Along the Coast of Amorgos by Boat, Part I

Captain Stelio Rousso (Roussos Cruises) about his impressions of Amorgos Islands’ coastline. The story is split in two parts, starting with the east coast of Amorgos Island.

Amorgos Island from south - Photo by airphotos.gr

Starting our trip from the small port of Kalotaritissa, a natural golf located to the south part of the island, all censes are hyper by the beauty and smells. This location was always a fishing base with its name coming from the Byzantine years and from Cyprus in the century when the meaning of the name “Kalotaria” meant “good weather”. With direction to the east side of Amorgos, just out of the port, we gaze across the islet of Gramvoussa, where we meet a rare kind of sea gull, the Aegean sea gull delighted in resting at the Psalida cape.

As we continue cruising, we meet the islet of Kisiri, which means pumice. The name was given after all the last explosion of Santorini volcano, and the fact that the island was covered by those light stones. The bird watchers will enjoy the view of the parent sea gull train their little ones, how to make perfect circles. Going northerly, it is likely to come across some seals or the even the sea turtle of Amorgos. When we are really lucky, we get to see the entertainers of the sea, the rinodelfina, a spiece of dolphins which are more friendly and come very close to the boat, having most of the times a great mood for playing and show off. “The best way to proof our admiration for the sea” says the captain,” is to respect and appreciate every meeting with the sea, but most of all to keep it clean and full of life.”

Timoni, big rock shaped as a wheel

Going north we pass by Timoni, a big rock shaped as a wheel, which has round shape. The fishermen of the area gave this rock this name in order to be able to recognize it from far away. The Ammoudi and Mouros beaches represent the typical wild beauty of the island consisting of many caves and reefs. A little bit further we meet the Myrsini, an unreachable beach by shore, and then, after the famous Agia Anna beach, we make a stop at the beach under the Monastery, as the purpose of our trip is to meet all those beaches, which cannot be reached from the land. This is the point, where the holy icon of Panagia Hozoviotissa, which came from Chozova, was found back at the beginning of the 9^th century. The person, who found the icon, dreamed of “Panagia” Virgin Mary, and was instructed where to build this monument of Christianity. The Monastery was build in 1088, and stands over 1000 years, blessing Amorgos. It is a unique experience to swim in the crystal blue waters , under the shadow of the Monastery, which is built 300 m above the sea, and on the steep cliffs of the mountains.

Monastery Hozoviotissa

Leaving this beach we hear the Monastery’s bells ringing as “fair well” an always good sign. We head north to the old bauxite mines. On the way – full of pittoresque rocks – we pass the Beach of Chalara and the Bay of Sparti, places you have to visit. Right after Sparti we pass the bauxite mines, where we can see the iron tools people used back then, in a very good condition. In this mine many local people were working until the beginning of the 40’s by gouging bauxite. In 1976 they even began to develop the street Langada – Mine in order to ease the works in the mine, but the overall project ended in 1981 for economical and political reasons.

See some more pictures from Chalara Beach, Sparti Bay and Mines:

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Take a look at part II!

Captain Stelio Rousso

Captain Stelio Rousso knows what he talks about. His passion belongs to the sea and his vessels, he loves to be on the sea with his boat, telling you a punch of stories and relevant facts about the island.
Please note: boat cruises on Amorgos Island can only be done at appropriate weather conditions. Whenever there is a chance for you, just call Stelio and try to get a seat on his boat!
Pricing depends on the number of participants and cruise route (up to 15 people) usually price will be between 20 and 30 Euros per person.
Call: +30 22850 72230 or mobile: +30 69324 52508
More info on Stelios homepage