, this contact number was glued to the bus stop: +30 6973988702 (midnight express)

3. Best beaches on Amorgos

The beach of Ayia Anna on Amorgos is located 3 kilometers away from the main town Chora. Both the small chapel of Saint Anna (Ayia Anna) as well as the beach have the same name. For the visitors who enjoy hiking or trekking, the beach is connected to Chora by a route that starts behind the parking area in Kato Yeetonia and goes through the terraced fields before ending at the sea (1-hour walk). The view of the bay is sure to leave you speechless, it is picturesque, with many rocks scattered all along the blue sea coast. Directly in front of you, you will find the small Megalo Viokastro islet, whereas on your left there is the Mikro Viokastro islet. Both islets are postcard landscapes. On the left, you can catch a glimpse of the Hozoviotissa monastery. The scenery around the monastery is very impressive, it is perfectly set out in a cavity of the Prophet Elijah’s hill; a striking and heart touching vision. The sea, that lies exactly at the foot of the monastery shows all colors from light green to dark blue.

Megali Glifada beach on Amorgos: A large sheltered bay on the northern side of the island, a one hour walk from the village of Tholaria. The path is not visible for all the way, but the beach is long and sandy.

Mikri Glifada on Amorgos: A very small bay located on the northern west side of Tholaria village. A fantastic sandy beach with small pebbles on some parts. It’s just 30 minutes away from Thoria if you are walking, it’s along a rocky path, used by locals who fish. There is incredible wild beauty that can be admired along the path.

Levrossos beach on Amorgos: is another sandy with small pebbles beach near to Agiali. Large tamarisk trees offer shade and shadow on the beach. Officially this is not a nudist beach, but it is common to find nudists on this beach.

Psilli Ammos beach on Amorgos: The third sandiest beach very near to Aegiali, reached to by foot or by the small sailboat which departs from Aegiali port in the summer.

Nikouria beach on Amorgos: Nikouria is a small uninhabited island in front of the bay in Aegiali, popular for its production of coins in antiquity and later on used as a refuge for lepers. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach while there is also a beach bar available for refreshments and food – snacks for visitors. An ideal location for relaxation, snorkeling and fishing and you can also get to the beach by the small sailboat from Aegiali.

Ayios Pavlos beach on Amorgos: Ayios Pavlos is the name of the location on the northern side of Amorgos, just before reaching Aegiali, the location offers a pebble beach, just across from Nikouria island. It is a popular fishing spot, with clear, calm waters.

Halara beach on Amorgos: Located just an hour by foor away from Potamos village near Aegiali, a small paradise covered with flat rocks and crystal clear water.

Maltezi beach on Amorgos: Another sandy beach that offers very fine sand and crystal clear water, it is an organized beach, so you can find deck chairs, sun beds and umbrellas plus a beach bar. This beach can be reached by foot or by the small sail boat from Katapola port.

Ayios Panteleimon: Located close to the port of Katapola, the sandy beach was named after the small chapel that is located above.

Katapola beach on Amorgos: Located in the center of the port of Katapola, a small sandy beach with tall trees that offer shade and many shops and restaurants nearby.

Foinikes beach on Amorgos: A small sandy beach, located on the left side of Katapola port.

Ayioi Saranta: Picturesque sandy beach, just to the left of Katapola port.

Perivollos: A small, sandy beach, on the southern side of Amorgos, just across from the rocky islet “Petalidi”

Kato Kambos: A beautiful small gulf, offering sand and rocks and a small church at the water side. Its location is a walking distance from Kolofana village.

Mourros: Located after the Kamari village, 15 kilometers out of Chora. A pebble beach with crystal clear water, and a traditional tavern that offers drinks and fresh, delicious fish and meat plates as well as a picturesque view.

Paradissia beach: Located 20 kilometers away from Chora, a small sandy beach.

Ammoudi beach:  A small, sandy beach near the area of Arkesini, on the southern part of Amorgos.

