The picturesque capital of Amorgos is nestled at the centre of the island. A magical village hidden behind the mountains and dominated by the 13th century Venetian castle, its charming setting will capture your heart at first sight!
Visit the awe-inspiring Monastery of Hozoviotissa and discover the quaint alleys of Chora. The cliff edge views and electric blue sea will take your breath away!
Agia Anna
Situated around 6.3 kilometres south of Naxos Town (Chora) is the enchanting resort of Agia Anna. Essentially the continuation of Agios Prokopios beach, it is one of the liveliest beaches on the island with an extensive tourist infrastructure featuring a variety of accommodation options and sea front taverns.
In spite of this, it is still possible to find a few pristine spots on this beach where you can fully enjoy a day of sunbathing and relaxing with your favourite book or a refreshing drink under the clear blue skies. However, if you are looking for a truly unique experience then we strongly recommend that you check out the nearby Kalotaritissa Beach, which is located just off the coast of the Agia Anna peninsula.
The best way to get there is by car. Luckily, there are many ways to rent a vehicle on the island and even local KTEL buses offer regular routes to this destination.
If you do decide to visit this stunning beach, we recommend that you arrive early as it is extremely popular during the peak season. However, this is a small price to pay to be able to enjoy a quiet day of relaxation on the sand with powdery golden sand and crystal clear waters lapping at your feet. The vibe here couldn’t be any more different to that of the capital and is perfect for couples or families.
Hozoviotissa Monastery
With a secluded beach glistening below and the endless Aegean Sea beyond, Hozoviotissa Monastery has to be seen to be believed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second oldest monastery in Greece and one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see.
Located on the easternmost edge of Amorgos, this imposing monastery sits on a rocky outcrop with the best views in the Aegean. It’s an architectural masterpiece that blends with Amorgos’ wild natural beauty. Once upon a time, the monastery housed over a hundred rooms with kitchens, cisterns, storerooms, and guest cells. Today, only four monks live here, but visitors are welcome to visit on weekdays and re-discover the spirituality of this remarkable place.
You can walk to the monastery in about twenty minutes downhill, taking a footpath starting from the edge of Chora village, to the right of Kalogerikos spot. Once you’re there, adhere to the dress code (men must wear trousers and women long skirts) and head up the 300 or so paved steps towards the entrance. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with loukoumi and traditional “psimeni” raki from Amorgos, courtesy of the monks.
You’ll also want to spend a few minutes admiring the altarpiece, which features a miraculous icon of Virgin Mary and is celebrated on November 21st each year. And don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous windmills that crown this hilltop. They’re rugged, melancholic, and yet they’re so beautiful that you’ll swear your heart is melting in an instant.
Mouros Beach
This beach is located in the south of the island near the villages Vroutsi and Kamari. The crystalline waters and its rocks will amaze you! It’s an amazing pebble beach that surpasses everyone’s expectations. Its waters are crystal clear and you can discover two underwater caves if you are willing to swim a little bit further. Above the beach there is a cafe/bar with an amazing view over the archipelagoes.
You will find this lovely beach just before you reach the village of Vroutsi from Chora. It’s a pretty bay sheltered from the wind, and you can find there umbrellas, sunbeds, and a small beach bar. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, this is the ideal beach to explore the underwater world of Amorgos.
A must-see attraction on Amorgos is the Hozoviotissa Monastery, which was built in 1017 and hangs atop a cliff 300 meters high. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and according to legend it is the place where the icon of Panagia Hozoviotissa came from.
It’s hard to find a better-looking Cycladic island than Amorgos. The enchanting Chora, the secluded beaches, and the spectacular views are just some of the reasons why this is one of the best places to visit in Greece! So, make sure you add Amorgos to your list of summer destinations!
Liveros
As you get deeper into the island, the landscape becomes more mellow, the hillsides less steep and rugged. The second to last bay, Liveros, is a 40-minute drive from Chora and home to another Amorgian postcard and must-visit sight: the skeleton of a shipwreck that crashed in 1980, a reminder of the power of nature on this spectacular island.
If you are into hiking, Amorgos is a heaven on earth. There are a handful of trails to choose from, all offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs. The most popular option is the Kastri Hike, which takes you from Vroutsis to the monastery along the cliff edge. Another option is the walk to Hozoviotissa. While this one is more difficult, it offers stunning views as you climb 300 steps to the monastery.
Whether you enjoy walking, eating great food, or blending in with charming locals, Amorgos will leave you with an unforgettable experience. The beauty of this sophisticated island is hard to find anywhere else in the world. It is not suited for everyone though; it requires an adventurous spirit willing to embrace the wild beauty of this special island. Amorgos is a place where you will forget the modern world for a while, as you explore its ancient paths and traditional villages. You will want to pinch yourself in disbelief at the beautiful scenery you are seeing.