Find out everything about your holidays in Amorgos island on our travel guide! Located near Naxos and Ios, on the southern side of the Cyclades archipelago, Amorgos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. So, it’s not a surprise that it was the setting location of the famous 1988 movie “The big blue”, starring Jean Reno!
Boasting a mindblowing natural landscape, minimal Cycladic architecture, mysterious caves, and fabulous Amorgos beaches, Amorgos island is one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades islands. Untouched by mass tourism, Amorgos Greece is the perfect holidays destination for those who seek privacy and tranquillity, as well for nature lovers! The hiking trails that cross the island are perfect for exploring the nature of Amorgos, while secluded Amorgos beaches are ideal for naturists!
About Amorgos Island
Amorgos Greece is located in the Aegean sea and belongs to the Cyclades islands group. Despite being a quiet island, Amorgos island became popular thanks to Luc Besson’s movie “The big blue”, which was filmed there!
Chora Amorgos, the island’s capital, is one of the most beautiful villages in Amorgos. It is located in the center of the island, insulated by rocky hills and boasts a scenic setting! Wandering in Chora Amorgos, you’ll come across traditional whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, narrow alleys, embellished with flowers, an imposing Venetian Castle, beautiful churches and little taverns. A stroll around Chora Amorgos is a dream!
When the night comes, head to the island’s traditional taverns to have shots of homemade “rakomelo”, a local alcoholic beverage and taste yummy local delicacies, such as “ladotyri” (local cheese), “kserotigana” (fried pies) and “patatato” (goat with potatoes).
The most popular site of the island is Panagia Hozoviotissa, an impressive Amorgos monastery, perched on a rocky cliff above the sea! This 10th-century cliffside monastery boasts a wonderful traditional architecture, while it has a seductive view of the Aegean sea. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset from!
And what can we say about Amorgos beaches? They are simply gorgeous, with crystal clear waters and glistening sand. The best Amorgos beaches are Aegialis Amorgos, Amorgos Katapola, Agia Anna beach, and Agios Pavlos beach.
Amorgos island, everyone passed by the Cycladic island of Amorgos: pirates and 19th-century travellers, 70’s hippies who camped at Lakki, islanders who sought oracles from the “chattering waters” of Ai-Giorgis Varsamitis. Come yourself as well, and discover a Greek island untouched by mass tourism, whose venerable traditions, old paths and remote villages will make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st.
Enjoy your Stay at Amorgos Hotels
You’ll make a pilgrimage to the beach of Agia Anna where Luc Besson shot The Big Blue. Light a candle in the awe-inspiring monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. Spend your holidays sipping nightcaps of rakomelo, the homemade honeyed firewater. Take a boat ride from Katapola or Aigiali, the island’s two ports. And walk up to the castle-topped main town with its Cycladic cobblestone streets. When you come to Amorgos island, you will realise just how diverse, wild and exciting this island is. Check out the accommodation options and don’t forget to book early.
Where is Amorgos?
What to do in Amorgos
The beach at Agia Anna
A twisty road leads to the beach at Agia Anna. With its endless view of the sea, you’ll know how Besson’s film The Big Blue got its name. Incredibly clear water and rocks to dive from at one of the most exciting beaches in the Cyclades. Now, you’ll be the star.
Panagia Hozoviotissa: an Aegean miracle
Surely this is the most unusual monastery in the Aegean, and one of the most significant sights on the island. Impossibly tall and narrow, at first sight it looks painted onto the sheer rockface. In reality it’s slotted into it. You’ll have to climb 300 steep stairs, enter through the narrow door and trudge up another eight storeys, each only 5m wide. When you reach the main church a thousand years ago, and its Byzantine icons of the Virgin, you’ll know it was worth the effort.
“Walking at a slow pace” in the mystical charm of Amorgos
The phrase belongs to archaeologist Lila Maragkou, who walked all over Amorgos island for years, turning up archaeological treasures. Walking at a slow pace will reveal the real island to you, too. Things to look for: the remains of three ancient city-states, Arkesini, Minoa and Aigiali; women making fava (yellow split-pea dip), a Cycladic speciality; diviners searching for underground water; locals playing boules; Ai-Giorgis tou Varsamiti, where the “chattering brook” was thought to foretell the future; and the no-man’s-land at Krikelos, riddled with mines and gullies. The longer you seek the more you’ll find.
