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The oblong shape of the mountainous and barren island of Amorgos lies on the eastern edge of the Cyclades, almost in the Dodecanese. In some places, the coastline is steep and rocky, while elsewhere it forms quiet, shady bays. The ruins to be found all over the island and the important archaeological finds discovered there (some of which are in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens) are testimony to the fact that Amorgos was inhabited in prehistoric times and was a place of great importance during the period of the Cycladic civilization.

The island became famous with Luc Besson's "The big blue", which was filmed here.The capital, Amorgos town or Hora, is situated on a hill, and the two ports are Katapola and Aegiali. At Katapola, the main harbour of the island today and the location of the interesting church of "Our Lady Katapoliani" (built on the site of a temple of Apollo), traces of the ancient city Minoa have come to light. The bay of Katapola offers safe anchorage as well as a magnificent sight of steep cliffs dropping to the sea. Swimmers will be delighted by the superb beaches to be found in the vicinity.

The capital of the island, Hora or Amorgos, is a typical Cycladic village, considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the Cyclades. It is situated on a hill 400 metres above sea level and is spread out beneath the Venetian castle which stands on the peak of the hill. There you can visit the Archaeological Museum with finds from all over the island.

The second port of Amorgos, Aegiali, is a pretty village famed for its superb sandy beaches and consisting of three distinct 'quarters'. It is easier to reach Egiali by sea than along the poor and steep road linking it to Hora.

The must of the island, however, is the 11th century monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, practically hanging on a sharp cliff in a spectacular landscape. In the monastery there is a miracle-working icon, found in the sea below. You can get there by bus (ask for the itineraries) or rent a motorbike, but if you like walking you will certainly enjoy it a lot more (remember to take water and sun-screen).

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