Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργός) is one of the most iconic Greek islands. Featuring a stunning Chora full of whitewashed houses and an impressive landscape consisting of cliffs and breathtaking sea views, Amorgos is a must-see for your Greek island-hopping itinerary. The island owes part of its fame to the cult movie The Big Blue, which was filmed mainly on the island. Despite its size, there are plenty of things to do in Amorgos that guarantee a fantastic Cycladic vacation.
So, in this Amorgos travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting the island. Specifically, you’ll find out how to reach it, the top things to see on the island, and where to stay in Amorgos. Moreover, I’ll break down the beaches of Amorgos and share food and budget tips. As always, you’ll see plenty of photos and a 4K video with fleeting impressions.
So, let’s start now with the travel guide to Amorgos and the best things to do on this fabulous Greek island.
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How to get to Amorgos (& how to buy your tickets)
Amorgos lies on the southeastern side of the Cyclades, making it one of the farthermost islands of the complex. In addition, as the easternmost island of the Cyclades, Amorgos is close to other famous Cycladic islands like Santorini, Donoussa, and Anafi, but equally close to Astypalaia, which belongs to the Dodecanese. As you can imagine, the journey to Amorgos is relatively long.
So, here you’ll find out how to reach Amorgos. There are currently three ways to travel to the island, and these are:
To Amorgos by ferry
Reaching Amorgos by ferry is the most common way of traveling. The ferries to Amorgos start from Piraeus, and the journey takes approximately 8-9 hours. However, since the ferry stops on several islands before finally reaching Amorgos, you can expect delays. Therefore, even a short delay in the previous ports can easily translate to an extra hour or two of traveling.
In my opinion, the ferry is the best way to travel to the Cyclades. Apart from allowing you to enjoy time on the deck, you can also walk around, spend time at the restaurants or even book a cabin (see here my cabin review). Moreover, the ferries travel even when the sea is rough, which is not the case with catamarans.
You can book your tickets via Ferries in Greece, the quickest search engine for finding and combining ferry tickets. I’ll also add a search engine after this section.
To Amorgos by catamaran
Catamarans are usually a much faster way of traveling. However, they depend a lot on the weather, and even when the sea is not that rough, they might cancel their journey. Besides, traveling by catamaran means that you’ll have to remain seated, and there’s usually no chance to enjoy the deck.
In the case of Amorgos, a catamaran from Piraeus won’t provide a shortcut. The catamaran will need slightly less time (6-7 hours) to reach the island because it stops on several islands. On the other hand, it can be efficient if you’d like to visit Amorgos as part of an island-hopping tour. For example, from Santorini, you can go to Amorgos in something more than an hour -and right now, it’s the only way to make this trip.
If you don’t get easily seasick, consider the catamaran; otherwise, the ferry is your best option.
Travel tip for your sea travels
How to tell if an itinerary is operated by a ferry or a catamaran? Well, in the search results, check for the boat’s name. If you see Blue Star, that’s a ferry; on the other hand, if you see SeaJets, that’s a catamaran.
Visit Amorgos by plane
Amorgos doesn’t have an airport; therefore, you can’t fly directly there. However, if you’d like to save some time, there’s a workaround. You can fly from Athens to a nearby island and take the ferry from there. The closest islands you can fly to are Naxos and Santorini.
Aegean Airlines operates several flights daily from Athens to both islands. The flight time is short (30-40 minutes), and from there, you can take the ferry (from Naxos) or the catamaran (from Santorini) to Amorgos. The ferry to Amorgos from Naxos takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the catamaran from Santorini takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
And in the search engine below, you can find all the itineraries for the ferries and catamarans.
The best things to do in Amorgos, Greece
While there are several things to do in Amorgos, most people visit the island for a summer vacation. Therefore, I’ll only add the things you can do on the island in this section, and I’ll add a separate section with the beaches.
Visit the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery
Even if you’re not a religious person, it won’t be easy to find a more impressive location on the island. Built back in 1017, the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos is an impressive building literally carved on the rock. Hanging on a cliff 300 meters above the sea, the Hozoviotissa Monastery is a must-see for your visit. The Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and according to local tradition, the icon of Panagia Hozoviotissa arrived at the nearby Agia Anna beach.
The Monastery is only visible from the sea, and to reach it, you’ll have to walk a short path from the Chora. After twenty minutes of walking with breathtaking sea views of the Aegean Sea, you’ll reach its entrance. There starts the real challenge: you’ll have to take 300 steps to the building’s entrance. It’s highly recommended to visit it early in the morning or late afternoon because there’s no shadow, and the sun will be intense even off-season.
