This day we had to wake up very early (in holidays standards) to catch the bus to explore the most southern part of the island: Kalotaritissa. Bus connections here are very limited so if you miss the one you will have to wait for the next one to come. But as the feeling in bed, waking up surrounded with thousands of fresh flowers, was so sweet (imagine waking up inside a bottle of fabric softener), so relax we didn't make it.
Thank God the people here on the island are very friendly and hospitable so we found this man, George, who gave us a hitchhike. He was going there anyway to take care of his fields. So we jumped in the back of his pick-up and enjoyed one of the most breath-taking sight-seeing trips, inside the natural environment of Amorgos, that I could image. Just sit back, relax and feel the fresh wind fondling your skin, your hair, your entire body, mmm delicious.
About five minutes before reaching our destination, he stopped and showed us there, on the right side, down the road, the famous shipwreck of the Olympia. He told us, in short, what happened here in February 1980.
After that he drove us totally down to the Beach of Kalotaritissa and pressed us on the heart 'not to miss the last bus' back to Katapola as after the sun sets, the weather conditions become very harsh: the south wind will kick in and the temperatures will drop tremendously. Don't expect anybody to take you back as from that moment on there will be not a living soul down here on the island and you will have to spend the night here (alone). Sounds romantic, not?
The Beach of Kalotaritissa is one of the most beautiful experiences we had. (Don't make me choose though as I believe every single beach here has its own 'charm'). If you like it rough and wild, as close to nature as possible, this is the place to be.
The beach is relatively long and sandy and is because of its shallow, crystal clear, waters very child-friendly. There is a canteen where you can buy some drinks and a snack. (prices are slightly high though).
In the afternoon you will notice that many fishing boats will flock here to go out for fishing, together, later in the evening. You can take from this beach a taxi-boat (or a ask one of the fisherman, in return of a small tip) to take you to the opposite sub-island: Gramvousa.
Due to its unique, typical rock formations mainly found on the east side (on the left, facing towards the sea) of the main beach I always refer to this beach as 'Baklava' beach as they resemble the structure of the typical Mediterranean sweet.
QUICK DETAILS:
LOCATION : 36°47'35.1"N+25°44'34.8"E (36.7930827,25.7418994).
TYPE : SANDY.
FACILITIES :
PARTLY ORGANISED (UMBRELLAS AND SUNBEDS).
CHILD FRIENDLY (shallow waters).
CANTEEN.
ACCESSIBLE BY CAR.
TAXI-BOAT TO GRAMVOUSA (the small sub-island opposite).