Amorgos is the most mysterious of all the Cycladic islands – located deep in the Aegean Sea, off the beaten path of the busy ferryboats, with no airport and surrounded by a vast open sea. Amorgos is equally an island and a state of mind.
Plus, it has one of the most beautiful Chora villages of them all.
Discover all about Amorgos, including its rugged terrain, super-cute Chora, natural beaches, hip summer lifestyle, legendary sea captains, complex web of walking trails and its famous blue sea in my Amorgos Island guide.
Amorgos Island in a nutshell
🏝️ Where: Cyclades archipelago in an area known as Little (or Lesser) Cyclades. Southeast of Naxos Island.
🏝️ Getting there: Regular or high-speed ferries from Athens, Santorini, or surrounding islands.
🏝️ Things to do: Swim and scuba dive, visit the Monastery, discover beautiful Chora, hike between its villages, check out the shipwreck, try local potato stew.
🏝️ Best beaches: Agia Anna Beach, Agios Pavlos Beach, Mouros, Aegiali Beach.
🏝️ Where to eat and drink: To Transistoraki, Taverna Panorama, Kath’odon.
🏝️ How long to stay: At least 3 nights
Map of Amorgos Island
Amorgos Island location and highlights
Amorgos is known as “The Big Blue” after the eponymous Luc Besson 1988 movie shot around its shores, praising the deep blue Aegean Sea surrounding it.
First things first – what does Chora mean? Every island has its capital and its official name is usually the same as the name of the island.
However, to the islanders, Chora, meaning town/village, is the name of any island’s capital. So, Amorgos Chora refers to the capital village of Amorgos Island.
Amorgos is the easternmost island in the Cyclades Greek island group.
Adorned with wild beauty, rugged terrains and without an airport, it is a place difficult to reach (around 7-10 hours ferry ride from the Piraeus port of Athens).
This is one of the reasons why it’s often not included in Greek island hopping itineraries.
Naxos is one of the Greek islands closest to Amorgos and it’s possible to trip from the more popular Cyclades islands like Mikonos, Paros and Naxos, over to Amorgos island and from here to the Dodecanese and Northern Aegean islands.
So although it is a little out of the way in terms of the Cyclades island group, it is a fantastic stepping stone between the island chains.
However, this guarantees no crowds of tourists and an opportunity to experience an Aegean island like the islands used to be before becoming international summer destinations.
Amorgos is an elongated crescent-shaped rugged rock in the middle of the Aegean and the only island that has two official ports – Katapola to the south and Aegiali to the north.
This is because until recently, one part of the island was not connected to the other with a road network, so each port serviced villages surrounding it. The island still has only one road.
The single most stunning thing on Amorgos (and perhaps all of the Aegean) is the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa on its eastern side.
Best time to visit Amorgos Island
In winter the temperature is surprisingly mild in Amorgos Island, but the strong winds and rainfall make it a difficult season for outdoor activities.
Amorgos has a long period of perfect weather – from mid-May to mid-October with June, September, and October being the best months.
The weather and sea temperature are warm, the skies clear, rainfall is minimal, and there are few tourists compared to July and August.
The best months for a beach holiday are July and August.
Here is the minimum, maximum, and average temperature for each month in Amorgos, as well as the average days of rain per month:
| Month | Avg. Temp. (°C) | Avg. Temp. (°F) | Min. Temp. (°C) | Min. Temp. (°F) | Max. Temp. (°C) | Max. Temp. (°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.3 | 54.2 | 10.8 | 51.4 | 13.6 | 56.4 | 9 |
| February | 12.5 | 54.5 | 10.9 | 51.5 | 13.8 | 56.8 | 8 |
| March | 14 | 57.1 | 12.2 | 54 | 15.4 | 59.7 | 5 |
| April | 15.9 | 60.7 | 14.1 | 57.4 | 17.5 | 63.5 | 3 |
| May | 19.1 | 66.4 | 17.3 | 63.2 | 20.8 | 69.4 | 1 |
| June | 22.7 | 72.9 | 21 | 69.9 | 24.4 | 75.9 | 0 |
| July | 24.8 | 76.6 | 23.2 | 73.8 | 26.4 | 79.5 | 0 |
| August | 25.2 | 77.4 | 23.7 | 74.7 | 26.8 | 80.2 | 0 |
| September | 23.1 | 73.7 | 21.7 | 71 | 24.7 | 76.4 | 1 |
| October | 20.1 | 68.2 | 18.6 | 65.5 | 21.5 | 70.7 | 3 |
| November | 17 | 62.5 | 15.4 | 59.7 | 18.2 | 64.8 | 5 |
| December | 13.9 | 57 | 12.4 | 54.3 | 15.1 | 59.1 | 8 |
Getting around
Amorgos is not a small island, so get acquainted with the bus schedule upon arrival if you’re not planning to rent a car, which would be my recommendation.
