Amorgos Island - Cyclades, Greece

Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργος), one of the Cyclades, is actually the eastern most island of this group, neighbouring to the next big group - the Dodecanese. The total area of the island is 121 sq. km and it is rather sparsely populated with about 1 800 people.

Due to its geographical position, Amorgos became the "gate" from which eastern civilizations reached mainland Greece. A keen eye can spot traces of long, long development on the island - from remnants dating to as far back the Ionian civilization; ancient tombs, inscriptions, amphorae, vases and other antiquities..

One great ruler lived at Amorgos - Stefanos Vizantios - he named the three main towns - Arkesini, Minoa, Aigiali (the other name is Melania). They all are on the eastern side of the island because it has more favourable conditions for ports and maneuvering of ships and other vessels.

From excavations and archeological expeditions , especially burial tombs scientists believe that the presence of Amorgos during the prehistoric years existed intensely, particularly during the first period of the so-called Cycladic civilisation (3200 to 2000 BC).

The other names of Amorgos (from different periods of history) are: Yperia, Patagy, Platagy, Pagali, Psichia, and Karkisia.

Amorgos is the homeland of the great poet Simonides famous as the "Father of Iambic Poetry".
At the time of the Roman Empire, the island, because of its remoteness, was used as place for exile of convicted criminals.

The intellectual climate at Amorgos seemed to have been hindered because of the many dominations - only as late as 1751 was the first school mentioned. It was a Greek school established within the St. Mary Monastery. Around that time started the big depopulation of the island - rough conditions and lack of employment forced many people to flee to Constantinople. In 1822 the island became official part of Greece. After that, for certain amount of time, it was again used for exile, but only of political prisoners.

The numerous raids of pirates on the island have become legendary and tales are being told about the bravery of the islanders, like for example the tale about the miracle of Kalotaritisa, when a woman stopped a whole pirate ship just by praying.

The island offers a great number of wonderful small cafeterias, traditional taverns and bars.
If you want to really explore the island from within, you'd better choose one of the six routes, from where you roam through the island - you'll enjoy beautiful views, peace and quiet. Make sure you bring water, food and good hiking shoes. Don't miss the two highest points because they will give you unforgettable delight - one at the hora - its 700 m, and the other one at the vertical cliff of Ancient Arkesini in the southern part of the island.
From the numerous wonderful beaches at the island, we recommend the following:

Mikri Vlichada Beach: it is an isolated place with pebbles and shallow transparent waters. It is secluded because it is rather difficult to reach it - only on foot from Tholaria.
Grampoussa - overlooking the little island with the same name on the north side of Amorgos, Grampoussa is a cozy and splendid little beach, with blue-green water. You can also visit the island by boat from Kalotaritissa.
If you like rocky beaches, then Mourou is your place - you can also explore the isolated caves; the untamed-ness of the site will make you feel like the first discoverers of the island.
Nikouria Island - it is an uninhabited island, 345 m high; beaches there are either sandy, or with pebbles. Relish your peace and quiet and feel the connection with nature there.
Katalotaritissa Bay - on the northern part of the island - it is the biggest beach, it has golden sands - you reach it from the bus stop in Agia Paraskevi. You can go by car or motorbike, but parts of the road are really difficult to pass.

Amorgos was scene to the famous Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue" - at Liveros Bay still stand the shipwreck of "Olympia", that setting attracted the famous film director.

This island is definitely of the "preserved ones", so if you can't part with the luxuries of civilization, with the rattle and hum of crowded bars and beaches, this is not the place for you. But if you seek a refuge from the busy life of today, if you want to touch the pure joy of untamed nature, then go to Amorgos, and don't forget your suncream and good mood!

The island was scene to the famous Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue" - at Liveros Bay still stand the shipwreck of "Olympia", that setting attracted the famous film director.