Kalotaritissa: Located 22 kilometers away from Chora. The bay and beach of golden sand and transparent clear water, appears before us. The beach is organized with deckchairs and umbrellas available in the summer. A beach bar called the Kanteen offers traditional Greek mezedes and refreshments.

Gramvoussa: Very close to the Kalotiratissa bay, we will see the small islet called Gramvoussa where there is also a picturesque, sandy beach with some pebbles and clear water.

4. Sightseeing on Amorgos

The ancient site of Minoa: The site of Minoa is located just above the port of Katapola, on Moundoulia Hill, In historic and prehistoric times, the ancient site of Minoa used to be among the most most interesting and important centers of human activity and historical life on Amorgos.

According to some archaeological researches and important excavations, it appears that the area around the Minoa city, used to be inhabited throughout the Neolithic era.

The large defensive wall of the Geometric period with all extensions and its bastions which used to surround the Acropolis can still be seen today.

The Gymnasium building of the 4th century BC. still dominates most of the the archaeological site. Foundations of an ancient sanctuary deriving from the Geometric period are kept at the peak of the Acropolis. A Hellenistic temple is located on the far west side that is surrounded by small buildings of worship, the body of a statue that stands alone in the middle of a building is very impressive.

The lavatory which is an interesting building on the southern side of the Gymnasium site, has been very well preserved with the duct cut into a rock.

Venetian Castle – Chora, is the main town Amorgos, it is a small town that is well hidden behind the hills, On the southern east side, there are many windmills whereas the “Kastro” -castle rock stands high above the town, it has been considered to have guarded the town of Chora, since the Venetian occupancy.  The castle or historic rock is 210 feet high and has wedged the small church of Kira Eleous (our Lady of Mercy) for over fifteen centuries, If you go up the narrow stone staircase that is inside the rock, stairs leads to the small St. George Chapel, which is preserved by a low gate. Surrounding the base of the rock are many ancient stone buildings and forty small chapels of spectacular architecture.

Kato Lakkos – Katos Lakkos (Under hole) is an ancient cistern which was used to supply the population with water and whose original use corresponded with the first organized habitation of Chora in the early Byzantine era.

Theologos – A very important early- Byzantine Monastery, one and half hour’s walk from the village of Lagada in Aegiali. It has been built upon the site of an ancient temple eith picturesque environmental surroundings. Twice a year ( on the 8th May and the 26th September) the monastery celebrates with traditional festivals and markets. Above the monastery of Theologis, if you follow the path, it will lead you to the Stavros (cross) church, another area that touches the boundaries of reality.

Ayios Georgios Valsamitis – Another picturesque monastery, located on the road that connects Chora to Kato Meria, surrounded by nature and environment. Here, a spring with a long history still flows. Years ago, the spring-supported many extensive gardens. Since the year 1700, the juicy Valsamitis grapes were quite famous. Valsamitis, is well known in the nautical world, especially during the year of Turkish occupancy for its prophetic qualities water from the spring.

Ayia Triada – Similar to Panayia Hozoviotissa, hanging on a rock under an overhang, the small chapel of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity) lays. It was built during the piracy years and used as an hiding place for the population of Aegiali.  Just a five minutes walk from the village of Lagada, overlooking the whole area of Tholaria,  Lagada, and the countryside of Aegiali, including the port. A Spring festival takes place each year, 50 days after the Greek Orthodox Easter.

Ancient Altar – From the small vllage of “Stroumbo”, the village of “12 houses and 13 ovens”, built on the rocks above the ravine, there is a view to the small Prophet Elijah chapel, built on the very edge of a sheer cliff rising out of the deepest part of the ravine.. This rugged spot is an early Cycladic site, and a few feet from the chapel, are the remains of an ancient sacrificial site carved out of the rock. Hikers can enjoy a wonderful view of the whole wide bay of Aegialis, Nikouria island, Lagada, and Tholaria in the distance which makes an enchanting backdrop.