If you feel safer having a tour guide and you’d also like to hike, there’s an excellent guided tour you can book right now. It’ll take you to the Monastery, and you’ll also discover the abandoned Asfondylitis village and the Kapsala caves where the monks once lived. This 8-hours tour starts from Potamos, close to Aegiali, and finishes at Chora; you can book the Monastery tour here.
Explore the Chora of Amorgos
It’s hard to find a more beautiful Chora in the Cyclades (perhaps only in Folegandros). The Chora is the main settlement of Amorgos and consists of picturesque narrow streets with whitewashed houses. Apart from its undeniable beauty, the Chora feels lively and quiet at the same time. Wandering through its streets will expose you to the island’s beautiful architecture.
On the Chora’s top, you’ll also find the ancient castle of Amorgos. There’s a door that remains shut, but most nearby cafes (like Loza) have a key. Ask for the key (and bring it back later), open the door, and see the remains of a century-old settlement. And, if you want to shoot some stunning sunset photos, don’t miss the chance to visit the windmills. They are visible from every spot in the Chora, and you can easily reach them on foot.
Don’t miss Tholaria, the whitest village of the Cyclades
Tholaria is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. While it’s not located straight at sea, it deserves spending some time there. I found Tholaria to be one of the most beautiful Greek villages: it’s very well preserved, and every step you take seems like a lesson in local architecture.
Moreover, a short distance outside Tholaria, you can visit Vigla, the acropolis of ancient Aegiali. Last but not least, Tholaria has a great number of traditional tavernas and cafes where you can soak in the local atmosphere and blend in with the locals. Don’t miss it.
Visit the Kalotaritissa shipwreck
That’s one of the island’s most iconic locations and a place featured in “The Big Blue” movie (buy the DVD here). The boat “Olympia” has stood there since 1980 due to a storm -fortunately, no one died. The shipwreck is one of the most photographed spots on the island, and it’s just a short walk to reach it.
To reach it all, you have to do is stop the car and walk the rough path. It won’t take more than 10 minutes to walk, and the chances are that you’ll meet dozens of goats on the way down. Although I don’t recommend swimming there, many people try their luck and shoot up-close photos. If you do, be extra cautious because the boat is old and rusty.
Take a boat tour to Nikouria island
If you drive between Chora and Aegiali, you’ll notice a big island near Amorgos. The beautiful Nikouria island makes a great addition to Amorgos’ geography. Even though no one is living on the island, the good news is that you can take a boat tour during the summer months and enjoy a day on the beaches of an uninhabited island. Nikouria has three beaches that can accommodate you all day long.
However, bring some provisions with you because you won’t find anything on the island. A tiny canteen might be open for guests during summer, but don’t risk visiting Nikouria without some food and water. To reach Nikouria, you’ll have to take the small boat from Agios Pavlos beach; it takes just 10 minutes.
Explore Katapola and Aegiali, the two ports of Amorgos
Oddly enough, for an island this size, Amorgos has two ports: Katapola and Aegiali. Arriving by ferry on the island means that one of these settlements will be the first thing to see. Both of them are hosted on beautiful bays, and there you’ll also find several tavernas and cafes. The atmosphere is very local in both ports, and when a ferry/catamaran arrives, you can expect them to be very lively.
Spend some time exploring both of them -in my opinion, Aegiali is more beautiful.
Go hiking in Amorgos
The stunning landscape of Amorgos guarantees a marvelous hiking experience. There are seven designated paths in Amorgos, and you can easily combine them.
The easiest walking path is the Fotodotis. It takes approximately one hour to walk it, and you’ll enjoy the island’s tremendous cliffs. It will take you from Chora to the port of Katapola after crossing Milies and Saint Irini.
For experienced hikers, the most advanced hiking path you can walk is Old Strata. It takes approximately 5 hours, but you’ll walk a good part of the island. The Old Strata (or Palia Strata) hiking trail starts from Chora and ends at Langada. On the way, you’ll stop at the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, Kapsala, Asfondilitis, and Potamos.
Ask the locals for a map of the Amorgos hiking trail and choose your itinerary. It’s always good to have some provisions with you and a charged mobile phone in case something goes wrong. Plus, never underestimate the heat: there’s no shadow on the island.
Alternatively, you can book a hiking tour to Mt Krikelos and enjoy lunch at a local taverna after concluding it. The tour starts from Langada village, and you can book a place here.
