Almost as if by magic, clinging 300 meters over the sea  the  Monastery is a breathtaking sight. To get there, you  climb the many steps from the   beach  or the 300 steps from the monastery's parking lot where the local  bus  stops. Once at the top, the magnificent  view  and monks who welcome  fruit and sugar pastries, make you fell closer to the sacred.

The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of only two of its kind in the world, the other in Palestine, I believe. Literally built into the side of the cliff overlooking the blue Aegean far below, the views are spectacular. Despite its being a working monastery, dating back hundreds of years -- the first structure over 1000 I believe -- you can get access to a couple of the rooms including the small chapel. I was particularly intrigued by the class case holding the watches of those who had "renounced the ways of the world" to become monks until death. You will need to cover up legs and shoulders to enter the building, but usually there are a few spare clothes hanging on the wall outside. It was one of the highlights of my visit to half a dozen Greek islands in the vicinity. You can drive or take the bus to fairly near by -- just a few hundred stairs up the cliff to the monastery. You can also hike in or out over the cliffs -- this I didn't do, but I gather it's a walk not a climb -- other destinations on the trail being from one to four hours away.

I rate Amorgos as a 6,becouse the first encounter with the island was at night after a stormy(the meltimi winds can be rough)night and this looming dark island witha singel light flashing;just like a scene straight out of Jules Vernes "the island of dr.Moraeu".you board the vessel ms Scopelitis,that does a milk run of the lesser cyclades from Naxos,hop off on any island,it's like stepping back in time.I love unchanged,sleepy,laid back of the beaten track destinations!

This has nothing to do with religious views but this monastery is great! It is built in the side of a rock 300m above the sea!!! You feel engaged by the breathe-taking view over the vast sea, which seems endless... The colour of the water varies from deep blue to turquoise, combined with the colours of the rainbow, because of the strong winds in the area that allow the sunlight to play with the water. Perfect!!

Consigili: 1) Visitare il monastero Ortodosso. 2) Scendere nella grotta dove San Giovanni scrisse l'Apocalisse!