Hellenistic Tower (Pyrgos) – In Arkesini, South Amorgos, the most important ancient monument can be seen. Even though the tower is half ruined it still dominates the plain standing beside the church of the same name. Built in the 4th century B.C. from large four-cornered blocks, it protected the large rural population and the fertile expanses of the area, as it had small windows, a water cistern, and a plumbing system.

The Archaeological museum on Amorgos – Located right in the middle of the town of Chora is the Gabra tower, a Venetian architecture building that dates back to the 16th century. The archaeological museum of Amorgos is located in the tower. Findings from many archaeological excavations from the areas around Aigiali port, Arsekini and Minoa have been housed in the museum. Many sculptures, statues, pottery and more can be admired.  Most items date back to the archaic period, from the 6th century BC. and some from Roman times, the 2nd century AD.

The Ecclesiastical Museum on Amorgos: The collection of heirlooms from the monastery of the Virgin Mary of Hosoviotissas contains wonderful examples of Byzantine ecclesiastical art. They include icons, liturgical items and vestments, wooden crosses, Gospels, communion cups and many everyday objects. There is also the famous collection of manuscripts, numbering in their hundreds, which date from the 10th to the 18th century.

Vigla: Opposite the village Tholaria., on Vigla hill ridge, overlooking the small bay of Mikri Glyfada., was the acropolis of ancient Aegialis. The biggest sculpture of the Cycladic Age was found at this area.

5. Villages and settlements on Amorgos

Chora, the capital of Amorgos is a medieval mountain village 400 meters above the sea surrounded by windmills. Chora is dominated by a 13th century Venetian castle, the historic rock has had built into it for more than fifteen centuries the church of Kera Leousa (Lady of mercy).  To walk in Chora is like stepping in the dream of the perfect Greek village with its narrow winding alleys, whitewashed houses, charming squares and a lot of beautiful churches. You have also a big selection of nice and cozy taverns, cafe and shops.  The village is near to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and the beach of Ayia Anna with its clear waters.

Katapola is the main port of Amorgos, this beautiful region is divided in three settlements called Katapola, Rahidi, and Xilokeratidi. Along the waterfront, it’s lined with cafes, taverns, and moorings for fishing boats and visiting sailing boats. In the middle of the bay, you have a small sandy beach, you can also walk or take the bath boat to some of the other nice beaches in the area. On the hill above Katapola, the excavations of the ancient city of Minoa are of great interest and in the small hamlet of Rahidi you find the church of Agios Georgios. Xilokeratidi opposite of the port is the most picturesque part of the bay with its pretty narrow streets and its traditional taverns.

Langada is located in the north part of Amorgos and is one of the three picturesque hillside villages in Aegiali Bay. Surrounded by mountains and with beautiful walking paths full or herbs and flowers. Langada is a genuine Greek village with narrow alleys, traditional whitewashed houses, and small churches. The traditional customs exist in everyday life and you will get the opportunity to take part in Greek daily life.

Tholaria is a picturesque mountain village whit narrow alleys and traditional whitewashed houses. Surrounded by mountains and with beautiful walking paths full or herbs and flowers. Here you get a unique opportunity to take part in the Greek village life. The locals still live mostly from traditional trades and they are well known for their hospitality. Just outside the village is Vigla, the acropolis of the ancient city of Aegiali. The village has several cafes and taverns where they serve food from local products in a very nice and friendly atmosphere. Tholaria is for instance known to have the best fava (lentils) growth in the whole of Greece because of the soil.

6. The history and mythology of Amorgos

Because the island of Amorgos was located opposite from ancient coastal Ionikes cities like Miletus, Ephesus, and Alikarnassos, It was one of the first stations from which the Ionians passed in the Cyclades, and then to the mainland of Greece.
The existence of three independent cities with autonomous constitution and the same coins which are still preserved, the size and the art of city walls Arkesinis, ancient towers whose skeletons were raised today over the island, ancient tombs, stone tools the inscriptions, vases and other antiquities are powerful proof of its prosperity Amorgianou culture in antiquity.

