ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO Amorgos – A Wild Mountain Island 2010
A self-guided walking holiday in the Cyclades
Experience the highly charged atmosphere of Amorgos, an island of intense colours and thrilling land forms. The island’s herbs and shrubs are famed for their aroma and potency. Mountains run the island’s length like a battlement defending the easternmost limits of the Cycladic archipelago. Amorgos’ remoteness has enabled it to retain much of its traditional character today: farm buildings little changed in 5,000 years (probably built with the same stones) and old stone threshing circles still in use. The tumble of whitewashed buildings, arches and alleys in the mountain villages are the living descendants of Cycladic architecture. Our walks follow ancient pathways that reach into the heart of the landscape and coastal tracks with breathtaking views of island and sea, which lead to hidden valleys scattered with the remnants of an ancient temple, a medieval monastery or a citadel that was once a thriving metropolis. Although this is a self-guided holiday, you will of course be met by our representative in order to discuss the route.
This holiday can also be combined with a week on the island of Tinos and/or Naxos.
PRICE
£575 per person. Single supplement: £65 (NB - prices in July and August are subject to a surcharge)
INCLUDED
- 8 nights in attractive studio-apartments (in Chora, Katapola and Arkesini) and small hotels (in Eghiali 4 nights)
- Route notes and local back-up, meeting with tour manager on Day 2
- 5 breakfasts (in Eghiali and Arkesini)
- Transfers as applicable (including to/from port at beginning and end of holiday) and luggage transfers for main suitcase between lodgings
- Services of tour manager
NOT INCLUDED
Flights and ferries to/from island, dinners, anything not specifically mentioned in the programme
DEPARTURES
From mid-April to early October. Please note that July and August are very hot and that extra charges will apply as accommodation providers raise their prices at this time.
To book email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44) (0)1242 254353
Day 1: Travel to Amorgos. You will be met at the port of Eghiali and taken to your hotel by the sea.
Day 2: Briefing on Amorgos walks by the route manager. A short circular walk around and above Eghiali Bay, with wonderful views of the coast and the islet of Nikouria. From the site of an ancient acropolis and the mountain village of Tholaria, a mule-track leads to Stroumbos, a hamlet with gems of pure Cycladic architecture, and Langadha in an amphitheatrical position above the sea. Return beneath towering limestone crags to Eghiali.
6.5 kms/4 miles. Overnight in Eghiali hotel.
Day 3: Join the mountain paths trodden by pilgrims en-route to the oldest monastery on Amorgos. Miners came this way too, to work the bauxite in the island’s wildest region, where the mountains fall sheer to the sea in a great semi-circle. You pass many a perfect chapel, and high meadows with flowers endemic to the island. 9.5 or 13.5 kms/6 or 8.5 miles. Return to Eghiali for overnight.
Day 4: Follow in the steps of pilgrims and traders through the ages along the Palia Strata (old road), which runs half the length of the island, linking Eghiali with the island’s most important monastery, and the inland capital of Chora, with a azure seas to each side. Pass through a deserted hamlet with a cluster of rock-hewn troughs and wells, and reach one ofGreece’s most iconic sights, the awe-inspiring Chozoviotissa monastery, embedded in precipitous cliffs.
16 kms/10 miles. Overnight in studio-apartments in Chora.
Day 5: Free day - Relax and explore the alleys of Chora, and/or a swim in tiny hidden beaches along the coast below Chozioviotissa Monastery. Overnight in studio-apartment in Chora.
Day 6: From the inland capital, the path circuits the heads of high inland valleys and the air is filled with the aromas of Mediterranean shrubs. The monastery garden of St George Valsamitis is a green and peaceful oasis; then you approach the magnificent bulk of Minoa, ancient acropolis and city-state, still dominating the central island coast and Katapola harbour. Descend through the alleys of Katapola to the port with its long sea-front and range of shops and tavernas.
9 kms/5.6 miles Overnight in studio-apartments close to the sea.
Day 7: A traditional route along a spectacular sweep of coast from the mountainous centre of the island and the bulk of the Minoa acropolis to Kato Meria (‘low place’), with its magical views of offshore islands. Scattered over the hillsides are tiny hamlets perched on promontories commanding views of rugged coastline, whilst chapels inset with carved marble from pagan temples that preceded them, hide in a remote valley.
10 kms/6.25 miles Overnight in studio apartment in modern Arkesini.
Day 8: From modern Arkesini go inland, to its ancient predecessor on a dramatic rocky acropolis above the sea. You can clamber over the remnants of houses, fields, cisterns and defensive walls that date back more than two millennia. On to investigate the impressive ruins of a 4th century BC fortified farm tower and settlement, the surrounding fields and farmland still worked much as they were when the tower was built. Back to modern Arkesini, from where you transfer by taxi to the port.
11 kms/6.9 miles. Overnight in studio apartment close to the port.
Day 9: Departure by ferry.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
This holiday is classed as moderate: a sound basic fitness level and a pair of worn-in hiking boots are required. Some stretches are easy, whilst more strenuous options are available for those that wish. You should be able to walk 8–15 kms without difficulty, or for an average of 4 or 5 hours per day, and able to cope with the occasional stretch of steep, rocky terrain. The routes are mainly along stony paths and tracks, and for short distances along metalled roads. There is usually a site of cultural or natural history interest each day, and opportunities for a refreshing swim. The programme is subject to some change according to the season.
GROUP SIZE
From 2 people
Beautiful scenery, herbs, shrubs and flowers, glimpses of ancient farmingn methods and the ancient Cycladic civilisation, fresh local produce, few visitors outside the tourist season.
ACCOMMODATION
A mixture of studio apartments and comfortable small hotels with en-suite bathrooms.
GETTING THERE
If you are flying to Athens, transfer to Athen's port of Pireaus and take the Blue Star ferry to Amorgos.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), day pack, swimming costume, towel, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream; torch; small first-aid kit. Light waterproof jacket, light fleece or warm jumper; comfortable walking clothes plus long-sleeved cotton shirt; casual, light clothes for the evenings.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44) (0)1242 254353