Among these rocky mountains of the Island you can see small valleys.

Large surface of the island is covered with slate since ancient years.

As in all Cyclades Islands, the vegetation is poor. But you can also find some fertile valleys, full of olive trees, in Katapola, Kato Meria and Aegiali.

In Amorgos Island there are vineyards and vegetables up to the hills. You can also find rare herbs which have healing attributes.

Because of its morphology island is protected from the August winds.

Amorgos is connected to Piraeus, Dodecanese and Cyclades by ferry routes, especially during summer. The Island has frequent transportation (buses) during summertime.

During ancient years Amorgos was called Pagali, Psychia, Karkisia and Melania.

Historical findings show that first people came in Amorgos during the 5th millennium B.C. Archaeologists found out that during the 3rd millennium there was a development of Cyclades Civilization.

Later Amorgos has population from Milito, Naxo and takes part to the 1st alliance with Athens. In between 3rd and 2nd century BC Amorgos belonged to Macedonia, Ptolemians, Samo, Rhodes, and Romans.

As an Island it was a target of Saracen pirates and the citizens were afraid so they hide in the Castle, Kastri place or the other 23 towers of the island. During the period of iconoclasm, Hozoviotissas’ holy icon is coming from Palestine. At 1088 Alexios Komninos renovated the Monastery in order to honor the Holy Icon.

There are many architectural monuments on the island as samples during the Venetian period, such as Gavra Tower, Kato Lakkos.

During the Ottoman period Amorgos has economic peak and regeneration.

At 1822 Greece is starting all over again and in Amorgos is constructed one of the first Greek schools by Monastery expenses.

Chora, is the capital of the Island. It combines classic Cycladic style and rich historical tradition.

It is fascinating to walk around the narrow paths, observe the white churches, the mansions, or the hill with the windmills.

All roads lead to Loza and Castle which is upon the rock in the middle of the village. There are valuable historical discoveries from Amorgos at Gavras old mansion.

Hozoviotissa Byzantine Monastery is a timeless religious and historical monument. It attracts many visitors as it has special historical treasures and unique architectural style.

The gulf of Katapola welcomes visitors to its safe port. Around you can find three villages Katapola, Xylokeratidi and Rachidi.

Over Katapola you discover the hill of ancient Minoa, which is full of historical findings and then the area Lefki area. Katapola landscape is characterized by the simple Cycladic architectural style, historical churches, amazing beaches, small fishing boats across seaside, olive trees and orchards.

Near port there are many rooms to let and a variety of shops. Katapola port is safe for small fishing boats and yachts.

12 klm away of Chora, we meet the first villages Kamari and Vroutsi in Kato Meria, the historical church of Saint Nickolas, Kastri, ancient acropolis of Arkesin and the great coast of Mouros.

There are many other villages around the hills such as Arkisini, Rachoula, Kolofana, Kalotaritissa and Mavri Myti.

Remarkable historical monuments are the Ancient tower of Agia Triada in Arkesini village, Virgin Mary’s church in Kolofana and Saint Paraskevi church.

Kato Meria still has a traditional agricultural character. People are working as farmers and breeders.

Aegiali is at the north part of Amorgos, is a gulf with sandy amazing coasts.

Ormos is the picturesque port of Aegiali and as a touristic place offers everything a visitor might need. Potamos village is just above port. From this position you can enjoy the extraordinary sunset. Lagada is in the plain of Aegiali.

Also you can see old windmills, Araklou canyon, St. Triada church, Panochorianh church and the old village Stroubos.

As we follow the path in a region of wild beauty which belongs to NATURA 2000 program we meet the Byzantine monastery of St. John the Theologist and at north the chapel of Stavrou over the old bauxite mine.

Tholaria

Tholaria village has an excellent view to the gulf. It is near Vigla, the ancient position of Aegiali. You can have access from Ormo to the other three villages Aegiali, Levrosos and Psili Ammo, Choclaka and Vlichada and St. Paul beach (only 5 klm from Ormos). You can easily go to Nikouria Island where you find virgin coasts.

Visitors have a special experience by walking around the unique Islands’ paths which offer the sense of mountain trekking. Till the end of ‘80’s paths were the only ways between Amorgo’s areas.

Today 6 main paths have been mapped and you can also find a path guide. Paths’ destinations are traditional areas, isolated historical and cultural monuments.

People who love nature will be able to discover, as they walk Amorgos’ paths rare herbs and flowers.

• Old path: Chora – Hozoviotissa – Kapsala – Asfondylitis – Potamos - Aegiali
• Photodotis: Chora – Milies – St. Eirini- Katapola
• Itonia: Lefkes – St. Saranta – Kamari – Kastri-Vroutsi – Rachoula - Arkesini
• Melania: Aegiali – Lagada – Stroubos – Epanochoriani – Tholaria – Fokiotrypa
• Pan: Lagada – Theologos – Stavros
• Valsamitis: Katapola – St. Georgios Valsamitis – St. Marina - Minoa