Amorgos has previously been mentioned by the names Yperia, thunder or clap, Pagali, psychiatric and Karkisia. Section of the island was called Aspis where a shrine of the celestial Venus was located. From ancient Minoan name is assumed that the length of Amorgos was also a colony of Cretans. Also, according to Suidas and inscriptions, the island was inhabited by Samians (people from Samos) led by Simmia. By the time the name of Amorgos altered to Amolgon,  Amourgon,  Amorgian, and Amourgian. From the fifth century found the name Amoulgos by Bishop Theodore who signed at a meeting in Constantinople, as Theodore Bishop Parian, Sifnos, and Amoulgion. O Scylax (circumnavigation of the Cyclades islands) refers to it as Tripoli. The names of three cities which give Stephen is Arkesini Byzantium, ancient Minoan, or Melanie Aigiali which according to the inscriptions is the most accurate.  The three cities are located on the east coast of the island because there are only appropriate inlets and natural harbors that could provide suitable locations for the establishment and maintenance of coastal towns and forts.

The so-called Aigiali was on the north-east coast near the current locations and  Tholaria Stroumvos and continues to exist until today, the ancient Minoan city on the North side close to current Katapola and Arkesini near today’s bottom side in the box Castle.
From excavations and findings, especially cemeteries judge that the presence of Amorgos in prehistoric times was particularly strong during the first period of the Cycladic culture (3200 to 2000 BC).

The ancient Minoan city could be considered a colony of Crete, but if the name is ancient Minoan Greek, would represent cities that were founded in later periods, in areas topo the toucan expansion of Cretan power. The three cities were colonies of Samos, but is likely to be an ancient Minoan Samian colony, the colony Aigiali Milision and Arkesini of Naxion. These three cities flourished in ancient times and had great commercial and naval power.

Apotelousan Commonwealth until the second half of the fourth century BC, while that is why the fiscal lists of the first Athenian alliance in Delos, the inhabitants of all the cities mentioned by name Amorgos.
The 322 BC, while the area was Nafmachia of Amorgos, which was the last Lamian war between the Athenians and the Macedonians of Alexander the Great Generals Antipatro, Leonnato and Kratero.

Then the Athens lost forever naval power. H Amorgos became famous for the robes called Amorgeia or Amorgina or Amorgides which was very transparent and left almost naked body and the peculiar red color. The tunics out and Lysistrata by Aristophanes once the Lysistrata encourages women to wear them to cause the love of men.
The robes are made of high-quality linen originating from lichen Roccela tinctoria or Roccela Phicopsis Ach, which was abundant on the island and used by Angliki industry until the early 20th century.

Amorgos is the home of the poet’s so-called Simonidi iamvopoiou, which was the largest and iamvografos elegeiografos of Hellenic ancient lyric poetry. During historic times the island was under the hegemony of the Romans who pay an annual tax talent. In Roman times the Amorgos was an exile.

During the Byzantine period Amorgos did not flourish and joined administratively to the Province of Nison, which was the capital of Rhodes, and the church was connected with the islands of Paros and Sifnos. Various plots Franks was the first island occupied by Andreas Ieremia and Giza in 1207. Later came the first Marco Sanudo and beyond in the hands of the emperor of Nicaea John Batatzi until 1269 when the island was given back to the Giza Ieremia, who reorganized the defense of Amorgos in the construction of the Frankish castle in today’s country whose ruins still survive today and increased the colonization of the deserted island. After the death of this and its successor, the island was occupied by the Duke of Naxos William D Sanudo and attached to the Duchy of the Aegean (1309). H occupation of the island was by Nafarcho Domeniko Skiadas under the command of William D Sanudo, whose coat of arms (a lion holding a flag) is the monastery of Xozoviotisas. 1352 is distributed in Amorgos Marco Grimanis and family Skiavon of Oiou but later section of Skiavon ceded back to the family of Giza by Nikolaos Sanudo.
However, despite the stability of the sovereignty of the house Grimanis half of the island, the sovereignty of the House of Giza experienced swings.
H participation Zannaki of A. Giza in the revolt of the Venetian colony of Crete against Venice (1363) caused the intervention of the Venetians occupied the fleet, Amorgos. H Venice held the sovereignty of the 1 / 4 of the island and gave the other a fourth condition in the family Giza, while imposing and dominance in the area of the island belonged to the house Grimanis.