Enjoy scuba diving in Amorgos
There’s a reason why Amorgos is the island of the Big Blue. The island’s crystal clear waters, together with the impressive underwater rocks, create a stunning atmosphere. During the last couple of years, the locals started offering scuba diving tours and activities, and you can easily find some great options. It’s always better to book in advance because scuba diving is among the top Amorgos activities and sells out fast. Ask your hotel owner for the available tours and book one straight from them.
The beaches of Amorgos
While Amorgos is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, it falls short in one category —its beaches. While you’ll find numerous places to swim and enjoy the sunshine, the truth is that, in comparison with other islands, the beaches are not that great. Yes, the water is crystal clear, but the Amorgos beaches are either tiny or relatively bland.
In this section, I’ll give you information about the beaches of Amorgos and what to expect from them.
Agia Anna Beach. Immortalized by “The Big Blue,” Agia Anna is the most famous beach on the island. However, you might be surprised by how small it is. Just a handful of people fit on this pebbled beach. It lies beneath the Hozoviotissa Monastery, and there’s a church next to it. It’s definitely a place to check out, but it’ll be hard to find a spot for your towel. (The cover photo of this Amorgos guide is from Agia Anna).
Aegiali beach. Located at the impressive bay (and port), Aegiali is the largest sandy beach on the island. I wasn’t impressed overall, but there’s usually a place for everyone, and it’s ideal for families with kids. Plus, you can find some shadows under the tamarisks.
Mouros beach. That’s another small Amorgos beach. It’s very picturesque, but it takes just a few people to feel packed. You’ll find a taverna with a fantastic sea view on the top of the beach.
Paradise beach. One more small beach, but I don’t think it deserves your time.
Kalotaritissa beach. That’s hands down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a small closed bay, so you usually won’t have to worry about the wind. It’s really beautiful and is on the island’s southern part. You’ll most likely find a small beach bar offering drinks and snacks during the summer.
Agios Pavlos Beach. Located between Chora and Aegiali, the sandy beach of Agios Pavlos is not that impressive either. However, it can accommodate you for a day, and you can also take the boat to the nearby Nikouria island.
Maltezi beach. That’s a picturesque small beach, and you can reach it after walking for half an hour from Katapola.
Levrossos beach. You can reach Levrossos Beach from Aegiali either on foot or on a small boat. It takes less than half an hour to reach Levrossos on foot, but a boat is a good option when the heat is intense. It’s a sandy beach, and there’s a taverna on the spot. Not that far away from Levrossos, you can walk to Psili Ammos Beach and Chochlakas. If you do, have some provisions with you.
Amorgos beach essentials
While I always suggest having two things with you, the truth is that one of them might be unnecessary in Amorgos. However, I will write them down and let you decide if you’d like to have them with you. I’m talking about a pop-up beach tent and, of course, sunscreen.
A pop-up beach tent is a must for most Cycladic islands. The reason is that there’s no shadow at the beach most of the time, and the sun is intense. It will fit easily in your suitcase, but it’s lightweight, and you can even have it in hand even if it doesn’t. However, in Amorgos, most beaches are small, and you might not have the option to find a spot to install them. But it’s better to be safe than sorry; therefore, bring one. Here’s the pop-up tent I have, and here’s a relatively bigger one.
I’m not an expert on sunscreen, but I always have one with me. Sunscreen like this one should be good for your vacation in Amorgos.
Where to stay in Amorgos
Amorgos is relatively larger than other Cycladic islands, so it’s not surprising that there is more than one settlement. Before I write down the best hotels in Amorgos, I’ll write a couple of lines about the ideal settlements for your vacation.
The best places to stay in Amorgos
I’d pick one of the following three places for an Amorgos holiday:
Chora. Chora is the most beautiful village on the island. It has a fantastic atmosphere and is as picturesque as it gets. That’s the best place to stay on the island.
Ormos Aegialis. The second-best option for your stay is Ormos Aegialis. That’s one of the island’s ports, and it has a wide sandy beach. There are plenty of accommodations, and you’ll have several tavernas and small bars next to you.
Katapola. I wasn’t that impressed by Katapola, the second port on the island. However, Katapola also features a beach, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Plus, Katapola is less than a 10-minute drive from the Chora.
There are several other places to stay in Amorgos, but you might not have good connections with public transport to the rest of the island.
The best hotels in Amorgos
Amorgos has plenty of accommodation options. You can find everything from simple rooms to luxurious hotels. So, the top Amorgos hotels are:
Petradi Studios & Villa. If you daydream of having a room straight at sea, Petradi is one of the top options. Located in Ormos Aegiali and just a few steps away from the water, Petradi offers beautiful rooms. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and straight at the sandy beach. See Petradi Studios & Villa.
