After spending a few days in Turkey, visiting great monuments and having a taste of Asia mixed with European culture, we sailed overnight from the Greek island of Kos to Amorgos in the Cyclades. It was a very relaxing morning of sailing in the Aegean, which include an enlightening talk by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Katy Croff Bell about the Cycladic volcanoes of Santorini and Kolumbo.
When the wind dropped in the early afternoon, we made a surprise landing at one of the most protected and sheltered natural ports in the Aegean: Katapola on the island of Amorgos. As soon as we set foot on land, we could feel the uniqueness and beauty of a truly unspoiled Cycladic island.
Local buses drove us up and over the island and after a scenic ride we stopped at the bottom of a very steep cliff. The monastery of the Virgin Mary Khozoviotissa “crowns” the cliff, as it is seems to be glued onto the side! We had a good hike of 360 steps up, but that’s the only way to see how the 11th century monastery was built. The foundation stone was placed after locals found a floating icon in the water. It was considered a sign by Virgin Mary, so they built a place of worship that became one of the most important monasteries during the Byzantine times. This monastery is by far one of the most spectacular ones in Greece.
After visiting the Monastery, we got on the buses again and our guides took us to the “chora,” or main village, located in the center of the island. We had a stroll in the little alleys and experienced how a typical and unspoiled Cycladic island would look like. At every single corner we had the opportunity to take colorful photos of churches, doors with impressive and unique doorknobs and knockers, flowerpots, and locals.
We got lucky when we saw there was a Christening taking place at the main church! The whole island was invited and dressed up, and didn’t mind sharing a smile while posing for our cameras. We had the chance to have some of their treats, wrapped in colourful handmade strawberry boxes.
On our way back to the Sea Cloud, many of us decided to spend time at Katapola port and enjoy a little more rakomelo, or honey liquor. With this drink and Amorgos we were welcomed into the Greek world.