Meanwhile, the island suffered badly from the pirates, so that Amorginoi fleeing their homeland and took refuge in Crete.
Later lord of Astypalaia Kouirini John became the owner of part of the island that belonged to Venice and the house of Giza, and in 1446 bought a large area of the house Grimanis and eventually became chief of the whole island. The constant raids of the Turks and Katalanon caused devastation throughout the island which eventually conquered by the Turk Nafarcho Xairentin Barvarosa (1537) in accordance with the terms of
Franco-Turkish treaty for the expulsion of the Venetians in the East. H Veneto-Turkish Treaty (1540) made the Turkish sovereignty over the island since the total count of Astypalaia could not maintain his claim to Amorgos.

After placing the island’s sovereignty Tourkiki most of the inhabitants of Amorgos Beneto kratoumeni fled to Crete. The Turks in 1550 gave the economic exploitation of Amorgos in 3000 instead of John Diakos piasters.

The following year, the residents sought and succeeded to make their own collection of revenues of the island and the Turks pay the annual amount of 3200 piasters. The relative safety conditions that have prevailed had the effect anasynoikismo the island in 1580, and in the late 17th century the population of Amorgos reached its 1500 inhabitants.

Administration fell under the Ottoman fleet Nafarcho, but the Frankish community institutions maintained. Tin administration on the island had a Kasteliannos with three receivers (elders judges were particularly the judiciary) and grammar.

H spiritual development of Amorgos seems to follow slowly and only in 1751 indicate the establishment of the Hellenic school of the Monastery of Ayia Marina. At the same time around the barren soil and lack of adequate resources has forced a substantial part of the economically active population immigrated to Constantinople in coastal cities of Asia Minor. In the Orlofika Amorgos occupied by the Russians, who remained until 1774 but the inhabitants kept their internal autonomy. The 1797 the island suffered major damage from raids of bandits Mani.
During the Russians-Tourkiki conflict in the 1806 Amorgos is dominated by the Russians Nafarcho Seniavin. Since 1808 after the departure of the Russians, the island was for some years under the protection of Anglikis Naftikis squadron in the Mediterranean. H Amorgos joined the revolution of 1821 very quickly.

The island hosted many refugees from Greece Hpeirotiki culminating in 1824 when there were major problems with overcrowding. In 1822 the government sent the Attorney General Metaxas to oversee the administrative and fiscal organization of the island. The Amorgianoi retained the right to elect the same as before the judges, who judged alongside the appointed prefect. After his arrival in Greece Kapodistrias class finally restored and established mutual learning school. H Amorgos was formally part of the first Hellenic state with the Treaty of Kalenter Kioski of 9/7/1832.

During the dictatorship of I. Metaxas, the island was a place of exile for political opponents of the regime.

AMORGOS AND THE PIRATES

Like all Cyclades islands of Amorgos and thus suffered from the ancient times from piracy.
In the 3rd century, BC was a terrible night raid pirates on the island and grab about 30 women, children, and a ship. Two young
Amorgianoi captives Hgisippos Antipappos and managed to persuade the leader of the pirates to free the captives compatriots without being teased and the City decided to crown.
The resolution recognized the Dionysiac Games and was written in a column in the temple of Athena Polias.
The resolution was as follows:

Edoxen the parliament and now dimo Sotiridis Feidios

One of the newest most terrible raids was that of
Maniaton in 1797 led by Captain Stekouli which became
folk song:

