Opening

The year of 1993 was the first time at went to Greece as a back packer. I was spending two weeks late July, early August on the islands of Amorgós and Náxos. It's to late in the season, because most people in Greece are having holidays during this period. This means that it's more difficult to get any accommodation, and prices are much higher. On some so-called 'Greek Islands', where the Greeks themselves like to visit, it's impossible to get a room, during the main season! I didn't know about these things, at that time, but my stay in Greece was, despite of this troubles, a success.

Anyway, Amorgós is a beautiful island, with very beautiful scenery, charming villages and some nice beaches. However the roads wasn't that good, at least not in 1993. It was rather difficult to drive a motorbike, because you must avoid hitting big rocks on the road all the time. You don't want to end up with a flat tire! According to information from a friend visiting Amorgós during 1997, the roads now have asphalt surface.

Map

Getting a room

When I went of the ferry at the harbour of Katápola, early in the morning, there were no people there, offering rooms. So I went to a cafe, sat down and had some breakfast. There were some French girls there, who gave me a tip about a room, but I never find that place. After some walking, I found a room, a little to expensive, but it had this beautiful view toward the sea and harbour.

Two days later the host told me to leave, because they had rented the whole place to a Greek family. They never mentioned this to me two days earlier! There wasn't much for me to do but leave, and try to find another place to stay. After a couple of hours search, I found a simple, but very nice and cheep room, where I could stay the rest of the week

This little story, is something that could happen, if you're travelling during 'the wrong' season. But happily for me, the story ended up very well!

Beaches

I you are staying in Katápola, there are some beaches north west of the village, Plakes Beach, with sand and gravel.

The westernmost is with rocks, and nude bathing is the most common. There are regular boats from Katápola.

If you cross the island, passing Chora, you will reach Agia Anna, a beach with gravel. It's divided in two parts, where the southern part is clothing optional.

With a motorbike or jeep, you can reach some beaches, further south to the island. I would like to recommend Notina Muros, which consist of several parts, some with sand other mostly with gravel. Its Clean! There were not many visitors, when I was there, so it's Ok to skip the swimsuit.

The other port, Egáli, has a very nice sandy beach.

If you prefer nude bathing, you can pass the first big beach, to reach a little smaller beach, where clothing is optional.

Where to stay?

The main harbour is Katápola, where most people also find a place to stay. Here you have a lot of tavern's to choose from. If you prefer camping, you can find the campsite here.

It's also possible to find rooms in Chora, the main village of the island. From here you have a wonderful view, in several directions!

If you happen to reach the island by the northern port Egáli, this is no problem, if you are thinking of getting an accommodation. Besides the port, there are several villages in the area, Potamós, Langádha and Tholária, were you can look for room.

Walking

If you like two walk, this island has some nice paths to choose from. One of the best, is to walk from Egáli passing Potamós towards the south, and then finally reach the monastery Panagia Chosoviotissas, the main attraction of Amoris. The scenery during the walk is spectacular. While walking, it could be a little bit troublesome to find the path. It's a good thing to bring a map with you.

After about 4-5 hours of walking, you hopefully will reach the monastery, which is a dramatic building, glued to the steep mountain wall. If you are lucky, the monks will invite you.

Pictures