Download - 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.