Amorgos Island
The Big Blue
Amorgos Islands is the most easterly of the Cyclades islands almost in the Dodecanese Islands and it lies between Naxos (Cyclades Islands) and Astypalaia (Dodecanese Islands).
It’s been said that Amorgos should be on the itinerary of any Cyclades Island Hopper. It is rugged, mountainous, often battered by choppy seas, beaches of sand pebbles and rocks are scattered from the north to the south of the island. Amorgos is a very friendly and charmingly unspoilt island, and is one of the most striking of the Cyclades islands.
Hora (Chora)
The beautiful old Hora (Chora), capital of Amorgos
is a mountain village on the peak of a hill, 400 meters above the sea, around 5.5 km north east of Katapola.
Whitewashed houses with colourful window shutters and doors, many churches decorative flowerpots. It’s a real pleasure to stroll along the narrow streets, discover lovely squares, Take a break at one of the many cafes, tavernas and restaurants. Kathadon a charming bar/taverna at the square in the middle of the town, outside area sometimes live music.
Katapola
Village & Port
The principal port, located on the western coast of Amorgos Island. The ports quayside is a busy part of the town, A stroll along the waterfront lined with numerous Cafes, Tavernas and shops is a good idea.
There is a small port beach, a better beach across the bay is reach by taxi boats.
A growing number of apartments, hotels and rooms to let is found on the far side of the bay.
Homeport for Skopelitis ferry, Small Cyclades Line
Skopelitis Village is a 3-minute drive from Katapola Ferry Terminal and 7 minutes from Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. Featured amenities include luggage storage and a safe deposit box at the front desk.
Aegiali (Egiali) village & Port
On the western coast further north is Aegiali (Egiali) which is the island’s second port (smaller than Katapola). Popular seafront promenade with Cafes, Tavernas, Restaurants and shops.
Surrounded by mountains with unspoilt villages like Potamos (behind the port in the picture), Langada and Tholaria. Good varied accommodation, hotel, apartments. Nice bay formed sandy beach. Family friendly. More of a Holiday resort atmosphere.
Sleeping in Aegiali or Potamos Village
Aegialis Hotel and Spa Amorgos only 5 star hotel with a 5 star plus view. Rooms and suites.
Pano Gitonia Located in Potamos (village above the Aegiali port) A traditional family house, old bakery, stables & studios all decorated in traditional way with stones, wooden ceilings, marble sinks etc. Each has its own veranda with fantastic sea view
Yperia Hotel 3 star hotel in Aegiali Port/village. Large rooms, nicely furnished. Pool and pool bar and snack bar.
Here's my pick of the most attractive places to stay in Aegiali and Potamos In no particular order. All the above hotels can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
Booking.com or eDreams
Monastery of
Chozoviotissa
The most important and famous monument on the island is the spectacular Byzantine Monastery of Panayia Hozoviotissa (constructed in 1088) built into the side of a cliff 300 meters above sea level.
This is a working monastery, “Formal clothing must be worn by all, (no shorts, mini skirts or bikinis for women, no shorts for men. No photographs are allowed inside.
The whitewashed monastery is some 40 meters long eight stories high.
Open hours 08:00 - 13:00 / 17:00 - 19:00 (the year 2023) and only a limited part of the monastery is accessible.
Agia Anna beach is right under the monastery and it takes just a few minutes to drive down the windy road to get to it. It is a very tiny pebbled beach with crystal waters. It is framed nicely by a cute little church.
Amorgos Hiking and Walking
The highest mountain on the island, Krikelos (821m; 2,684ft) is at the north end of the island. There are some challenging walks here.
The footpath of Pan (Lagkada, Agios Ioannis, Stavros, Krikelos) is a 6.5 km
The two-hour route which goes past the Byzantine Monastery of Ioannis Theologos and Stavros Chapel and up to the highest point of the island, Mount Krikelos. Although it is considered to be a difficult path, the superb sea views make it well worthwhile.
For more information Hiking and walking Amorgos
A fairly new book Amorgos – A Walker’s & Visitor’s Guide by Paul and Henrietta Delahunt-Rimmer looks very interesting.
More Hiking and Walking information by Amorgos Island Magazine
Amorgos Beaches
Kalotaritissa image by Amorgos Greece
Amorgos boasts scenic bays, underwater caves ideal for diving and golden beaches, most of which are secluded (only a few are organised). You can reach them on foot or by boat. Below some favourites.
Aegiali here you will find the longest beach on Amorgos
Ayia Anna beach, where the film “Big Blue” was shot, you will find two bays, one of which is home to the small church of Ayia Anna. The beach is pebbly, with rocks and caves, crystal clear waters and is ideal for snorkeling! When you are swimming, enjoy the stunning view of the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviótissa carved into the steepest rock of Mt. Profitis Elias!
Mouros Beach with its rocky landscape and secluded caves is superb! Take a moment to admire the breathtaking view from the top of the footpath that leads down to the beach!
Ayios Pavlos is a small peninsula with pebbles. Take one of the boats departing from here to reach the small island of Nikouria, which boasts two fine beaches.
Eyiali beach is a long sandy beach with many beach bars and tavernas. At one end of the beach, there is a path leading to the secluded beach of Levrossos.
Kalotaritissa sandy bay found on the southernmost part of Amorgos. Taverna, sunbeds and parasolls. Access by bus and then a walk. If you take a car some part of the road is a dirt track.
Take a boat out to the stunning beach of Gramvoussa and bask on a white sandy beach with turquoise waters!
Divers check out Amorgos Diving Center located Aegiali
Amorgos
The Big Blue
Amorgos is for many of the visitors the island in the Aegean sea, where Luc Besson created the cinematic success "The Big Blue". The well-known cult-movie and freediving drama, directed by Luc Besson, was partly produced on Amorgos Island in 1988.
Production places were Chora, Agia Ana beach and Kalotaritissa bay.
In the small bay of Liveros, the Olympia shipwreck is found. Olympia has driven ashore in 1979, without any human loss. The shipwreck was also used in the famous film "The Big Blue"
How to get to Amorgos
By Air
Amorgos has no airport.
The nearest island with an airport is Naxos (JNX) with connections from-to Athens airport, 45min. International flights and charter flights use Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK) airports between April and October.
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By Sea
Amorgos main ferry ports are Katapola (Home port for Skopelitis ferry, Small Cyclades Line) and Aegiali.
Katapola is the main port of Amorgos, along the waterfront, lovely promenade with cafes, taverns, and moorings for fishing boats and visiting sailing boats.
To get to Aegiali Port use Amorgos Bus Company (public bus)the same as to get to Katapola Port, taxi, car, or transfer service provided by your accommodation.
Ferry connection from-to Amorgos is with Pireus (Athens) is direct or indirect via Naxos, Syros, Paros, Koufonissi, Schinoussa, Donoussa, in high season there is also a connection with Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete.
Island hoppers
Allow plenty of time for your return flight and always plan and arrange an easily accessible final return port of call. Play safe is the name of the game, allow a minimum of at least one clear day to spare or more. Ferries can be cancelled due to very strong winds.
Check ferry connections and/or timetables and you can also book your tickets to Greece here with Ferries in Greece