Walking Amorgos 2012

8/3/2019 Walking Amorgos 2012

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Areopoli

23062

Lakonia

Greece

Tel: +30 27330 52611

Mob: +30 6937 772 996

e mail: [email protected]

The mountains and monasteries of Amorgos: 10-19 September 2012

Amorgos is the easternmost island in

the Cyclades, and is probably one of

the most wild and unspoilt, giving

the impression of going back in

time. Rich in antiquities andscattered with beautiful old chapels

and windmills, its windswept peaks

plunge down into the crystal clear

water of the Aegean. Linked by

paved road only in 1995, the

charming whitewashed villages each

retain a distinct charm, and all offer

wonderful cafes with home-made

cakes, raki psimmeno and plenty

of tiny streets to explore.

We spend 7 days walking along

herb-scented ridges and cliffs,

exploring archaeological treasures,

visiting the magnificent 10th century

monastery of Chozoviotissa and

other pretty chapels, and of course

have time to swim in some of the

most beautiful bays in Greece. We

also have the opportunity to take a

boat trip to one of the nearby

deserted islands. Based in the best

hotel in Amorgos overlooking thepicturesque bay of Aegiali, we

sample the delicious island flavours

in a variety of traditional tavernas.

Day 1We meet you off your early morning flight to Athens and after lunch transfer you straight to the port to

catch our evening ferry to Amorgos. We arrive very late in Aegiali and transfer to our nearby hotel.


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Day 2After a restorative breakfast there is

an optional gentle walk from Tholaria

to the exposed (abandoned) monastery

of Aghios Ioannis Christostomos, high

on the cliffs north of Aegiali, where

we have panoramic views back across

the bay. Returning the same way, we

then walk down to the beach of

Aegiali for lunch, leaving the

afternoon free to explore the

wonderful sandy beaches below the

cliffs of our morning walk. (3.5

miles).

Day 3Today we get more acquainted with

our new surroundings. Setting off

from the harbour of Aegiali we follow

a beautifully paved kalderimi up to

Langadha, probably the prettiest

village in Amorgos, with its

whitewashed amorphous houses, blue

shutters and maze of streets. After

stopping at a remarkable cliff-chapel,

we wind our way through olive

groves, across a lush gorge and

contour on around to Tholaria, wherewe have lunch. A short walk down to

the golden sandy beach of Aegiali

gives us time for a swim or tea in one

of the many village cafes. (7 miles).

Day 4We drive up through Amorgos rugged landscape to

the main town of Hora, where we visit the small but

fascinating museum, a couple of churches and wander

through the tiny picturesque streets decorated with

cycladic symbols. After stopping for coffee and cakeat a traditional cafeneion, we follow a beautiful old

path offering views to both sides of the island to the

monastery of Aghios Georgios Varsamitis, built on

the site of an ancient aquatic oracle, where people

used to have their fortunes told by signs on the

surface of a sacred spring. After lunch there, we then

contour through lush valleys to visit the hilltop site of

ancient Minoa, from where we transfer back by van to

Aegiali. (7 miles).

Alternative afternoon option to swim at the tiny beach

of Aghia Anna, with its turquoise water and

magnificent views back to the Khozoviotissa

Monastery.


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Day 5Starting from Langadha we take a

very steep and rocky path up to the

old mills of Machos: these dominate

the skyline at around 540m and for

years were an essential part of the

agricultural traditions of the island.

The exertion to reach this point and

the exposure once there reveals the

hard life of past islanders. From here

on a clear day we can see as far as

Santorini and maybe even Ikaria.

Descending again to Langadha for

lunch, there is a chance to have

coffee in a traditional cafeneion

before we follow another winding

kalderimi back to Aegiali for a

refreshing swim. (5 miles).

Day 6Today we drive back to Hora and visit

the spectacular Monastery of

Chozoviotissa, literally clinging to the

towering cliffs like a stark whitefortress. Founded in the 9th century by

monks from Hozova in the Middle East

fleeing the iconoclasm, this 8 storey

architectural wonder houses some very

old and unusual icons and relics. From

here we then ascend the spine of

Amorgos and walk all the way back to

Aegiali, stopping to eat our packed

lunch at an abandoned shepherds hut.

This is a long, tough hike but probably

one of the most rewarding of all, with

magnificent views to the majestic cliffsof the south and to the islets to the

north. A remote, rocky but inspirational

walk. (12 miles).