Hora and the castle, what the pirates missed
A naturally fortified rocky promontory rises above the Cycladic houses. Hidden from pirates’ eyes, the island’s Hora and its castle reflect their Byzantine and Venetian past. Hike up to the castle for a memorable view. Below you the lovely Voreina quarter is full of houses with their own wells and olive presses. You’ll want to investigate the abandoned windmills at Troulos, the shops and cafes at Platystenos, and relax in Monk’s Mill square (Kalogerikos Milos), a genuine balcony over the Aegean.
Aigiali or Katapola? Not any old port in a storm
Which of the island’s two harbours will you choose as the ideal backdrop for your holiday? The music and lounge bars on the sandy beach of Lakki at Aigiali, or family-friendly Katapola with its traditional cafes and long walks along the shore? You decide.
Things to do and see in Amorgos
The rock drawings at Asfondylitis
Short-legged dancing figures holding violins… Learn the story of a handicapped child who left his mark on the rocks of Asfondylitis back in 1888.
Toasted raki and raki mixed with honey
Amorgos island’s trademark schnapps-like drinks are inescapable. You’ll be trying them everywhere: in cafes, tavernas and bars.
The Tower Of Gavras
A 16th century building of Venetian architecture found in the centre of Hora. Today, it’s a museum with findings from excavations from the surrounding area, with the sculptures and inscriptions standing out.
Beaches of Amorgos
How to Get to Amorgos Island
Briefly, the island of Amorgos can only be reached by ferry from the capital Athens (Piraeus Port) and other Greek islands in the Aegean. There is no airport on the island of Amorgos and the nearest airport is in Naxos.
Ferry
The easiest way to get to Amorgos is by ferry. Note that the island has two ports, one in Katapola and one in Aegialis.
There is a regular ferry connection between Piraeus Port (Athens) and Amorgos and during the busy summer season one or two ferries leave daily for Katapola. Ferries to Aegialis depart 4 times a week.
The journey takes between 6 and 9,5 hours, depending on whether you travel by conventional or fast ferry.
The island is also connected to other Cycladic destinations such as Naxos, Santorini and Paros.
Flights
There is no airport on the island of Amorgos. The closest ones are in Naxos and Santorini. Once you arrive in Santorini or Naxos you can take a ferry to Amorgos.
A ferry called Express Skopelitis connects the island to Naxos and Small Cyclades most days of the week. On Sundays, the same ferry connects Amorgos to Santorini and Ios. However, this is not the only ferry that connects Amorgos to the other two islands.
Note that Santorini has an international airport, while Naxos has a small national airport that only receives domestic flights from Athens.
Accommodation in Amorgos
Embark on a dreamy island escape to Amorgos, a hidden gem of the Cyclades in Greece. With its dazzling blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming whitewashed villages, this enchanting island offers a tranquil retreat for every kind of traveler. But before setting sail, it’s essential to find the perfect accommodation that caters to your needs and preferences. In this comprehensive Amorgos accommodation guide, we’ll take you through the best places to stay on the island, ensuring your getaway is nothing short of perfection.
From luxury boutique hotels overlooking the Aegean Sea to cozy guesthouses nestled in picturesque villages, Amorgos offers a wide range of options to suit all budgets and styles. Each accommodation choice has its own unique charm, combining traditional Greek hospitality with contemporary comforts. Whether you prefer a beachfront oasis or a mountain hideaway, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you. So, get ready to explore the scenic beauty of Amorgos and find your ideal retreat. Let this guide be your compass in discovering the perfect place to call home on this captivating Greek island.
Best Hotels in Amorgos
When looking for hotels on the island of Amorgos, start in the villages of Chora, Aegiali and Katapola. There are plenty of hotels here as accommodation options. If the hotels in Chora village fit your budget, we recommend you to choose this place.
Below you can find the hotels in Amorgos we can recommend for you.
- Anna Studio (Katapola)
- Lakki Village (Aegiali)
- Muses (Aegiali)
- Vigla Hotel (Aegiali)
- Levante studios1 (Amorgos)
