This morning we sailed to the island of Amorgos, which is situated in the far eastern side of the Cycladic Islands. It stands like an arrow directing sailors to the Dodecanese Islands to the south or the rest of the Cycladic.
Amorgos is one of the most remote and off the beaten track islands to reach, and this exactly is what makes to unique to visit! It has not been spoiled by tourism and a very long journey is necessary to get to it. Sea Cloud gave us the opportunity to discover its unique beauty!
After taking the tender boats to the cute harbor of Katapola, we were driven by the local bus up a windy road with splendid views of the mountains and endless terraces that had been used for cultivation during the years. We stopped for a great photograph of the Sea Cloud in the deep and beautiful harbor of Katapola and soon reached the eastern cove of Amorgos. The view was just breathtaking and cannot be described with words but just with sounds of admiration that we all were making!
As we reached the end of this dramatic road of cliffs with the endless blue of the Aegean below us, we suddenly noticed hanging off the rocks a white monastery that looked like a white egg of an eagle! This site, the way it was constructed is just a wonder of architecture, of human will! Some of us could simply not resist but to climb these 365 steps that led towards a heaven of photography and vision!
The monastery of Virgin Mary Hosoviotissa was first built in 1088 after a decree had been issued by emperor Alexios Komninos. It was built into the rocks, hanging off the rocks, under the small beach that the miraculous icons of the Panagia—Virgin had been washed out to. The locals founded this monastery that is still operated today by the three monks. Such a location and structure makes man feel so small in front of God! It is even more impressive on the inside with it tiny entrance, walls of 5 meters width, but 20 meters of height. The space was so tiny that they could only expand the monastery height-wise!
The hospitality of the monks was so warm and genuine; they even offered us a special drink to the island named Racomelo that is made from raki, mixed with honey and cinnamon. It warmed our bodies and soul!
After our visit we continued to the main Chora, this is the capital town of the island. One photograph followed the other, one view of a cubic house with flowerpots and boukanvilias was better than the other. The shades of white with the blue doors, the tiny chapels and larger churches succeeding one after another were an overwhelming experience. We rested and took in this beauty and tranquility by having another rakomelo in the traditional Kafenia—coffee shops and eventually had to say our farewell so this beauty of the Cycladic! Some of the travelers have already made plans to return and even stay here for a long period of time!
In the afternoon we had another great sailing experience with the Sea Cloud that lifted its beautiful sails and reached the speed of two knots with the non-existent wind! In the evening we enjoyed another wonderful dinner under the bright stars with the sound of the piano traveling us in time and space!
