The ancient city Minoa in Amorgos

Minoa is one of the three ancient cities of Amorgos, the other two are Ancient Arkesini below Vroutisi and Asfontilitis in the mountains between Chora and Aegiali. None of the towns are inhabited today.

Minoa is believed to have been inhabited between 1,000 BC and the year 400 AD. The town was located, or actually still is, in the hills above Katapola. You really understand why they built the town right here, from the top of the hill one had total control of everything that moved offshore and onshore.

The ancient city Minoa above Katapola.

The walls that surrounded Minoa are impressively thick.

Minoa is believed to have been inhabited between 1,000 BC and the year 400 AD.

There is not much to see of the old town, at least not for a layman. Most of it is in ruins. You even do not need to go into the excavation area, unless you are passionate about archaeology. Even so, I think Minoa is a must when you visit Amorgos, the views of Katapola and out over the sea are among the most impressive you can imagine. If you have nothing else for you, I can recommend you to watch the sunset from Minoa, because it is incomparably beautiful.

There are information boards where you can read about Minoa.

The view from Minoa is more worth seeing than the ancient city of Minoa. Maltezi beach in the middle.

The sunset seen from Minoa above Katapola.

One likes to stay here for a long time and enjoy the peaceful views.

At the top of Minoa you are close to heaven.

Luckily there is a road up to Minoa so you do not have to trudge the steep uphill slope. The road up starts in Rachidi, which is a part of Katapola. The road continues to the small village of Lefkes where time has stood still. Below the small community of Lefkes are three small beaches: Finikies, Tyrokomos and Agioi Saranta. There is a hiking trail that runs between the beaches.

This beautiful church is located just before Minoa and the village of Lefkes.

The tiny village of Lefkes near Minoa.

Tyrokomos beach below the small village of Lefkes.

Finikies beach below the small village of Lefkes and Minoa.

There are lots of goats around the mountain at Minoa. The ancient city is surrounded by fences to prevent them from entering the area. But that doesn't stop the goats from trying. When we were here once, a goat got stuck in an iron fence. The goat's heartbreaking cry was heard all over Minoa. I ran there and after quite a while managed to free it from its prison.

Here I rescue a goat from its prison.

The goats in Minoa are not afraid of heights.

View of Katapola from Minoa. Express Skopelitis has just left the port.

When we are on Amorgos, we almost always stay in Katapola. We have stayed in Aegiali once, and it was nice, but Katapola is the best village to stay in if you ask us. We always stay at Eleni on The Beach, formerly called Eleni Rooms. The location is absolutely fantastic and the small beach is perfect for a morning or evening swim.

Eleni on The Beach seen from Minoa.

The mountain where Minoa is located seen from Xilokeratidi opposite Katapola.

Katapola, Profitis Elias and Chora seen from Minoa.

Chora, Minoa and Katapola seen from Profitis Ilias.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT MINOA

Don't miss the hike to Ancient Arkesini, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT AMORGOS