Amorgos

Close to the Dodecanese lies the elongated island of Amorgos; mountainous and infertile, with a coastline that in some places is steep and rocky while in others it forms quiet, shady bays, this is the furthest east of the all the Cycladic islands.

The white-washed houses of the island's capital, Hora or Amorgos, are built around the Venetian Kastro perched on the top of the hill.

The typical Cycladic ecclesiastical style of architecture, with double or "twin" churches, is much in evidence here.

On a rocky promontory to the north-east of the Hora is the Byzantine monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, one of the most important monuments of its kind.

In Katapola nowdays the island's chief port, is the interesting church of Panagia Katapoliani, built on the site of the Sanctuary of Apollo.

The island's second port, the picturesque village of Egiali (which actually consists of three little hamlets of spotless white island-style houses) is renowed for its fantastic sandy beaches. It is in fact easier to approach the village of Arkessini, built near the site of the ancient town with the same name.

There are very few hotels or rooms to let on the island. However, despite the limited facilities available for the visitor, more and more tourists are coming to enjoy the wonderful beaches and the island's own special beauty.

History

Ruins that are scattered over the island as well as some remarkable finds (some of them now housed in the National Archeological Museum in Athens) signify not only that the island was inhabited in prehistoric times, but that it was at its peak during the period of the Cycladic civilisation. In all there were three independent townships that prospered here in antiquity. Minoa, Arkesina and Egiali. There are also ruins of the ancient town of Minoa.

Anchorages

Katapola : Good shelter; No fuel; Water on quay; Taverns

Agia Anna : Poor shelter; No fuel; Water in town; Taverns