Villages, Greece

All the villages on Amorgos reflect the typical nature of the Cyclades Islands

Starting from Katapola on the south-west coast, the main port for the large ferries from Piraeus still preserves its olden-day atmosphere with the added flair typical of tourist ports with taverns, restaurants, cafes, shops and markets. Night owls in Katapola will find pubs and taverns open till dawn. Ferries for the Little Cyclades depart from here.

Rahidi and Xilokeratidi are the boroughs that overlook the bay of Katapola, simpler and quieter than the port but just as charming, with a delightful promenade, caiques, nets and fishermen just about everywhere.

The Kato Meria area, fifteen kilometers to the south of Chora, is fascinating and stunning, with white towns, magnificent landscapes and green valleys, the only ones on the practically barren island. Kamari, Arkesini and Kolfana, are small villages, just a handful of houses with an inevitable tavern.

The main village on the north-east of the island is Aegiali, Amorgos' second port village. A lively town with a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by tamarisks and filled with places to eat. Taverns and restaurants overlook the small port and markets and shop crowd the alleyways. Aegiali is the most popular village on the island.

Langada, Potamos and Tholaria are mountain villages behind Aegiali. All three are delightful, with the usual cobblestone alleys, panoramic squares, white houses with colored shutters and typical cafes serving ouzo, the anise liquor of the Cyclades. Don't miss the large Aghios Anarghiri church in Tholariae and try the local pastries.