Hora
In Hora, the island's capital, the architecture merges classic Cycladic elements with a rich historical tradition. Strolling the cobblestone passages framed by white - washed churches and two-story mansions or exploring the gently sloped hillsides dotted with windmills overlooking the Aegean are one of the charming pastimes. Every lane in Hora leads to a paved quad known on as the Loza or to the Kastro (castle) perched atop a crag in the settlement's center. Archaeological finds recovered from excavations around the island are exhibited at the former Gavras mansion.
Monastiri
The Monastery of Panayia Hozoviotissa has a timeless beauty. It's also an important religious and historical landmark, noted for its unique architecture and an important collection of historical relics.
Katapola
Katapola is a sheltered natural harbor ringed by three settlements - Katapola, Xylokeratidi, and Rahidi. An imposing hill rising over the harbor has been identified as the site of ancient Minoa, and excavations have yielded a number of important finds. Just beyond is Lefka, one of the island's most charming areas. Katapola's picturesque landscape offers a mix of spare Cycladic architecture, historic churches, pretty beaches dotted with fishing boats, and a lush rolling plain thick with olive trees and vegetable gardens. A range of accommodations and shops are clustered around the port. Katapola offers good anchorage for small fishing boats and leisure craft.
Kato Meria
Kamari and Vroutsi, the two main villages of the Kato Meria (Lower Side) area are located 12 kilometers northwest of Hora. Agios Nicholas, a church with local historical significance, Kastri, the ancient acropolis of Arkesini and the gorgeous beach of Mouros are located here. Just past these two villages are a number of smaller settlements built at the foot of rolling slopes. These are Arkessini, Rahoula, Kolofana, Kalotairitissa, and Mavri Myti. Local sights include the ancient tower of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity) at Arkesini, the church of Panayia tou Politi at Kolofana, and the church of Ayia Paraskevi, whose paniyiri (religious and folk feast) on July 26 attracts pilgrims from around the island. Kato Meria preserves its traditional economy, which is rooted in farming and livestock keeping.
Aegiali
Aegiali, at the northern end of Amorgos, is a pretty bay formed by sand beaches. Three villages - Lagada, Tholaria, and Potamos - perch on the slopes of the mountains that form its basin. Ormos, the picturesque port, is the area's primary tourist resort and offers a range of amenities and services. The village of Potamos perches atop a hill above the port, offering a panoramic view of the land and sea below - and the most glorious Aegean sunsets on the island. Langada overlooks Aegiali's small plain. It's marked by a series of old windmills, while the Araklos canyon, the fortified church of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity), the church of Panohoriani, and the old settlement of Stroumbos are sights worth exploring. From Langada, a stone - paved footpath marks a mild hiking trail that leads through a Natura 2000-protected natural landscape to the Byzantine - era Monastery of Ayios Ioannis Theologos and, further north, to the Stavros (Crucifixion) chapel over a disused bauxite mine. Tholaria, which also offers gorgeous views over the coast, are located near Vigla, site of ancient Aegiali. Beaches at Aegiali, Levrossos, Psili Ammos (literally, fine sand), Hohlakas, Mikri Vlihada, and Ayios Pavlos (about 5 kms from Ormos) are easily accessible from Ormos and the other three villages. Ayios Pavlos is the departure point for Nikouria, an islet just off the shore with pristine beaches.
Hiking
For visitors who love walking or hiking, Amorgos is an exceptional destination as it's crossed by a network of footpaths that offer a unique look at the land and its people. Indeed, through the late 1980s, these footpaths provided the main links between settlements. Today, they've been mapped, while six main routes have been marked and published in a ramblers' guide. In addition to connecting the island's settlements, the footpaths provide access to remote areas as well as cultural and natural landmarks. Visitors with a deep love of nature will enjoy exploring the island on foot and discovering its rare flora, herbs, and wildflowers.
Main Footpaths (five routes):
- Palia Strata: Hora - Hozoviotissa - Kapsala - Asfontylitis - Potamos - Ormos Aegialis
- Fotodotis: Hora - Milies - Ayia Irini - Katapola
- Itonia: Lefkes - Ayioi Saranta - Kamari - Kastri - Vroutsi - Rahoula - Arkesini
- Melania: Ormos Aegialis - Langada - Stroumbos - Epanohoriani - Tholaria - Fokiotrypa
- Valsamitis: Katapola - Ayios Georgios Valsamitis - Ayia Marina-Minoa