Birds do not sing, the trees not anthite,
of Amorgos much to the misfortune lypithite,
where life never hoped to conquer
Maniatais, dogs name, and to destroy.
Be present clothes, and blankets of, 5
and all of the molluscs, and the quilts.
Santorinin went in and affected the boat
and boasting that they had wind of Amorgianoi.
And through midnight came and crushed,
clothes of influence, and exegymnosan, 10
without xefroun eidisin, without holding,
tais toufekais heard and started running.
His deacon Nike took it countless Flora,
Where edialexen from Benetian.
Epiran and tais pragmatiais, where he ‘had in the attic,
and not left anything or t ‘chariot.
His son Pefentariou I went to cotton,
and I went to his house, and he did konaki,
and took the clothes, the tzavaerika,
mirrors and other things opoutan special implementation of. 20
And Stou Papa Nicholas trexasi to pan him crushed,
and in the mind of life had to kill him.
And they took his clothes, things of all
And then is seeking to find the white of the country.

HAPPENINGS WITH PIRATES AND FOLK TRADITION

The scent
Ascending from the port of Aigiali near Langada rises
a huge rock. So this is a story:
Amerimnoi Gialiotes are working in their fields when there were suddenly among the olive trees pirates. A shepherd who first saw the notice to the flute, the inhabitants to hide. At that ran to take refuge in the chapel of Ag. Trinity, an impregnable fortress that position. Maniasmenoi pirates lifted a rock and crushed the shepherd. Since then this part comes a sweet smell, and the location is called Myrizontas.

THE MIRACLE OF THE KALOTAPITISSAS
In plain Kalotaritissas many women and men mowed insouciantly. Among them, a moromana suckling her baby and playing in anemokounia. Suddenly crushed pirates. All women scattered away to find their husbands except moromana. Despite the entreaties of the pirates took the ship without her baby, and went out to sea. Passing in front of a church that so often had lit the lamp, the moromana prayed for salvation. Then was the miracle. The ship remained motionless. Neither forward nor back. The pirates were scared, they realized what happened, went back to the bay and left his wife free.

OI DYO GYNAIKES KAI TO TPAGOUDI TOYS – The two women and their songs
Pirates in Paradise pulled and spread of looting. They went in Kato Meria in Kolofana, but residents were warned, they ran and hid. The men meanwhile set up to trap pirates in Paradise. Nychtose and as they lit bonfires, pirates (signal board to send boats to take them) are Amorgianoi attacked from everywhere, most killed and very few escaped falling into the sea. Two pirates who hid in the caves of Paradise escaped this morning going down the bay of Kato Kampos found two women in the fields and took them, prisoner. In the Kavos Troulla saw their boat rides to cut off, and it did signal the boat and took them along with women. One of them was with her and her baby. The women arriving in Kavos the Bulgarians of the deserted islands of Kerou, inconsolable crying. The pirates have fun boredom put the women to sing by force.

He first sang:

Beautiful tell the galley and sails beautifully
beautiful and tell the crew and the one who provides

He second sang:

Kounia kuna my child, a cot lullaby
if you seek them, and tit, lean and visage it.

O captain of a pirate flattered by the song of the first and the other felt pity to hear the pain from the second song. He turned and left the two women in the Kavos Troulli.

7. Rent a car on Amorgos

The best choice to enjoy the island is to rent a car or a bike and visit every corner easily and with no stress about bus timetables. There are some great beaches that you can visit only by car. Many people like small quad bikes. There aren’t many roads to get confused in Amorgos but there are always signs on the intersection to know where you going, the historic sites are mentioned on special brown signs.

Here are some recommended rental agencies on Amorgos!

Tomaso Rent a Car
Address: Katapola harbor, Amorgos
Phone: +30 2285 071000
Website

FM Rent a Car Amorgos
katapola
Tel: +30 2285 071048
Website

Evdokia’s car and bike rental
Tel: +30 2285 073050
Website

Bus station on Amorgos: +30 22850 71514 / +30 22850 73003 / +30 22850 71253

Taxi station on Amorgos: +30 22850 71255 / +30 22850 73003 / +30 22850 73266

8. Useful information about Amorgos island

Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Greek Cyclades island group and the nearest island to the neighboring Dodecanese Island group. Along with several neighboring islets, the largest of which is Nikouria Island, it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 km², and a population of 1,859 (2001 census). Amorgos has ferry connections with Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Syros, Donousa, Iraklia, Astypalea and Piraeus.

