Amorgos: the lost island of the movie "Le Grand Bleu"
The island of the Cyclades is among the truest and least visited by tourists. Here nature is impressive with high mountains and the deep blue sea, made famous by the film Le Grand Blue (The Big Blu).
How to reach Amorgos
There is no airport in Amorgos and you can only arrive by sea. You can take a flight to Athens and then a ferry from Piraeus, or reach it from Naxos, Paros, Mikonos, or Santorini. Ferries are every day and you have to be careful which port you land between Katapola and Aiegiali. Don't worry about the late arrival time, the islanders are used to it and will be waiting for you to check-in even at 2 in the morning.
For those who don't have many days, the island can be reached with the daily tours that are organized among the small Cyclades to spend a day or two in this wonder.
Katapola
In the middle of the island, Katapola is the town and main port. A large sunny bay with a beautiful promenade perfect for walking. On one side is the port where the ferries dock with the typical village bars where you can meet in the afternoon, the taverns and the white houses; in the center the beach and on the other side (the one most sheltered from the wind) a second marina, the waterside restaurants with hanging octopuses, beautiful cafes and white houses. From this last side you reach the Maltezi beach, between pebbles and large flat rocks where you can swim in the shallow blue water while admiring the whole bay of Katapola. Just behind the beach of Plakes with the beach bar.
Above Katapola are also the ruins of the ancient city of Minoa, where King Minos of Crete built his summer residence. Unfortunately, the site is in a state of neglect - like many others in Greece - and the cyclopean walls are lost among the rocks without being valorized.
🍴 Almyriki, you recognize it from the polyps hung to dry in the sun
🥂 La fata morgana, Le Grand Blue, Moon bar (the latter perfect in the late afternoon)
🚗 Parking at the beginning of the center (be careful when you park around because they get fines)
Chora
On the hill in the center of Amorgos and just 5km from Katapola, is the Chora (Χώρα): a characteristic perched village around the ancient Venetian Castle with white houses, colorful bougainvilleas and windmills. You fall in love with this village, its labyrinthine streets and wonderful taverns. Here you can enjoy the slow passage of time. You usually don't sleep here, but come during the day for a ride and to eat.
🍴 Kath' odon or everyone on the main street
🚗 Convenient and free parking on both sides of the Chora
Aegiali
This village is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday by the sea. The water of the bay reflects incredible colors between azure, teal and blue. The beach is long and sandy surrounded by beautiful tavernas, diving centers and nearby there are 2 other coves to explore. The center is intimate but with everything you need: taverns, supermarket (at a good price), bakery and pastry shop, pita gyros, ice cream shop, shops and the sunset boulevard where you can admire the sunset or drink a cocktail after dinner.
🛌 Aeigiali Studios with a small terrace overlooking the sea where you can see magnificent sunsets.
🍴 Amorgialos (really delicious and of great quality - try the octopus with sauce)
🥂 Sunset boulevard
Lagada, Tholaria, Agios Pavlos
Near Aegiali is Agios Pavlos, a beautiful bay with green and blue sea. From here you can take the canoe or the small boat to see the island of Nikouria (10 euros).
On the other hand, on the hill there are the white and very pretty villages of Lagada and Tholaria. First, there are many taverns and you can visit a small church perched on the rock, the walk is easy and very suggestive. Tholaria is smaller with a large church where the 1st of July is celebrated.
🍴 Nikos in Lagada with a wonderful bougainvillea terrace overlooking the sea, Λουκακη ξανά
Chozoviotissa Monastery
This monastery is a lovely place, it has a unique atmosphere and unique hospitality all over Greece with a breathtaking panorama of the blue sea.
To reach it, take the road to Kamari and shortly after the Chora roundabout there is the junction that leads to the car park; from here you have to walk along an easy uphill stairway for about ten minutes. Entry is only possible in the morning until 1 pm or 5-7 pm. As soon as you walk through the door, there are long skirts and mats for the women and trousers for the men to wear.
You go up a steep staircase and you arrive in the heart of the monastery. On the first floor there is a room with a table and benches where visitors are received and loukoumi and psimeni are offered homemade by monks. Next to the kitchenette which leads to the bedrooms. Upstairs the church with the important relic of the Madonna and Child (the first with the Child in her hands) brought from Israel in antiquity. Today only 2 monks live and a boy who helps and explains the history of the monastery to tourists, together with some passing pilgrims; sustainably with his productions. Few monks decide to reside in this monastery due to its structure (few rooms and very narrow) and because in the summer in such a small space there is a large number of tourists .. it is said that even Le Corbusier was there.
Curiosity: the location was chosen because the island and the area resembled Israel. It was originally supposed to be built lower down - you can still see the hole in the cliff - but one night it was all destroyed. The workers begged Our Lady to send them a sign as to where to rebuild the monastery and the following day all the tools were found where the monastery bell tower stands today.
Near the monastery, there is a beautiful beach where to swim.
Navagio, the wreck and Kalotaritissa Beach
According to local reports, On February 13, 1980, the vessel was off Amorgos in severe weather (10 N. Beaufort winds). The captain tried to protect the vessel from the strong wind by approaching the bay, but the anchor failed to hold the vessel, causing it to drift and eventually run aground. All the crew said to be pirates heading from Cyprus to Greece, were rescued.
The ship's name used to be “OLYMPIA”, but today you can see the old name INLAND embossed on the bow. This wreck was chosen by Luc Besson to shoot the film “The Big Blue” (“LE GRAND BLEU”).
To reach it, follow the directions on Google Maps, park in the field, and walk on the path for about 15 minutes.
Continuing the road after the wreck we arrive at the bay of Kalotaritissa, a true paradise.
🍴 T'Apanemo, the kid with lemon is excellent.
Among other things to do on the island, you can visit the Blu Caves and buy the Psimeni (such as sweet and not strong honey brandy, very good) in Chora, Aegiali, and Katapola or go directly to the distillery in Katapola for a tasting.
Helpful tips:
Ferry: from Athens or the Cyclades islands
Excursions: to the nearby small Cyclades islands with fast boats that leave in the morning and return in the evening. In Katapola there are daily departures for all the islands, while in Aegiali there are fewer departures. Offices on site.
Arrival Check-in at two in the morning is not a problem for the facilities because they are used to the ferry timetables.
The bus is the best way to get around if you don't want to rent a scooter or a car; taxis are expensive, and to go Aegiali-Katapola it can cost 35 euros.
Supermarket with good prices at Aegiali: Captain Supermarket.
Language: English and some also speak Italian, but tourism is more linked to France
Have a nice trip!
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