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TAKE THE MYK

The tranquil Greek holiday island that’s as beautiful as Santorini or Mykonos but with far fewer tourists

A night on the island for two can be booked from around £30

A GREEK holiday island has wowed visitors, with its shipwreck coves, stunning scenery and lack of other tourists proving to be a big hit.

More popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini often take the plaudits, but during the summer months become overcrowded.

Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of the most unique monasteries in Greece
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Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of the most unique monasteries in GreeceCredit: Alamy
The Olympia shipwreck has been in the sea at Amorgos since 1980
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The Olympia shipwreck has been in the sea at Amorgos since 1980Credit: Alamy
The island has been compared to more popular hotspots like Santorini
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The island has been compared to more popular hotspots like SantoriniCredit: Alamy

However, there are other islands nearby that offer similar views and beaches, while remaining altogether much more tranquil.

One such place is the island of Amorgos, which is known for its fascinating history, beautiful seas and even some iconic buildings.

One of those is Panagia Hozoviotissa, the second oldest monastery in Greece and described by Discover Greece as the "most unusual monastery in the Aegean".

Some say it looks as if it's painted onto a sheer rock face sight but in actual fact, it's wedged into a small gap in the cliff.

It's not the easiest landmark to reach, with a 300 step climb required before you've even reached the monastery.

From there, it's another eight storeys. However the view from the top is considered to be the best in Amorgos.

For those not interested in climbing up rocks to see old cliff-face churches, the shores offer much more relaxing way to spend a day out.

Among the favourite places to find the sea are Mouros Beach and Pavlos Beach, although there are plenty of others throughout the island.

Some of the bays require a hike across a bit of rocky landscape in order to reach them, but that only increases the likelihood of finding a beach with no one else there.

However, one place where others will frequently be found is Kalotaritissa Beach, where the Olympia shipwreck can be seen.

It's been there since February 1980 when strong winds moved it into the bay and onto the rocks where it stands to this day.

The unique site has featured in films like The Big Blue - a movie by French director Luc Besson.

Even with popular sites like the Olympia, there are still far fewer crowds than the busier Greek islands.

Greece Travel Secrets explained: "Unlike some of the Greek Islands, Amorgos never gets too overcrowded – no matter what time of year."

That's not to say it's not as worth visiting however, with other tourists saying it simply has a much more relaxed atmosphere.

One wrote on Fodors Travel: "Amorgos is as beautiful as Santorini but not as populated."

Getting to Amorgos is fairly simple, considering it doesn't have direct flights.

A daily ferry runs from Piraeus, just south of Athens, while other ferry services connect the island to both Naxos and Santorini.

A night for two on the island can be booked from around £30.

Read more on the Irish Sun

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Ferries arrive into Amorgos from Athens, Naxos and Santorini each day
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Ferries arrive into Amorgos from Athens, Naxos and Santorini each dayCredit: Alamy
A night for two on the island can be booked from around £30
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A night for two on the island can be booked from around £30Credit: Alamy
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