The most famous religious icon of Amorgos is that in the monastery of Panayia Hozoviotissa, which hangs on an impressive wall that stretches up to a height of 300 meters. The rocky walls smooth out towards the west, where you find beautiful sandy beaches and the island’s two ports, Katapola and Aegiali. The picturesque capital known as Chora is built on a hill in the center of the island and is decorated with windmills, white houses, and many old churches overlooked by the imposing castle.

The geography of Amorgos: Due to Amorgos’ position opposite the ancient beaches of Ionian towns, such as Militos, Alikarnassos, and Ephesos, it became one of the first places from which the Ionians passed through to the Cyclades Islands and onto the Greek mainland. The existence of three independent cities, preserved to this day, with autonomous constitution and the same currency, the size and artistic works of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, the ancient towers whose remains are scattered all over the island, the ancient tombs, the stone tools, the inscriptions, the vases and other antiquities are all powerful proof of the size of Amorgos’ ancient civilization.

Amorgos is also known as Yperia, Patagy, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia and Karkisia. Part of the island is named Aspis, where the ancient temple of the goddess Aphrodite stood. Due to the name Minoa we suspect that Amorgos had been colonized by the Cretans from ancient times, but there are no archeological remains supporting this view. In approximately 630 BC, the poet Semonides led the foundation of a Samian colony on Amorgos. With the passing of time, the island’s name changed to Amolgon, Amourgon, Amorgian, and Amourgian. After the 5th century, one can also find the name Amoulgos from Bishop Theodore who signed a Synod in Constantinople, as Theodore the Bishop of Parion, Sifnion, and Amoulgion. Skilax mentions it as Tripoli (the circumnavigation of the Cyclades Islands). It was known as “Yamurgi” during Ottoman rule between the years 1566-1829. A very powerful earthquake (7,5 on the Richter scale) on 9 July 1953 resulted in the death of 53 people.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON AMORGOS

Main police station on Amorgos	+30 22850 71210
Port Police on Amorgos	+30 22850 71259
Hospital / Health center on Amorgos	+30 22850 71805 / +30 22850 71207
Fire department on Amorgos	+30 199
Tourist information office on Amorgos	+30 22850 74100
Ambulance on Amorgos	+30 22850 71207
Tourist police on Amorgos	+30 22850 74100
Taxi station on Amorgos	+30 22850 71255 / +30 22850 73003 / +30 22850 73266
Bus station on Amorgos	+30 22850 71514 / +30 22850 73003 / +30 22850 71253
Water taxi on Amorgos	+30 69 74 01 80 65
Pharmacy on Amorgos	+30 22850 71400
Municipality of Amorgos	+30 22853 60200
Post office on Amorgos	+30 22850 71250
Private doctor on Amorgos

 

SIGHTSEEING ON AMORGOS

The ancient site of Minoa: The Ancient site of Minoa, located on Moundoulia Hill, just above the main port of Amorgos, Katapola, used to be one of the most important and interesting centers of human activity and life on the island of Amorgos throughout historic and prehistoric times. According to archaeological research and the important discoveries from excavations, it appears that the region around the city, Minoa, was inhabited during the Neolithic era.

The defensive wall from the Geometric period with its extensions and bastions which surrounded the Acropolis can still be made out.
The long 4th century B.C. building of the Gymnasium dominates the archaeological site.

The foundations of an old sanctuary from the Geometric period have been preserved at the peak of the Acropolis. The Hellenistic temple on the far left, surrounded by smaller buildings of worship is impressive with the body of a statue standing alone in the middle. A characteristic building on the south side of the Gymnasium site is the lavatory which has been preserved almost intact with its duct cut into the rock. There is a Hellenistic temple, which is delimited by less significant altars of worship. There is also a body of a statue erected in the middle of the area and it looks pretty imposing as well as a lavatory, at the south end of the gymnasium.

