Chora is an ancient cycladic village hidden away on the mountains of Amorgos. Wander around the whitewashed alleys and discover byzantine chapels and small squares. Try traditional dishes and experience the cozy atmosphere of the nightlife.
Hotels in Amorgos
Stroll in the alleys and the small squares
You'll come across many restaurants and bars in the central paved alley and the two squares, Loza and Plateaki. Enjoy coffee, cocktails, drinks, sweets and traditional greek meze every hour of the day.
Hotels in Amorgos
Where to go
- central paved alley (Platisteno): discover this picturesque cycladic alley in the heart of Chora and sit on a table to enjoy the unique scenery. You'll walk through the steak house Mpurzolaki, the meze restaurant Tranzistoraki, the restaurant Kastanis, souvlaki O Zoumeros, pizza Petrino, the restaurant Triporto and the meze restaurant-cafe bar Kath' Odon
- Loza: the village's main square. Sit at the cafe-bars Ilios and Alisahni. At night the illuminated castle makes the atmosphere even more romantic
- Plateaki: a small square with three united churches and restaurants and cafe-bars. You'll find there Mayasi wine-bar and the delicacies restaurant Apospero
- Platea: the square of Agioi Pantes church, right before you enter the central paved alley
- look around for more: explore the alleys and discover more places. Visit patisserie Callisto and taste its sweets. Also, relax in the Jazzmin cafe-bar balcony and Arbaroriza restaurant courtyard
Chora with the hill of the castle. On the right, the white dome is the Metropolis of Amorgos in Loza
Tour
A little of history
Chora is hidden among the mountains at a height of 350 meters, unseen by the sea due to the fear of pirates. It was inhabited during the byzantine period, around the 7th century AD.
The castle was built during the venetian rule in the early 13th century and was the first nucleus of the village. The neighborhood around has medieval character and is called Vorina.
Central paved alley (Platisteno)
You'll enter Chora through Platea, the entrance of the village. The church of Agioi Pantes, renovated in 1644, marks the beginning of the alley that crosses the village from one end to the other. The alley is the expansion of Chora after the 16th century.
Going up the alley you'll notice the greek style kafenio tables with the straw chairs and the whitewashed irregular shaped stone plates. You'll also see Gavras Mansion that houses the archaeological collection, and Zoodohos Pigi temple renovated in the 17th century.
A few meters further up is the small square Plateaki with the three united churches.
After Plateaki is an arch called Emprostiada and marks the exit of Chora.
The whitewashed central paved alley with the tables of Transistoraki meze restaurant
Loza
The main square is underneath the castle in the oldest neighborhood of Chora. Its name derives from the venetian word "loggia" meaning agora.
The Metropolis, renovated in 1689, dominates the square. The old white buildings and the trees, with the big eucalyptus in the middle, complement the surroundings.
Annual feasts in Loza
- the Transfiguration of the Savior: on the 6th of August, with live music and dances
- the feast of pasteli: on the first Sunday after the 15th of August. Preparation and serving of traditional pasteli with live music and dances
Loza is the main square of Chora
The castle
The small castle of Chora was built during the venetian rule in the early 13th century for the protection against the pirates.
In order to visit it, ask for the keys from the cafes in Loza.
You enter through Agios Georgios church, which is the gate of the castle. Going up the stairs, you'll see Kira Leousa church, the oldest in Chora, and the fortifications.
The hill is 65 meters high and has the best view in Chora and the mills. The best time to visit it, is before sunset.
The windmills
Leaving Emprostiada behind you, continue uphill to the windmills. After a short and moderate ascend, you reach a balcony with an unforgettable view to the Aegean.
Stroll around the ruined mills and admire the view of the Aegean. The best time to visit them is before sunset, but watch out the fierce winds.
Don't miss the windmills with the unforgettable view
Transportation
If you choose to stay in Chora, you can get around with the local transport.
Bus routes to Hozoviotissa monastery, Agia Anna beach and Katapola are frequent.
In any case, check the timetable.
Accommodations
Chora features very few accommodations. The best is Vorina Ktismata.
See more at booking.com.
Traditional products shops
You may buy traditional products such as psimeni, rakomelo, loukoumi and pasteli at Amorgion shop.