Like me, I believe that every Greek finds it difficult to choose their favorite island. You have such a great array of choices, each of which is so unique and distinct from one another. Once you think you have settled on your top list then come your summer holidays revising your list with a new favorite. And this goes on and on every year.
For the past few years I have managed to stick to my one and only Top Island, and this is Amorgos. This amazingly diverse island has captured my heart and mind and has created cherished memories that have stayed with me through the years.
Amorgos is blessed with remarkable beaches, clear blue waters, and ancient footpaths, captivating mountain ranges, delicious food and rich cultural traditions.
Famous to many from the 1988 movie “The Big Blue”, Amorgos can undoubtedly pride itself as one of the most impressive islands in the Cyclades. It is blessed with remarkable beaches, clear blue waters, and ancient footpaths, captivating mountain ranges, delicious food and rich cultural traditions.
There are so many glorious places on the island that leave a lasting impression; first and foremost the spectacular monastery of Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa built on an immense vertical rock, the maze like Hora and the ancient city of Arkesini offering breathtaking views to the Aegean Archipelago.
What has captivated me are the wondrous footpaths winding through fields of wild herbs. When in a destination, I always prefer to explore it on foot as you can always discover amazing hidden gems. In Amorgos I just can’t help myself taking one of the many footpaths the island offers and lose myself amongst the luscious hills and just allow the heady scents of the herbs to seduce me. Like a bee is drawn to the nectar of the flowers, I am drawn to these perfumes that scent the Amorgian air.
When in a destination, I always prefer to explore it on foot as you can always discover amazing hidden gems.
What I will never forget was an incident on my first summer visit to Amorgos. It was a hot summer day and I was heading towards the port to have a rejuvenating dip in the island’s crystal waters. As I was passing by a vegetable field, a local hailed me and offered me some of his produce. Fresh, juicy tomatoes and handpicked sun kissed figs! I sat with him to enjoy his gift and we had an enjoyable long chat.
I think this is exactly what makes everyone fall in love with Greece. The open-heartiness of its people, who without even knowing you will treat you as if you are family, offering you kindness, warmth and compassion. As I have travelled alone many times in some of the many beautiful corners of Greece, this characteristic that is shared amongst most Greeks is something that makes you feel happy and so proud of your country.
If you visit Amorgos, which I highly recommend, you shouldn’t leave the island without eating at “To limani ths Kyra Katinas” which offers delicious local dishes and freshly caught fish. A must try is their unique carrot salad. And as no one leaves a destination without a little souvenir, one of my favorite things to bring back is distilled flower water and some local herb blends from the herb shop IAMATA in Lagada village.
Sadly, it’s been quite a long time since I was last there and I think that this coming summer it will definitely be on my list!
