Walking holiday in Amorgos, Greece
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We highlight in our information the unique flora of Amorgos and the remarkable potency of its aromatic shrubs, and include a country code in our notes. We work with local people involved in the island environment, by reporting on paths that are falling out of use, and help to clear them, and contribute articles on walking and the environment to the community newsheet.
We encourage our guests and the owners of the accommodation we use to be aware of threats to the environment (specifically water usage, plastic bags and bottles) and suggest ways in which they can minimise them.
On guided walks and in the self-guided notes we make our guests aware of the island's land-use through the ages.
Community
We work with a local guide Panos, as route manager for the self-guided walks, and all the accommodation is locally owned. As our holidays take place in spring, early summer and autumn, we bring custom and income to establishments and little-visited villages which would otherwise only have visitors in high summer. We explain to our guests in advance of visiting Xhozioviotissa Monastery, that it is completely dependent upon donations and point them towards the collecting box.
We visit and use an eco-hotel in Lagadha, and recommend the neighbouring alternative therapy and Amorgos herbalist. Amorgos is a remote island but appears to be reversing the trend for depopulation among young people. Many of these are carving livelihoods for themselves in the arts and tourism (Panos, our route manager is one of them). They are dedicated to encouraging low-impact tourism, specifically walking and increasing awareness of the island’s unique flora. Everyone who visits Amorgos on a holiday such as ours helps their cause. Our guided groups are maximum 12 people, and usually 8-10.
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