Amorgos

Amorgos, with its dramatic mountain scenery and laidback atmosphere, is attracting visitors in increasing numbers. The most popular site of the island is Panagia Hozoviotissa, an impressive monastery, perched on a rocky cliff above the sea. This 10th-century cliffside monastery boasts a wonderful traditional architecture, while it has a seductive view of the Aegean Sea.

The island can get extremely crowded in midsummer, the numbers swollen by film buffs paying their respects to the film location of Luc Besson’s The Big Blue, although fewer venture out to Liveros at the island’s western end to see the wreck of the Olympia that figures so prominently in the film. Amorgos is untouched by mass tourism. For this reason, it is the perfect destination for those who seek privacy and tranquility, as well for nature lovers.

This is the island to try rakomelo – a kind of fermented grappa with honey, herbs and spices, drunk in shots as an aperitif.