Amorgos Island (Katapola, Greece)

Amorgos Island is the easternmost isle of Greece's Cyclades Islands group, as well as the nearest to neighboring Dodecanese Islands group. Amorgos, along with its neighboring islets (the biggest of which is Nikouria) comprises the Amorgos municipality, with municipal land area approx 126 km2 (49 mi2), and population around 2,000.

Due to the position of Amorgos Island opposite the ancient beaches of Ionian cities, such as Alikarnassos, Ephesos, and Militos, it became one of the first sites from which the Ionians passed through to Cyclades Islands and onto Greek mainland.

Throughout history, Amorgos Island was also popular as Yperia, Patagy (Platagy), Pagali, Psichia, Karkisia. It features a wealth of remnants of old civilizations. At Archaic Greece's time, there were 3 independent city-states. They are believed to have had autonomous constitutions but common currency. Amorgos Island is distinguished by the quality and size of the walls surrounding Arkesini city, by the ancient towers with remains scattered all over the isle, by the ancient tombs, stone tools, vases, inscriptions, and other antiquities.

Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery is situated northeast of Chora, on the cliffside. It was built early in the 2nd millennium to protect a religious icon, which dates back from 812, from intruders. The unique icon is on public display in the monastery. Visitors must be dressed decently if they want to enter. As of July 2012, Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery is active and houses 3 practicing monks.

Tourism on Amorgos Island is going up slowly, though its features prevent mass tourism. Amorgos is accessible only by boat. The three main places of tourist accommodations are Aegiali, Chora, and Katapola. Hiking ways are well maintained. Other activities are relating to wellness and also include scuba diving. 

Amorgos Island was featured in The Big Blue, a film by Luc Besson (1988). Agia Anna and Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery can be seen in it. Amorgos was also featured in Ariadni, a film by Giorgos Kordelas (2002).

Amorgos Island cruise terminal