Day 7A days well-earned rest! We take a private caique out on a tour around the nearby deserted island of

Nikouria, where there is the opportunity to swim and explore while we prepare your seafood lunch.


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Day 8A spectacular drive to Vroutsi, in the wild Kato Meria (southern end) of the island. Here we follow

an ancient and well-trodden path to Kastri, site of the important mid-Cycladic settlement of ancient

Arkesini, a naturally fortified acropolis which dominates the coastline. From there we follow tiny

coastal paths back towards Minoa, stopping for a packed lunch in the remote landscape, silent except

for the tinkling of goat bells or the waves below us. We then continue on down to the harbour of

Katapola for tea before driving back to Aegiali. (9.5 miles).

Day 9Our final walk in Amorgos starts

from Langadha. We take a

wonderful old kalderimi winding

steadily up through lush meadows

and shade (very unusual in the

Cyclades) to the oldest monastery

on the island, Aghios Theologos,

which dates back to the 7thcentury. From here we continue on

to the unassuming chapel of Stavro

- with probably the most dramatic

and breathtaking view of the trip.

Not for the faint-hearted, this tiny

path leads us along towering cliffs

which fall sheer to the sea, 500m

below! Returning the same way,

we stop for our packed lunch at

Aghios Theologos, and continue back to Langadha for a coffee before our final swim in Amorgos. (9

miles).

Day 10We take the morning ferry back to Piraeus from where we can transfer you either directly to the airport

or to a central hotel in Athens.


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General informationIn September the weather should be fine and warm (without the strong meltemi winds of August),

with an abundance of wild autumn flowers. There are several occasions to swim: our hotel overlooks

some of the best beaches on the island, and it also has a pool. However, being mountainous and

exposed, it is always worth being prepared for all conditions. The terrain is very rocky, so strongly

supportive boots are essential, and some of the paths can be quite overgrown with prickly

undergrowth, so it is a good idea to have trousers to slip on over shorts if necessary. For visiting the

monastery in Amorgos, women MUST wear a skirt/sarong over shorts, and men must wear trousers.

A medium sized day pack is essential for carrying PLENTY (at least 1 litre) of water and on a couple

of occasions, a packed lunch, plus layers - i.e. light jumper and waterproof. We eat in a mixture of

local tavernas and the hotels themselves, none of which are formal.

TransportWe take the largest and most reliable ferry from Piraeus to and from Amorgos (cost included in the

trip price) so that we are not affected by bad weather. This will mean your first evening is on the

ferry, but it is worth it!

AccommodationIn Amorgos we stay in the best hotel on the island, with beautiful views and run by enterprising and

professional local family. It has comfortable rooms each with a balcony and all mod cons. There is a

pool, bar and restaurant, and is in walking distance of beautiful beaches and the village of Aegiali.

Food and wineThe Cyclades offer some interesting wines, which of course we will be trying out. In Amorgos we

will sample raki psimmeno - raki distilled with honey, cinnamon and cloves. Island food is quite

different from the mainland, mainly due to the limited supplies. This often makes for a rather more

imaginative cuisine than elsewhere in Greece. Fish is not as readily available as you might imagine,

but vegetarian options are wonderful here. Picnics include healthy salads, local meats and cheeses,

fruit and local wine.

InsurancePlease ensure that you have comprehensive insurance for every eventuality.

Visas etcA valid passport is required. No visas, inoculations or vaccinations are required by citizens of the UK

and Ireland for travel to Greece. It is advisable, however, to check with your doctor before departure.

If you do not hold a UK passport, you must inform me of this fact when booking and contact the

Greek embassy to see whether this is required in your case. It is your responsibility to to ensure that

you have the correct and current visa documentation.

Cost

Money-wise, everything is included while you are with me: i.e. all your meals are paid for (unless youchoose to opt out of the scheduled programme) as well as wine with dinner. However, any extra pre-

dinner drinks, ice-creams, coffees etc are not. Greeks tend not to have coffee/tea after dinner - in fact

you cannot usually get these in a taverna - so these are not included either. Entrance to the museum,

churches etc. whenever you are with ME are all covered.

Price of trip: 1,950 (unavoidable single supplement of 250)

This trip runs with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 guests.

You will be able to book this trip through Sunvil, who is my agent in the UK - they ensure full AITO

bonding and liability insurance and take credit cards.

Walking Amorgos 2012

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