Research Note: Amorgos, Greece
Corporate
Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades island group in Greece, positioned near the neighboring Dodecanese islands. Along with 16 neighboring islets, including Nikouria Island (the largest by land area), it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 square kilometers (48.782 square miles) and had a population of 1,961 as of the 2021 census. Amorgos is the seventh-largest island of the Cyclades, located at the southeastern edge of the archipelago. The island features two main port towns - Katapola and Aegiali - which serve as gateways to this enchanting destination, with the main administrative center being Chora (the capital) built at the center of the island.
Market
Amorgos remains one of the least-known and visited of the Cyclades, only approaching "busy" during the short high season, making it one of the most remote yet most beautiful of all Greece's islands. The island has approximately 2,000 residents and measures only 48 square miles, yet seems packed with outstanding beauty while escaping the mass crowds that other Greek islands in the Cyclades experience. Most visitors to the island are French tourists, due to a famous French director's movie that was shot on the island called Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue). Amorgos provides a great contrast to more popular nearby islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Santorini, offering a more authentic and traditional Greek experience.
Source: Google
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Boasting a mind-blowing natural landscape, minimal Cycladic architecture, mysterious caves, and fabulous beaches, Amorgos is one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades! As a laid-back natural paradise, the island features 600 species of flora that have been catalogued to date, and it is a haven for birds, offering stunning views, excellent walking and a traditional way of life now lost on many of the more developed islands. The island's maze-like Chora (capital) is considered to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades, surrounded by rocky hills with beautiful squares, traditional Cycladic houses with bougainvillea trees, and little whitewashed alleys. One unique feature of Amorgos is that you can hike the entire island from top to bottom, with well-demarcated hiking paths throughout the island featuring information signs about distances and times between hikes. The most famous attraction is the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built over a thousand years ago, starting in the 9th century, and completed in 1088 AD with funding from Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komninos. Competing destinations include Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and the Small Cyclades islands of Koufonissi and Schinoussa.
Bottom Line
Amorgos is the perfect holiday destination for those who seek privacy and tranquility, being ideal for nature lovers as well. The hiking trails crossing the island are perfect for exploring its nature, while the secluded beaches are ideal for naturists. If you're looking for a more authentic Greek island experience, Amorgos offers this in contrast to the more tourist-heavy islands nearby. However, if you're specifically looking for golden sandy beaches to while away the days, there are better alternatives like nearby Koufonissi. For visitors wanting more activities, Naxos and Paros would be better choices, though these could be combined with Amorgos as part of a multi-island trip since Amorgos is only accessible by ferry. Visitors should note that Amorgos is, in many ways, that clichéd "step back in time," with many village festivals in the summer where you will genuinely experience the welcome and hospitality Greece is famed for.
Appendix: Sources
Visit Greece official website - Information about Amorgos island, its towns, and attractions
Greeka.com - Travel guide for Amorgos with details about location, tourism, and attractions
Wikipedia - General information about Amorgos including geography, population, and history
Crazy Travelista - Travel blog with reasons to visit Amorgos and unique features of the island
Mysterious Greece - Information about festivals, traditions, and cultural aspects of Amorgos
Johnny Africa - Details about the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa and its history
Greeka.com (Map section) - Information about Amorgos' size and position in the Cyclades
Greek Travel - Brief description of Amorgos' features and attractions
Greece Travel Guide - Comparative information about Amorgos versus other islands
Sunvil.co.uk - Details about tourism, accessibility, and authentic experiences on Amorgos
36°47'54.93"N 25°49'32.12"E
51°26'42.48"N 0°15'51.72"W
40°10'14.80"N 22°23'30.37"E, E=MC^2
Title: Ej (The Steinway)