It was the 1988 movie “Le Grand Bleu” which put Amorgos on it the map and, as I dock at the tiny port of Katapola, the only other tourists are speaking French.
The harbour has a cluster of simple restaurants and tiny guesthouses, reminding me of how life in the Greek islands used to be. It’s situated on an attractive horseshoe bay, really a collection of three separate villages – Katapola proper on the south side, Xylokeratidhi on the north shore, and Rahidhi in the middle.
Behind, the mountains rise up into one long ridge reaching 800m at its highest point and they’re covered in a network of well-signed trails. The landscape is the star here, rather than the beaches, and the best way of discovering the delights of the island is on foot. Even better you can truly appreciate the magnificent settings of the ancient cities.
Chora
The bus climbs upwards to the centre of the island. Surrounded by rocky hills topped with decapitated windmills, Chora, the island’s capital was built as protection against pirate attack.
The ruined 13th century Kastro perches precariously on an upright volcanic plug, wrapped with a chapel or two. It’s surrounded by low white houses, linked by a labyrinth of narrow lanes, sprouting purple bougainvillaea.
Moni Hozoviotissis
From right here I take a path downwards in direction of the sea after which begin to climb 350 steps to the eleventh century Moni Hozoviotissis monastery. The dazzling white sheer construction is embedded into the cliff face and eight flooring, related by slender stone staircases, are carved into the rock.
Only a few monks occupy the fifty rooms now however they nonetheless supply conventional hospitality. Every visitor is handled to a sugary lump of loukoúmi, a warming shot of raki, with honey and spices, and a cool glass of water.
Aegiali
Suitably fortified, I comply with a properly-signed path northeast alongside the excessive backbone of the island. This is a barren treeless panorama however in the distance, I could make out tiny white villages. I quickly drop all the way down to Aegiali,
Amorgos’ second port, even sleepier than Katapola. Resisting the temptation to rest on the town’s sweep of sand, I take a circular trail upwards through the lovely villages of Langada and Tholaria. After another three hours, I’m back at the shore and take a well- earned dip.
Minoa
The next day I set out in the opposite direction and climb out of Katapola on the steep road to reach the ancient city of Minoa in about 40 minutes. Like most things on the island, it’s very low key, with no information on display, but the setting is spectacular. I see fragments of wall, the foundations of an Apollo temple, and trays upon trays of unsorted pottery shards.
The track follows the coastline south-west, descending almost to sea level before climbing up through abandoned terraces to reach the site of Ancient Arkesini. It’s in a commanding situation, perched precariously on the clifftops, surrounded by water on three sides. It dates from the 9th century BC but was later abandoned because of pirate raids.
Tower of Agia Triada
A short distance inland is the Tower of Agia Triada, built in the 4th century BC to give citizens safe haven. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved towers of the Cyclades, quite spectacular in size. This rectangular fortress, built of local limestone, is a characteristic example of Hellenistic architecture and stands out in the landscape.
Unlike the north of the island, the south is far more fertile with abundant olive trees, and I descend steeply to a narrow bay. The beach is deserted, overlooked by an old chapel, and the sea beckons. After a final dip, I make my way back inland to Kolofana and tuck into wonderful local specialities at Apanemo restaurant. Of course, everything here is organic, picked from the owner’s gardens and I particularly enjoy mother’s slow-cooked goat.
FACT FILE
FLY: Wizzair has cheap flights from London Luton to Athens.
GETTING AROUND: Most ferries from Piraeus go via Naxos. There are also links with Mykonos and Santorini. Use the limited bus services on the island to explore on foot.
STAY: Diasino Studios, just behind the port in Katapola, makes a comfortable base.
EAT: Mouragio Taverna serves up excellent seafood right on the harbour.
INFO:
Experience Amorgos has information about the island
Visit Greece has information about the country.
PACKAGE: On Foot Holidays offer 7 days walking in Naxos and Amorgos from £645.
