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| Map of Amorgos |
Amorgos,
the 7th bigger island of the Cyclades(121km2
extension and 1970 inhabitants), with its dramatic mountain scenery and
laidback atmosphere, is attracting visitors in increasing numbers. The island
can get extremely crowded in midsummer, the numbers swollen by film buffs
paying their respects to the film location of Luc Besson's The Big Blue, although fewer venture out to Liveros at the island's western end to see the wreck of the Olympia
which figures so prominently in the film. In general it's a low key, escapist
clientele, happy to have found a relatively large, interesting,
uncommercialized and hospitable island. Families tend to stay around Katapola, while younger tourists prefer Aigiali. This is the island to try rakomelo - a kind of fermented grappa
with honey, herbs and spices, drunk in shots.
Capital of
Amorgos is Hora, located in the center of the island, one of the
better-preserved settlements in the Cyclades,
with a scattering of tourists shops, cafes, taverns and rooms. Dominated by an
upright volcanic rock plug, wrapped with a chapel or two, the 13th century
Venetian fortifications look down on nearly thirty other churches, some domed,
and a line of decapitated windmills beyond.