Villa Le Grand Bleu. Located in Katapola and close to the beach, Villa Le Grand Bleu is a small complex of tasty-decorated rooms. The rooms have balconies or verandas, and there’s a beautiful garden to relax in. Check the Villa Le Grand Bleu.
Aegialis Hotel & Spa. That’s the most famous hotel on the island, and it’s ideal for people enjoying resort stays. Standing on top of Aegiali Bay, Hotel Aegialis offers breathtaking sea views in luxurious rooms. It has a swimming pool, free sunbeds, and umbrellas, and every room has a balcony and air-conditioning. There’s a cafe and a restaurant in the hotel, and Aegialis often organizes special events for its guests. That’s a pricier and definitely more luxurious hotel option. See Aegialis Hotel & Spa.
Pension Ilias. The accommodations in Chora are rare, but Pension Ilias is quietly located on the edge of Amorgos’ main settlement. The rooms are clean, and there’s free Wi-Fi and a kitchen. See Pension Ilias.
The Big Blue. Don’t confuse The Big Blue with the accommodation above. The Big Blue is in Ormos Aegialis, and it offers nice rooms with proximity to the sea. The rooms are simple and traditional, and there’s also a garden. See the Big Blue rooms.
Theasis Suites. That’s one of the most beautiful accommodations on the island. The rooms are stunning, and Theasis Suites is just 150 meters from the beach of Aegiali. Every room has a veranda, air-conditioning, and fantastic sea views. See the Theasis Suites.
Vigla Hotel. Finally, that’s one more great option for your stay. However, since the Vigla Hotel is in Tholaria, I can only recommend staying here if you have a car. Otherwise, your options for exploring the island might be limited. Vigla Hotel is, however, one of the most beautiful Amorgos hotels, and all its rooms feel luxurious. Plus, it’s one of the few places that serve a traditional homemade breakfast. See Vigla Hotel.
Where I stayed in Amorgos
I traveled to Amorgos off-season, and it was a must to stay at the Chora. After searching for the accommodations, I booked a room at Panorama Studios. This small family-run hotel has just six rooms, and all of them come with balconies or verandas. The rooms are simple yet clean and are located at the entrance of Chora. Moreover, the owners offer free pick-up and drop-off at the ports. Last but not least, Panorama Studios are great value for money.
Overall, I was delighted with my stay. If you’re searching for a simple place to stay in Amorgos, check Panorama Studios here. However, if you’re more into luxurious accommodations, please see the options I mentioned above.
Where (& what) to eat and drink in Amorgos, Greece
If you love Greek food and Mediterranean kitchens, you’ll find your paradise in Amorgos. However, the locals enjoy eating meat a lot, and there are various goat dishes. As for the drinks, a must-try (available also in the bars) is the famous psimeni raki. That’s a local alcoholic drink (strong!): raki, honey, cinnamon, clove, and caramel. It is sweet in taste, however, it also has a high alcohol volume. Therefore, drink it slowly and carefully; otherwise, you’ll end up drunk in no time.
So, here’s a short selection of places I visited and enjoyed in Amorgos. All the links below will take you to the eatery’s location on Google Maps; you can save them and add them to your Amorgos itinerary.
Kath’odon. Located in one of the most beautiful squares of Chora, Kath’odon is one of the best places I ate in the Cyclades. The homemade food is delicious, and the owners are some of the best guys on the island. Every dish is delicious, from meat to vegetarian options. However, one of the highlights is their homemade semi-hard cheese. Ask for it. Slightly pricier than other restaurants but still affordable. Don’t miss it. See Kath’odon on the map.
Photodotis. A small taverna at the Chora’s entrance and close to Panorama Studios, Photodotis is a heartwarming place serving delicious meze (Greek tapas). It is an excellent option for a light dinner. See Photodotis.
Kallisto. This local pastry shop is the place to stop for delicious homemade sweets. There’s a great variety of sweets to choose from, and all of them are equally great. Try the local Galaktompoureko (traditional milk pie). Kallisto also serves excellent coffee. It has just a few tables, but it also offers a takeaway. See Kallisto.
Jazzmin. Located in Chora, Jazzmin is probably the island’s most famous bar. During the day, It serves delicious breakfast, and late in the evening, it turns into a bar. It is the place to see and be seen on the island. See Jazzmin.
Horeftis. Horeftis (“The dancer” in Greek) is the oldest taverna in Amorgos. Located in the picturesque village of Tholaria, Horeftis serves homemade food at competitive prices. See Horeftis.
