The Greek island Amorgos: Amorgos is the most eastern island of the Cyclades island group. It is located southeast of Naxos Island and northeast of Santorini. Amorgos has two ports, Aegiali in the north of the island and the port of Katapola, the main port of Amorgos in the middle of the island. Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, with beautiful views over the archipelago. Amorgos is one of the most impressive islands of the Cyclades. The village of Chora or Hora is the capital of Amorgos. Furthermore, the island has a famous Byzantine monastery (Panagia Hozoviotissa) from 1088.
What to do on the Greek island Amorgos
The village of Chora, the capital of Amorgos, is a medieval mountain village at 400 meters altitude and is surrounded by windmills. Chora looks like the perfect Greek village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, charming squares, and many beautiful churches. Not far from Chora is the monastery of Hozoviotissa, whose construction is a triumph of man on nature. The island has many beautiful sandy beaches, such as Maltezi Beach. This sandy beach is northwest of Katapola and is accessible by a small transfer boat or walk to it in around 30 minutes. Near the beach of Kalotaritissa you can see the famous shipwreck of Amorgos. The island is ideal for beautiful walks.
Walking on Amorgos: On the Greek island Amorgos are several hiking trails. You can choose from a nature walk on Amorgos with beautiful views to walks where you can discover rich cultural treasures. These hiking trails are numbered and marked. For example, to learn more about the history of the island, you can walk the historic route. The footpath called Itonia pursues a cultural journey of 4000 years as the path linking the two ancient cities Minoa and Arkesini. The name of the path refers to the rural feast in honour of Athena Itonia. We can give you more information about hiking routes at Amorgos.
Things to see on Amorgos
The monastery Panagia Hozoviotissa: The monastery of Hozoviotissa on Amorgos is the second oldest monastery in Greece built in 1017 and renovated in 1088. According to the tradition, the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos founded the monastery in 1088 during the period of Iconoclasm. Then the icon of the Holy Virgin Mary was sent by a woman from Hozovo in Palestine and by miracle it came to Amorgos. The monastery literally hangs on a cliff 300 meters above sea level and is visible only from the sea. The monastery symbolizes the honour of the Holy Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the island. The inhabitants carry the icon every year to all the villages on the island.
By boat to Amorgos: The only way for the islanders of Amorgos to get their supplies, is by boat. This is also the only way to travel to and from the island. The island has a boat connection with Athens, the port of Piraeus on the mainland. There are also ferries to the islands of Crete, Naxos, Syros, Paros, Koufonissi, Schinoussa, Donoussa and Astypalea. For many years the Skopelitis family has been supplying the island with their boat the Express Skopelitis. It is the only ship that manages to sail from port to port in a storm, thanks to the design of the ship and the legendary skills of the captain. Skopelitis means for the islanders their oxygen, their livelihood.
More information
Island hopping to the Greek Cyclades: A week holiday on Crete is nice to combine with island hopping to the Greek Cyclades. The Greek island of Amorgos is part of the Cyclades island group. The island is paradise for hikers and is the best kept secret of the Cyclades. It is not a big island, but there is much to see. If you want to go island hopping from Crete to the Cyclades, we can give you more information about Amorgos. We will be happy to help you with a program that meets your wishes. Next, we will book the accommodation for you so that you are sure you have a place to sleep on the Greek island.
Daily news from Crete: On this page, we give daily updates of all our activities in Crete. Every day, during summer and winter, we upload our weblogs.
Excursions on Crete: Here you find a lot of information about excursions during your holiday on Crete like: car and bike rental, car and accommodation, diving, cycling, hiking, hiking combinations on Crete, Greek cooking lesson, playing golf, boat trips, horseback riding, outdoor activities, sailing, jeep safari, fishing, group excursions, active holiday on Crete, weekly excursion programs or fly-drive.
Holiday information
Holiday information Crete Zorbas Island: For renting apartments and holiday homes, all your excursions and cheap flights to Crete. If you are looking for apartment rental and accommodation on Crete, you have come to the right place. We have a variety of apartments, suitable for families, singles, couples or more people travelling together. We can help you to organize your holiday on Crete Greece to your wishes. An active outdoor vacation, active holidays, a beach holiday, or a combination of both we can all realize for you.
To give you an impression of your vacation in Zorbas Island on Crete, we have created a “Zorbas Island” movie for you: Zorbas Island Vacation movie in 5 Minutes.
In case you like more information, please send an email to zorbasisland@gmail.com