The beaches, landmarks, and beautiful nature are scattered all around, and having your own set of wheels will make a difference.
There is only one road following the ridge of the island stretching from side to side (around 40 miles) and busses mainly connect its two ports with Chora.
Tickets range from €2 to €4 one way.
TIP: When hiking, forget the car and hop on the bus at the end of your trail.
Getting to Amorgos Island
The closest airports on the nearby islands of Naxos or Paros are your best bet if you want to avoid long ferries from Athens (7+ hours).
Catch a flight to Paros and grab one of the large Blue Star ferries to Amorgos. From €42 one-way.
Even better, land on Naxos and take Express Skopelitis, the single most legendary local ferry in Greece, a star of many documentary movies and a lifeline to small communities of Lesser Cyclades.
Run by the third generation of the Skopelitis family, it is one of the lasting legacies of this Amorgos family to these tiny islands scattered around the mighty Aegean Sea.
From €11.50 one-way.
Alternatively, take a ferry from Santorini or Astypalaia islands. I always use Ferryhopper.com for my ferry bookings and to plan my itineraries.
Things to do in Amorgos
Amorgos is remote, rugged, and serious, full of sudden cliffs ending in the Aegean Sea, traditional villages, amazing food, and casual but active nightlife.
Combining exploration, beach time and evenings with food, drinks, and music is easy on Amorgos.
1. Discover magical Amorgos Chora
It’s not for nothing that Chora of Amorgos is among the top 3 most beautiful villages in the whole of Greece.
This is due to its village squares, domed churches, medieval buildings, little chapels dispersed on the hillside, whitewashed houses with colorful flowers along the cobblestone streets, early Byzantine churches, a Venetian hilltop castle, and quiet windmills in the background.
Don’t miss:
2. Village Squares
The main one – Plateia Loza and the second one, called the Lower Square, are the beating hearts of Chora with traditional cafes, churches, and restaurants.
3. Churches and Chapels
There are around 30 churches around Chora, but because most of them are private, they are open for the festivities only. Make sure to visit:
📌 Zoodochos Pigi (17th century)
📌 Ascension and Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
📌 Cathedral church of the Assumption of the Virgin
4. The Venetian castle of Amorgos
Erected in 1207, the fortress is the highest structure in Chora and home to the tiny beautiful chapel of Kyra Leousa.
To enter the church (and the fortress) ask for the key in one of the Loza Square cafes.
5. Museums of Chora
Discover the complex past of Amorgos in Chora’s two main museums – the Archaeological Museum of Amorgos and the Folklore Museum of Amorgos.
They are set in grand old Chora mansions of traditional Cycladic style, so you will get to see the interiors of these beautiful buildings as well.
The archaeological museum is in Gavras Tower.
Make sure to check the websites for open days as they are not open in winter.
6. Visit the Monastery of Hozoviotissa
Perhaps the single most staggering sight around the Cyclades is the imposing Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa, standing on a nearly vertical east-facing cliff of Amorgos for more than a millennium.
Built in the 10th century to safeguard the icon of Panagia, the protector of the island, the Monastery offers unparalleled views and unique architecture.
Amorgos Beaches
Amorgos is known for its deep blue sea and the wild nature surrounding its beaches. You will find beaches of all kinds – from pebbles, and rocks, to fine sands.
Most are accessible by car, but if you take the bus you will have to walk down to reach some of them.
Most are pristine, but the popular sandy ones will have beach bar services.
7. Agia Anna Beach (rocks/pebbles)
The closest one to Chora and the Monastery, Agia Anna where the “The Big Blue” movie was shot. You can imagine the indigo-colored sea around it.
No amenities and very limited shade so take the parasol, water, and snacks with you.
Although it’s difficult to reach and very small, Agia Anna offers a unique feeling – swimming and seeing the Monastery stretching skywards.
8. Mouros Beach (rocks/pebbles)
Another beach on the inhospitable eastern side of Amorgos, Mouros is 10 miles (20 minutes) by car from Chora and close to the villages of Kamari and Vroutsis.
Although narrow, rocky, and without amenities, it’s my favorite for diving from a huge boulder that fell from a cliff above the beach.
Ok, and because the taverna/cafe bar with the best views of Amorgos is right above it.
TIP: Small underwater caves formed around Mouros Beach, so exploring them is another reason to visit this beach.
9. Aigiali Beach (soft yellow sandy beach)
The easy beach of Amorgos, Aigiali is a long stretch of sand along the Aigiali Bay.
It’s the perfect choice when you just want to relax on the beach bar’s sun beds and umbrellas, without dragging the props with you.
And of course, order cool drinks and snacks right on the beach.
10. Olympia Shipwreck Beach (scuba diving location)
The freight ship Olympia sunk in this bay in 1980, making it a prized destination for scuba divers (and recently Instagrammers and TikTokers).
Not quite a swimmer’s paradise, but a very interesting spot if you are an experienced diver.
11. Kalotaritissa Beach (golden sandy beach)
This beach really feels like it’s at the end of the remote Greek island – secluded, with plenty of shade, a hippy beach bar, and some tiny fishermen’s barges anchored in the middle of the bay surrounding it.
TIP: Wooden boat excursions to Gramvoussa Islet beach run hourly from the Kalotaritissa pier.
TIP: After a beach day at Kalotaritissa stop in Arkesini village for a dinner in Pirgos tavern, a quintessential island’s traditional eatery.
12. Explore the island’s rural villages
Amorgos hides in plain sight, that is – the charm of this island is in its rural settlements, among which Tholaria and Langada are the most picturesque.
Both are in the rocky hills above the Aegiali Bay and offer a glimpse into the mountain farmers’ life on the island – expect hearty meals, wild herbs everywhere you look, and great views of the port below.
13. Hike the hills of Amorgos
Amorgos is an ancient island that only had a road built connecting its picturesque villages as recently as the 1980s.
This means it is criss-crossed with a network of pathways, mule tracks and hiking roads, once the only way of land communication on the island.
Nowadays, all of them (12+ mi) form a beautiful walking trail network, making Amorgos one of the finest hiking destinations in the Cyclades.
TIP: Trails No. 1 and 2 start from Chora.
14. Savor the island delicacies
Amorgos is known for its unique gastronomy that serves as island’s palatable heritage. These are my favorites:
Patatato
Amorgos’s most traditional dish and the one eaten on every panagiri (village or church celebration) is basically a lamb and goat potato stew that tastes otherworldly.
Spirits
Try the Amorgian grappa and liqueur, called psimeni raki and rakomelo!
Sweets
Judging by the number of traditional pastry shops, Amorgians have a sweet tooth. My favorite (Kallisto) has baklavas served under the medieval arches in downtown Chora.
Amorgian Pasteli
Another very traditional sweet made around the island is the cumin-infused soft variant of a traditional pasteli – sugary sesame seed bars.
Plus, they wrap it in orange leaf; what’s not to like?
Where to Stay
Amorgos is remote and beautiful, so if you value privacy stay at one of its tiny villages like Langada, Tholaria, or Vroutsis.
If you prefer the cosmopolitan vibe, definitely Chora, and if you like the ports and beaches on your doorstep, then Aegiali and Katapola are the best choice. These are my favorites:
Aegialis Hotel and Spa
The only 5-star resort on Amorgos Island. Perched above Aegialis Bay, opposite the village of Aegialia, with an extraordinary pool, and unlimited use of the extensive spa facilities.
Aelia Studios
These beachfront self-contained studios are 200 meters from Aegialis Port, and have sea views, terraces and balconies. They’re built in a traditional style with all mod cons. Tavernas and cafes 100 meters away.
Amorgion Hotel
Within 1 km of Katápola port, Amorgion Hotel is a newly built 4-star hotel with a large pool and free shuttle bus service. There’s a bar and you can also have breakfast by the pool.
Emergency and Useful Numbers
Police: 100
Fire Department: 199
Ambulance: 166
Tourist Police (Tinos) +30 22870 21378
Health Center (Chora) +30 22850 71207
Pharmacy (Chora) +30 22850 74042
Pharmacy (Aegiali) +30 22859 73173
Police Station (Chora) +30 22850 71210
Port Authority (Katapola) +30 22850 71259
Port Authority (Aegiali) +30 22850 73620
Bus Service +30 22850 71514
Taxis (Katapola) +30 22850 71255
