AMORGOS, GREECE

Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργός) is the easternmost island of the Greek Cyclades island group, and the nearest island to the neighbouring Dodecanese island group. Along with several neighbouring islets, the largest of which is Nikouria Island, it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 square kilometres, and a population of 1,973 (2011 census).

Due to Amorgos' position opposite the ancient beaches of Ionian towns, such as Militos, Alikarnassos and Ephesos, it became one of the first places from which the Ionians passed through to the Cyclades Islands and onto the Greek mainland.

Throughout history, Amorgos was also known as Yperia, Patagy, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia and Karkisia. Amorgos features a lot of remnants of ancient civilisations. At the time of Archaic Greece, there were three independent city-states there. They are believed to have featured autonomous constitutions but the same currency. Amorgos is distinguished by the size and quality of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, by the ancient towers whose remains are scattered all over the island, by the ancient tombs, the stone tools, the inscriptions, the vases and by other antiquities. Due to the name Minoa we suspect that Amorgos had been colonised by the Cretans from ancient times, but there are no archaeological remains supporting this view.

Tourism is increasing slowly, although the geography of the island prevents mass tourism. Amorgos is accessible only by boat. The three main places of tourist accommodation are Katapola, Aegiali and Chora. Hike paths are relatively well maintained. Other activities are scuba diving, wellness activities, and the beaches (although it is not the main attraction of the island compared to other Greek islands). The chapel of St Anne is shown here.

This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Travel Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme.