Holidays to Amorgos

The capital, inevitably called Chora, is about halfway up the island above the south coast. It is one of the most attractive Cycladic towns, whitewashed with chapels and Venetian fortifications to explore and a fair number of decent cafés and characteristic tavernas. It is a short walk from here, via a cobbled donkey path, to the monastery of Hozoviotissa which dates from 1088; Amorgos' most famous attraction and still with a handful of resident (and welcoming) monks. The location is stunning - built into the cliff high above the sea.

Our holidays are based at the island's picturesque second port of Aegialis - the first is Katapola to the west - where you will find a good sandy beach and selection of small shops and tavernas. The island bus also runs between the two and goes on to Chora, although keen walkers could take the bus one way and enjoy the beautiful 4-5 hour trail back (or v.v.). In the hills above Aegialis are three very traditional villages to explore, places where donkeys still work for a living. Elsewhere the island has some largely unexcavated sites to visit (Minoan, Hellenistic and Roman) and a good number of chapels in between.

We cannot stress enough how traditional an island Amorgos is. It is, in many ways, that cliched 'step back in time'. There are many village festivals in the summer, where you will genuinely experience the welcome and hospitality Greece is famed for.