Lefkes - Agii Saranda - Kamari - Kastri - Vroutsi - Rachoula - Arkesini
ROUTE "ITONIA"
The southern part of Amorgos links Kato Meria to Katapola. The footpath is a great opportunity to view the Eastern Cyclades and then Naxos. The trail is marked with red-and-white markers with the number 3 up to Vroutsi village. From there to Katapola, the markings are not especially clear – there are only a few signs leading to settlements or churches that you will meet along the way.
The starting point is north of Arkesini village. A small road forks to the right from the main road, towards the archaeological site of Agia Triada. At the second-to-last house before the remains of a Hellenistic outpost, you will see the characteristic signs with the number 3.
Follow the road surrounded by stone walls until you reach a cistern. From there, continue downwards until you come to a crossroads; head right until you reach the homes of Rachoula, and climb the hill. When you get to Vroutsi, cross the village via the bakery and post office and head for the church of Agios Spyridon, with its blue dome, and the south-eastern exit of the village. Then follow a cement road to reach the asphalt road in a few minutes. Follow the road to Chora until you reach Stavros chapel. Take the rural road to the left behind the chapel. After about 5 minutes, take the path to the left, heading for the hill. Stay on the footpath, marked with signs to Agia Thekla and Kastri-Ancient Arkesini. Head for the valley below.
You will see a verdant gorge next to the path. At the end of the valley, cross the small cement bridge over the dry riverbed. Head upwards on the other side. Half an hour’s walk after the fork, you will reach a col with several stables built with natural stone.
From here, there is a lovely view to the ruins of Ancient Arkesini (Kastri), visible in the background to the south-west. Head for the church of Agii Saranta, with the two narthexes, in the center of the valley. Return to the valley over the twisty shale. Having almost reached the bottom of the valley, a turn to the left reveals the view to Agii Saranta bay.
Oleander bushes flourish in the ravine (an indication of plentiful underground water), and there is a palm tree on the left, next to the dry riverbed. You will reach the widest point of the valley in about 25 minutes, leaving the col behind you.
Take the footpath opposite, passing by another small church. Another fork in the road appears after an ascent of about 15 minutes: there are a small settlement and the chapel of Agia Thekla to your left. The tiny village is nestled high above two sky-blue coves.
However, you should take the car road heading right and climb the mountain with a view of Lefkes village and Minoa hill. You will reach Lefkes about ten minutes after you leave Agia Thekla. Finikes Bay is below you to the left; it is also accessible by car. Approximately 20 minutes after Lefkes, you will reach Stavros chapel.
From here, for the first time, you will have a view of Katapola valley and the port. Just after the church, the road to the left leads to the interesting archaeological site of Minoa. Follow the cement road down towards the valley. Just after the huge overhanging road, there is a footpath that leads to the center of Katapola.
You need only a bottle of water since there are a lot of possibilities for provision during the walk.