Amorgos is a beautiful island that is a nine-hour journey from Athens by ferry. Chora, the capital of Amorgos, is a medieval village located 400 meters above the sea and is surrounded by windmills. The houses are traditionally whitewashed, a unique feature of the island. The streets are very narrow, and it feels like you are walking in town from another era.
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Visiting Chora in Amorgos
Chora features a 13th-century Venetian castle and the historic rock built into it for more than fifteen centuries, the church of Kera Leousa. The views are breathtaking and worth visiting during sunset.
You will find traditional squares with souvenir shops, coffee shops, and taverns. The ideal season to visit the island is from April to the end of October. If you want to avoid the heat and the high tourism period in the summer months, try to get there in spring or mid-September.
There are a lot of church festivals happening, especially during the summer season. It is the ideal place to experience how the locals celebrate, try traditional homemade delicacies, dance to folklore tunes, and mingle with the locals.
How to get to Amorgos
Few flights can get you to nearby islands. Amorgos doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is Naxos, and you can get a flight from Athens, Thessaloniki, and during the summer season from other European countries. Other options are Santorini and Paros. Between these islands, some ferries connect them; journey distance depends.
For example, Santorini to Amorgos takes around 4 hours. Of course, all the availability depends on the season. Another option is to get a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina ports in Athens. Ferries get you to Amorgos in around 9 hours, depending on the season and weather conditions.
You might also like the following:
A Guide to Amorgos Island
Best beaches in Amorgos
What to do in Chora, Amorgos
While in Chora, you must visit the windmills, which are based in the Troullos neighborhood and form a circle on the hill. Some are well-preserved and still contain millers’ original mechanisms to process flour. Legend has it that the locals used 18 windmills back in the 19th century. They stand opposite the castle and offer a panoramic view.
You have to bear in mind that when it is windy, not all windmills are accessible. You have to be careful and choose a day that is not windy to visit them. The other choice is to visit the ones that are easy to reach. During summer, this location is ideal for watching the sunset, with the sun dropping into the sea.
As mentioned before, the village features a Venetian castle. It is situated on the castle rock (Kastro in Greek), and the height is 65 meters. Venetian lords made this fortress in the 13th century as protection against pirates. It is 65 meters tall and fortified by the Ieremia and Gyzi brothers in 1207. Visiting the castle, you will see the embrasures used to keep the pirates away. It is worth the visit but a challenging climb, so make sure you choose a cooler time during the day.
Another option while in Chora is to visit the Archaeological Museum inside the Tower of Gavras. The building dates back to the 16th century and is a Venetian architecture landmark. In this museum, you can see findings from excavations of the three ancient cities of Amorgos, Aegiali, Arkesini, and Minoa.
Another museum is the Folklore, located in a building belonging to Choratis Theodoros Passaris, a figure from the 1824 War of Independence. There you will see how daily life was in the old days, habits and traditions that locals are still put to life.
Churches could not miss out on this beautiful medieval village. Chora has post-Byzantine churches with unique features. It is worth visiting Kera, with the fantastic icon of the Holy Mary, Agios Thalalaios, Agios Thomas, The church of Holy Cross, The Cathedral, Agioi Pantes, the dual church of Transfiguration of Jesus, Agios Stefanos and Agios Konstantinos.
Other unique sights are the first High School founded in Greece after the revolution of 1821 and the magnificent monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. The monastery is located east of the village on a rock 300 meters above the sea. Legend has it that a miracle made this monastery.
Beaches Near Chora
Agia Anna beach is only 3 kilometers away and 20 minutes walk from Panagia Hozoviotissa. Katapola beach is 6 kilometers away, and Kambi beach is 4 kilometers away.
Where to Stay in Chora Amorgos
Thomas Traditional House in Chora: is located only 2 kilometers from Agia Anna Beach and 2.4 kilometers from Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. It is in the center of Chora and offers many facilities within walking distance. Ideal for night walks around the narrow streets of the village. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.