Travel To Greece: 5 Good Reasons To Visit Amorgos
Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades archipelago. The beauty of its wild landscapes convinced director Luc Besson to set his cameras there in the late 1980s. Today, this raw gem, set in the middle of the deep blue, is a favorite playground for hikers. For anyone planning a trip to Greece, here are 5 good reasons to visit one of the most authentic Greek islands.
1- To immerse oneself in the atmosphere of the film The Big Blue.
Movie tourism enthusiasts know it well: several scenes from Luc Besson's iconic film, The Big Blue, were shot on the island of Amorgos in the Cyclades.
If you are familiar with this feature film released in 1988, starring Jean-Marc Barr, Jean Reno, and Rosanna Arquette in the lead roles, you will recognize several locations that appear in the movie, notably:
• the beach where young Jacques Mayol first free dives; this is Agia Anna beach, with its white chapel by the sea.
• Chora village where the two main characters of the film grew up. This village, built around the ruins of an old Venetian castle, is the capital of the island.
• the shipwreck where Enzo dives at the beginning of the film to save the life of an American soldier.
• the white monastery clinging to the cliffside, which is a must-see tourist attraction.
More than 35 years after the filming, no one has forgotten The Big Blue on this Cycladic island. At the port of Katapola, a bar of the same name is decorated with posters evoking the film's shooting. In the same village, a villa named "The Big Blue" is also available for rent by French-speaking owners.
2- To enjoy a preserved natural environment.
In the Cyclades archipelago, few islands have remained as authentic as Amorgos. This elongated island, located at the eastern end of the archipelago, stands out for its terrain, with a peak over 800 meters, and for its wild nature.
The heights of the island, subject to the whims of the wind and goats, form an austere yet always spectacular landscape, with arid vegetation and cliffs that plunge into the sea.
Even though Amorgos gained international fame following the success of The Big Blue in cinemas, this destination has retained its authenticity and it's one of the 5 good reasons to discover it. In some places, the island still escapes the flow of tourists and seems completely deserted... Offering a particularly soothing atmosphere for visitors seeking peace and rest!
3- To visit a legendary monastery.
The must-visit monument in Amorgos is undoubtedly the magnificent Byzantine Monastery of Chozoviotissa. This white building, constructed on a cliffside in the 9th century, gives the impression that it could fall into the sea at any moment.
It is accessible via a well-maintained hiking trail, but the view of the turquoise blue sea can be dizzying.
Another attraction on the island, the Katapola Botanical Garden is worth a stroll, as are the pretty streets located behind the port.
4- To go hiking off the beaten path.
Speaking of trails, let's add that one of the five good reasons to visit Amorgos lies in the numerous hikes one can undertake there. This wild island is the favorite destination for hikers in the Cyclades.
The most seasoned hikers love the hike that connects Chora to Langada, passing by the famous Chozoviotissa Monastery. Others are content with an easier loop starting from Aegiali. This hike, which takes about 3 hours, passes through Tolaria and Langada.
In the heights of Langada, another sporty hike allows you to discover a row of abandoned windmills on the slopes of Mount Machos. As you can see, the island is full of trails. But beware! They are not always well-marked. Therefore, you must remain cautious and be well-equipped before venturing onto these paths.
5- To swim in crystal-clear waters.
Hiking is not the only physical activity you can enjoy in Amorgos. The last of the 5 good reasons to visit this island lies in the opportunity to swim, scuba dive, and climb.
Many tourists come to swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the beautiful beaches. All around this island, the color of the sea is an intense blue, and this incredible scene undoubtedly inspired Luc Besson.
Among the most popular beaches on the island are Aegiali, Levrossos, Agios Paylos, and of course, the small Agia Anna beach, famous for its chapel that appears at the beginning of The Big Blue.
Swimming is one of the must-do activities on the island, just like tasting local specialties: goat and sheep cheeses, red wine, and honey raki. So don't wait any longer to experience the many pleasures of this Greek island!
