There has never been an island (since I can remember going on vacation) where I felt like I had forgotten everything, left behind and been left to its magic… Some had told me about the microclimate, some more elusive ones about the energetic vibes of Amorgos! I have no explanation… What I can tell you with certainty, however, is that if you go there, you will feel it too! Your mind will clear of thoughts and be flooded with a strange feeling of absolute carefreeness..
The island, therefore, where Luc Besson chose to shoot his film "The Endless Blue", invites you for a journey of the mind. The wild landscape with the steep rocks, which end in the crystal clear waters of the southeasternmost tip of the Cyclades, will captivate you. As the island was located for years on the so-called "barren line", it maintains its traditional Cycladic color intact, still uncontaminated by the hordes of tourists and in contrast to the other well-known Cycladic islands.
Where to stay:
Prefer to stay in Chora. You will be in the center of the island, which is convenient for your daily excursions. In Chora I recommend the Emprostiada Traditional Guest House, which we were completely satisfied with. But if you want to wake up and gaze at the sea, then you will stay in Aegiali. A good choice there is the The Big Blue Hotel, while if your budget is high, choose the top one Aegialis Hotel & Spa.
Where to swim:
–Nikouria: It is a small uninhabited island that you can reach by boat from Agios Pavlos. Very beautiful sandy beach. There is a canteen there for water-soft drinks-coffees, for better or worse, take an umbrella with you.
– Aegiali: A large sandy beach with quite a few people. The nicest and quietest part is after the Que bar.
– Levrossos: Very beautiful sandy beach just after Aegiali on the road to Tholaria. You can also go by boat from Aegiali.
– Maltese: One of the most beautiful beaches, which you can reach either by boat from Katapola or by taking the path that crosses the village of Xylokeratidi (calculate a half-hour walk).
– Saint Anna: It is the beach where “The Endless Blue” was filmed. It is a picturesque cove, but you will encounter a lot of people there, so it is best to go early in the morning. If you want peace and a truly wild landscape, take the path on the right and go out to a neighboring beach, sheltered from the wind and with fine pebbles. Don't be surprised if you also encounter nudists there!
– Mouros: It is a pebble beach with crystal clear waters. While swimming you can go to the caves created by the waves and see its unique seabed.
– Kalotaritissa: Golden sandy beach which is usually windy. The best solution is to take a boat from there to the leeward Gramvousa. Extra tip: Ask the captain to take you to the nearby shipwreck which is also seen in the movie "The Deep Blue Sea".
– The beaches are also special Paradise and Kato Kampos, but leave these for last and after you've exhausted all of the above.
What else is worth doing:
– Browse the Country of Amorgos. For many it is the most beautiful Chora of the Cyclades. The architecture with white dominating, the covered passages and high walls to protect from the wind, create a unique setting that takes you to the Greece of the past. You will also love the small but picturesque square also known as Loza.
– Watch the sunset from castle (13th century building)th century) in Chora. Usually it will be closed at that time but in the nearby shops everyone will know where to find the key!
– Visit the Venetian architecture Gavras mansion in the center of Chora, where the archaeological museum is housed.
– Walk in the windmills. The island once had 35 windmills. Now, only a few remain, standing proudly on a hillside, reminding us of the past.
– The monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa. It is perhaps one of the main attractions of the Cyclades. It is "hung" on a rock and its foundation is due, according to tradition, to a miracle. The building is built on eight levels and to get there you will have to climb 300 steps. But it is worth the effort! The view of the endless blue is unique and the abbot of the monastery will welcome you with Turkish delight and his own rakomelo. Combine your visit there with a swim at the beach of Agia Anna. Attention: Only those with appropriate clothing are allowed. Men in long trousers, women in long skirts and blouses.
– Don't forget to visit the picturesque villages Tholaria, Lagada and Potamos, walk along their cobblestone streets with bougainvillea and prickly pears. There are excellent taverns there for food, which I will tell you about below.
– Festivals of Amorgos. It is a piece of advice that I give to everyone who goes to the islands in the summer: Try to combine your stay with a festival! Only in this way will you experience the real life of the islanders… The main ones are: Aghios Anargyros in Tholaria (July 1), Aghias Paraskevi in Arkesini (July 25-26), Sotiros Christou in Chora (August 6), Stavros on Mount Krikelo (September 14).
– Hiking in paths of Amorgos. The morphology of the island lends itself to hiking. Krikelos, the highest mountain on the island with an altitude of 800m offers incredible paths and landscapes. But you will tell me: Hiking in the hot sun? When it's windy in Amorgos, all you will need is a hat and sunscreen. There is no need for heat!
– Scuba diving. If you've never tried it, it's time to do it! With so many underwater caves, shipwrecks and a unique seabed, Amorgos is the ideal place for diving. Contact Amorgos Diving Center and feel a truly unique experience...
Where to eat
– In the St. Paul (and after your swim in Nikouria) try fresh seafood at “Barba Giannis”.
– In Country You will enjoy excellent cooked food at “Liotrivi” and “Tsagaradiko” (they have great salads there). “Thea” is also a pretty good restaurant, while you won’t find sweets like “Kallisto” anywhere!
– In Shutters, you will go for homemade food at “Kali Kardia” and definitely have some kid with potatoes at Kyr-Nikos who sings, tells jokes and throws a crazy party! But you will need to book a table there.
– Near Arkesini you will find a traditional tavern “Ston Pyrgos” where you will taste pure, rich Greek flavors as you learned them as a child.
– In Aegiali Don't forget to try hazelnut pie at "Amorgialos" and "diplopi" at the bakery located in the center of Aegiali. You will find fresh fish at "Korali" which is located in front of the harbor of Aegiali.
– In the River The "Port of Lady Katina" awaits you for delicious local dishes with a view of the Aegean Sea.
In general, throughout the island, try local rakomelo and syrupy sweets… You will remember me!
Where to have fun
– In Aegiali you will go to “Amorgialos” for raki. Early in the morning it is also nice at the bars located on the steps to the right of “Amorgialos”. Late at night you will definitely make a stop by “Ammos” and “Que” on Aegiali beach.
– In Chora there is the fantastic bar “Jasemi”!! Lots of fun and excellent music!!! It is also nice to have breakfast there on the terrace with atmospheric sounds. In the same style is “Triporto” in Chora on a nice terrace where you will also see live music nights.
See some more photos from this very beautiful island:
