“We are not an island; we are a village. We share it like family.”
October 2019 By Raul Garcia
“We are not an island; we are a village. We share like family.” This was how Billy a member of the Aegialis Hotel and Spa staff described the culture of Amorgos. In a short week, I was able to live that statement and experience the warmth of the people of Amorgos. With under 50 square miles, the island of Amorgos offers a quiet secluded feel. But there is much to experience on this “village” of an island. From crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea with backdrops of some of the most beautiful sunsets to historic sites like the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa.
The Monastery is an impressive visual even from a distance. The smooth bright white structure was built against a rocky cliff. The contrast in colors and texture make it stand out like a jewel of the island. A tour inside the monastery is a must and will require men and women to adhere to a dress code. There are articles of clothing outside the entrance that are shared amongst guests to follow the code.
The village of Chora in Amorgos is quaint and colorful. It’s a beautiful village to stroll through, explore the shops and enjoy the patio views of local restaurants. There is a Venetian Castle sitting atop a rock. There is a local shop that holds the key to the castle. I was told, you can go in and ask for this long key and hike up to visit the castle. Once again, giving any visitor a welcoming feeling of being part of the family on this island.
Besides the picturesque scenery, the retreat week experience and all the wonderful new friends I met in our group, what I took away most about Amorgos was the culture and its community. “We are not an island; we are a village. We share like family” held true throughout my entire stay.
Amorgos is just a snapshot of my entire Greek experience. Visiting Athens, the birthplace of Democracy, and walking around the Acropolis imagining all the historical names that set foot on those grounds was a surreal experience. Exploring the Island of Crete looking for its gems of pink sand beaches, hidden beach coves and Venetian lighthouses will fulfill any adventurous spirit. Santorini was not on my list to visit as I thought it may be overrated. Luckily, I had one free day and I went against my thinking. I spent a day and night in awe of Santorini’s beauty. As beautiful as the pictures may look, they do not replace the experience of standing on one of its many lookout points, staring out to sea and soaking in the panoramic beauty.
Greece fulfilled my spirit in different ways and left me yearning to be back sooner than later. Every island has its own personality and charm allowing for any type of traveler to find their own fulfillment of adventure and peace.
Amorgos, Greece - Self-Realization & Empowerment Retreat
October 2019 By Raul Garcia