Venetian Castle – Chora the capital of Amorgos, is a small town hidden behind the mountains, At its south-eastern edge, the hill is crowded with the old windmills. The “Kastro” -castle rock rises out of the village, as a guardian of Chora, over the years since the Venetian occupancy. The historic rock with a height of 210 feet wedges for more than fifteen centuries the church of Kera Leousa (our Lady of mercy), the oldest one in Chora, A narrow stone staircase in the rock, leads to the small St. George Church from which the entrance to the fortress with its preserved low gate is. Around the rock’s base,
spread the old stone buildings and forty churches of very interesting architecture.

Kato Lakkos – is a medieval cistern, which supplied the population with water and whose initial use corresponded with the first organized habitation of Chora in the early Byzantine era. Today’s cavy form was taken during the Venetian domination, in the 15th century.

Theologos – A very important early- Byzantine Monastery, one and half hour’s walk from Lagada village in Aegialis. It is built on the site of an ancient temple at a very unique natural surrounding. Twice a year ( May 8th & Sept.26th) there are authentic traditional festivals at Theologos..
Higher up, the path leads between rifts and along amazing precipices, to Stavros church, one more place touching on the boundaries of reality.

Ayios Georgios Valsamitis – A beautiful monastery, located on the right-hand side on the road connecting Chora to Kato Meria, surrounded by dense vegetation. Here, the spring with its long history and folklore still flows. In former times, the spring-supported extensive gardens. Since 1700, the delicious juicy grapes of Valsamitis, were quite famous. Valsamitis, was well known in the nautical world, during the year of Turkish occupancy for the prophetic qualities of the spring.

Ayia Triada – Hanging on a ledge under an overhang, the small Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) church, reminds of the position and appearance of Hozoviotissa. It was built during the years of piracy and it was used as an occasional hiding place for the Aegialis population. It is only 5 minutes walk from Lagada village and overlooks the whole area of Tholaria, Lagada, and the valley of Aegialis with the port. There is a spring festival every year, 50 days after Greek Easter.

Ancient Altar – From “Stroumbo”, the village of “12 houses and 13 ovens”, built on the rocks above the ravine, there is a view to the small Prophet Elijah chapel, built on the very edge of a sheer cliff rising out of the deepest part of the ravine.. This rugged spot is an early Cycladic site, and a few feet from the chapel, are the remains of an ancient sacrificial site carved out of the rock. Hikers can enjoy a wonderful view of the whole wide bay of Aegialis, Nikouria island, Lagada, and Tholaria in the distance which makes an enchanting backdrop.

Hellenistic Tower (Pyrgos) – In Arkesini, South Amorgos, the most important ancient monument can be seen. Even though the tower is half ruined it still dominates the plain standing beside the church of the same name. Built in the 4th century B.C. from large four-cornered blocks, it protected the large rural population and the fertile expanses of the area, as it had small windows, a water cistern, and a plumbing system.

The Archeological museum on Amorgos: The tower of Gabras is located in the center of Chora. It is a building of Venetian architecture, dating back to the 16th century. Today this tower functions as a museum. Finds from archaeological excavations around the towns of Aigiali, Arsekini and Minoa are housed here. Sculptures, statues, bas-reliefs, pottery and so on are on exhibition. They date back to the archaic period, 6th century B.C. and up to Roman times, 2nd century A.D.

The Ecclesiastical Museum on Amorgos: The collection of heirlooms from the monastery of the Virgin Mary of Hosoviotissas contains wonderful examples of Byzantine ecclesiastical art. They include icons, liturgical items and vestments, wooden crosses, Gospels, communion cups and many everyday objects. There is also the famous collection of manuscripts, numbering in their hundreds, which date from the 10th to the 18th century.

Vigla: Opposite the village Tholaria., on Vigla hill ridge, overlooking the small bay of Mikri Glyfada., was the acropolis of ancient Aegialis. The biggest sculpture of the Cycladic Age was found in this area.

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