Triporto. A cafe bar with a lovely roof terrace overlooking the Chora, Triporto serves excellent cocktails and small dishes. Ideal for a light meal anytime, Triporto is one of the nicest places in Chora. See Triporto.
Le Grand Bleu. This nice cafe bar is located in Katapola straight at sea. Named after the iconic movie, the Grand Bleu is the perfect spot to unwind on a warm day. See Le Grand Bleu on the map.
Nissi beach bar and restaurant. That’s probably the best eatery in Ormos Aegialis. Nissi is straight at the sandy beach and has a variety of great dishes (and fresh seafood). A wonderful restaurant to eat, drink and enjoy the beach views. See Nissi.
How to budget for Amorgos
The Cyclades is not a cheap destination. However, due to Amorgos’s size (it’s much larger than other islands) and the various settlements, you can find true bargains. Of course, a lot will depend on the season you visit the island. Visiting during July and August will definitely be pricier than in the shoulder months. Apparently, it’ll be significantly cheaper if you go to Amorgos off-season (like in April or late October).
That said, I found Amorgos moderately priced. And here’s what this means.
- You can find rooms between 60 and 80 euros for simple accommodation for two people.
- The food price in the local tavernas is also moderate: expect to pay 25-30 euros per person for a main dish and a drink of your choice. Eating fish will elevate the cost, but if you can afford it, go for it.
- The drinks on the island’s bars will remind you of European capital standards. Expect to pay 8-9 euros for a cocktail.
- Car rentals depend a lot on the season as well. You can rent a small car for 35-45 euros per day.
As you can see, the prices are moderate, given that Amorgos is one of the most famous Greek islands. Of course, everything is a matter of your travel lifestyle. Budget travelers can find bargains in Amorgos. On the other hand, people who enjoy more luxurious vacations will also find plenty of options to splurge.
Short Q&A about Amorgos
I added a short section with info that didn’t find a place in this Amorgos travel guide for one reason or the other. These are some of the most common questions people ask about Amorgos.
When it’s the best time to visit Amorgos?
In my opinion, it’s always better to avoid July and August. It can be extremely hot in Greece, and everything is more expensive. Shoulder months (June and September) are much better for visiting Amorgos. The island is quieter and relatively cheaper.
Does it make sense to visit Amorgos off-season?
Yes. Since Amorgos is not famous for its beaches, visiting the island off-season means that you’ll have it for yourself. You’ll find just a bunch of people traveling on the island. Apart from that, you’ll have the opportunity to hike under perfect weather conditions, and everything will be cheaper.
That said, months like April, May, or October are perfect for enjoying Amorgos.
How many days should I spend on Amorgos Island?
I recommend staying 4-5 days to enjoy everything that Amorgos offers. However, a week sounds even better if you’d like to hike every path and see every beach and settlement.
On the other hand, if you’re on a Greek island-hopping tour and only want to get a glimpse of each island, 3 days in Amorgos should also be fine, even though a bit tight. Amorgos is one of the largest Cyclades islands, and visiting it for a day doesn’t make much sense.
How many people live in Amorgos?
Approximately 2,000 people live permanently in Amorgos. Therefore, even if you visit it off-season, you won’t feel lonely.
Do I need a car in Amorgos?
Amorgos is no different from other islands. While the local transport is okay to bring you to the main settlements, you’ll need a car if you’d like to visit places that the bus won’t reach. You can find the best prices for renting a car here.
Alternatively, a number of taxis operate on the island. If you can afford the cost, it might be good to use them for some off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
How does Easter in Amorgos feel?
Easter in Amorgos is traditional and very local. Only a couple of tourists visit the island this time of year—the rest are locals. Religion is a cornerstone aspect of local life, and going to church or following the rituals is a must. Plus, you’ll have the chance to see some events, like the walk from Hozoviotissa Monastery to the Chora with the icons. Finally, untypical for what you have in mind about the Cyclades, Amorgos is still green.
Amorgos travel guide: Final thoughts
Amorgos is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated islands of the Cyclades. The landscape will impress you, and strolling around the Chora will be a lifetime memory. However, the absence of fascinating beaches is a minus for people willing to spend time at sea. But, if you’re into hiking, enjoying good food, and blending with charming locals, you’ll find a paradise in Amorgos.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Amorgos: the island will reward you with its unique vibe and beauty. Let me know in the comments if you have more questions about the island or if you have already visited it.
More Amorgos: My Amorgos travelogue, The Hozoviotissa Monastery, Amorgos Polaroids
More Greek islands guides: Anafi, Donoussa, Folegandros, Sikinos, Schinoussa, Crete
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Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos