A Hidden Gem of the Aegean
A breathtaking Greek island known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled charm. With its iconic monasteries, scenic hiking trails, and authentic Cycladic beauty, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Exploring Amorgos
The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa
The monastery, perched on steep cliffs overlooking the sea, was built in 1088 and renovated by Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos. It stands as a testament to human faith and resilience, with 300 steps leading visitors to its entrance, each step symbolizing a journey through time. The monastery’s origins trace back to a miraculous discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have arrived from Chosovo (near Jericho, Palestine) during Christian persecutions in the 9th century. Legend holds that the Virgin Mary herself chose the location for the monastery.
Over the years, the monastery underwent renovations and whitewashing, which obscured some of its early history. During the Venetian rule (1296-1537), many changes and expansions were made, leaving traces of Western influence. Even under Turkish rule (1537-1824), the monastery flourished. Its wealth allowed it to secure religious freedom through bribes to Turkish Pashas. At its height, the monastery owned shares in several islands, including Crete, Naxos, Paros, and Astipalaia, as well as smaller, desert islands like Kero, Nikouria, and Grampoussa.
The monastery’s awe-inspiring beauty, nestled in a rugged, wild landscape, continues to evoke admiration, a memorial to the enduring human spirit and devotion to faith.
The Building
The monastery’s simple, austere design blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. At 40 meters long and 5 meters wide, it features narrow rocky steps connecting its 8 floors. Built with flint from Milos and wood, the structure reflects the presence of local forests, particularly cypress trees. Inside, it houses the monks’ cells, treasury, kitchen, ovens, storage rooms, cellars, and wells. Though the furnaces and cookhouses are no longer in use, the treasury opens on November 21st for the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. In 1977, three small cells were combined to display the monastery’s heirlooms, along with citrus and marshmallow treats for visitors.
The Movie
All it took were some scenic plans from Luc Besson, specifically a panoramic view of the Monastery for viewers to be fascinated. The movie and the plot were lost in memories of film festivals, the heroes faded and were forgotten, but people were met with one of the rarest, most moving and powerful places in the world.
When you come across a peaceful sea and get a birds eye view from the Monastery, then the expression “the big blue” is not just a cliche, it is something more than that. It is you.
Beaches
Aegiali Beach, Τhis is the biggest beach on the island and has soft sand and clear waters. It is ideal for anyone with children. A swim can be accompanied with coffee seeing as there are cafeterias lining the beach. There is easy access by foot to the beach of Levrossos or by boat from the port.
Levrossos, one of the nicest beaches of Amorgos, in Aegialis area.
Levrossos is a sandy beach with very clear water surrounded by lush green gardens. It is unofficially a nudist beach, accessible in 20 minute walk from Aegiali village, or by regular boat crossings also during the summer season.
Mouros, With its deep blue hue and very clean water, Mouros is one of the most popular beach of Amorgos. Partly rocky Mouros has two underwater caves the right hand side as you walk down to the beach which can be reach by swimming and snorkeling.
Near the small villages of Arkesini and Kamari, Mouros is in the south part of Amorgos.
Just above the beach there is also a snack-bar that one can cool down his thirst or hunger.
Agia Anna, Down to Chozoviotissa Monastery, Agia Anna is considered as one of the most beautiful beach of Amorgos. It is a small rocky beach with spectacular beauty and clear transparent waters.
There is a bus service from Hora at constant intervals.
Walking through shallow waters for 10 minutes from Agia Anna you come to Kampi, a nudist beach with views of the Viocastro.
Traditional Flavors
Beyond its natural beauty, its warm people, its feasts and traditional architecture, Amorgos is also known for its local food and drinks.
Amorgos offers to the visitor a wide variety of meals and pastries, which express the character and the hospitality of its inhabitants.
Patatato
A favourite and popular plate of the locals and the visitors of Amorgos Island. Mainly served on special occasions and celebrations (weddings, local celebrations etc). A selection of three kind of meat (lamb, goat and beef) cooked in red sauce with a vivid taste of Cinnamon.
Cooked in huge pans for the religious festivals or traditional wedding, this meal can easily be found in taverns around the island.
Xidato
Very tasty and typic from Amorgos this meal is a soup of goat meat, garlic and vinegar.
Mostly prepared for religious feasts it is served at the celebration of Agios Anargiron in Tholaria, Analipseos in Potamos, Epanochoriani in Lagada and Agia Paraskevi in Kato Meria.
Pasteli
This pastry made of sesame seeds and honey is usually made for celebrations such as weddings, baptism, feasts.
The Amorgian version of the Pasteli wants it softer and reinforced with some cumin. It is served on a lemon tree leaf to anhance its distinctive taste.
In August, takes place the Pasteli festival in Chora.
