Upon arrival on Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades, visitors are struck by its rugged beauty and steep coastline plunging into an emerald sea. Since the filming of Luc Besson's Le Grand Bleu in 1987, the 121 km² island and its 1,950 inhabitants have gained international renown. The island has a rich cultural heritage, with one of the most beautiful Choras in the Cyclades and the Hozoviotissa monastery, nestled in the cliffs, a must-see site in the archipelago. To discover all the island's treasures, it's advisable to plan several days' visit due to its limited road infrastructure and sometimes long and steep hiking trails, so don't miss the 11 must-sees of this enchanting destination.
1. The village of Katapola
Amorgos is famous for having been the location for the famous film "The Big Blue Bus ". On the port of Katapola, you can find a bar that bears the same name as the film, and which broadcasts the feature film in English every evening. Katapola is one of the island's two harbors and comprises three districts located around the gulf: Katapola, Rahidi and Xylokeratidi. At the top of a hill overlooking the port, you can see the ruins of ancient Minoa. The church of Panaghia Katapoliani, built on the ruins of a temple of Apollo, and the magnificent monastery of Agios Giorgios Valsamitis, located on the right-hand side of the road linking the town to Kato Meria, are also sites not to be missed.
2. Aegiali, Amorgos' second port
The secondary port ofAmorgos is attracting more and more visitors, and it's easy to see why. The village of Aegiali is surrounded by three charming white hilltop villages, Tholaria, Langada and Potamós, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Ferries run to both of the island's ports, and local buses connect Aegiali with the three neighboring villages. The streets of Aegiali are beautifully decorated with whitewashed flowers , and the sandy beach stretches to an impressive length. For added privacy, you can discover small hidden coves nearby, the most famous of which is Levressos , just a 20-minute walk from the village.
Discover the beauty and daily life of the picturesque villages of Aegiali Bay by booking this day trip with a local guide.
3. Chora, its capital
Among the jewels of the Cyclades, the Chora of Amorgos standsout for its authenticity and beauty. The monastery of Hozoviotissa, nestled in the cliffs, is one of the archipelago's must-see sites. Built on a rock around a 12th-century fortress, the village is dotted with abandoned windmills and cobbled lanes embellished with steps. Visitors are seduced by its picturesque charm. In the heart of the town, the Gavras Pyrgos, an 18th-century patrician residence converted into a museum, houses a collection of objects, inscriptions and sculptures discovered during local excavations. Post-Byzantine churches are also worth a visit.
4. Visit the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
Amorgos' iconic monastery is one of the most impressive in Greece and one of the oldest Byzantine buildings in the Cyclades. Probably founded in the 9th century, this monastery is an impressive architectural feat, with several storeys that appear to form a single wall from a distance. The most widespread legend about the monastery's foundation recounts thatan icon of the Virgin Mary painted by the apostle Luke suddenly appeared in a boat. The islanders decided to build a monastery on the coast, but everything they built during the day was demolished the next day. A priest who implored heaven then had a vision of a workman's saddlebag hanging from a nail on the steep rock, and so the monastery was built there.
Book your your guided tour of the Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, including a guided tour of the monastery and pick-up/drop-off at Aegiali, Potamos, Lagada and Tholaria.
5. Hiking to discover the island and enjoy splendid views
Amorgos is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts, withnumerous marked trails that allow you to discover one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades and its magnificent panoramas. These trails, once used by muleteers, connect the villages and offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. There are many possible combinations for hiking in Amorgos, here are 3 of the main trails depending on your level of ability:
- Fotodotis: this short hike (approx. 1 hour) starts in Hora, passes through Milies, St. Irini and ends in Katapola. Easy level.
- Itonia: thistrail links Katapola with Minoa, Lefkes, Sivrisa, Kamari, Kastri and Vroutsi. The hike lasts around 3 hours and is of medium difficulty.
- Palia Strata: this trail starts from Chora, passes through the monastery, Kapsala, Asfondilitis, Potamos and ends at Aegali. The hike lasts around 4-5 hours and is difficult.
Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring enough water and food for your hike.
6. Visit the filming locations of The Big Blue Bus
If you're a film buff, you'll no doubt know that Amorgos is the location of Luc Besson's famous film "Le Grand Bleu ", released in 1988. Fans can explore the film's various locations, such as the village of Hora, which was used as a backdrop to represent the village where the children grow up. Agia Anna beach, at the foot of the Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, is also an iconic location where Jacques Mayol made his freediving debut. Finally, heading towards the south of the island, you'll find the wreck of the boat used to film the scene where Jacques saves an American soldier.
Want to visit the Cyclades? Discover our 15-day Cyclades tour in Greece.
7. Sunbathing on the beaches of Amorgos
Amorgos is a Greek island renowned for its magnificent beaches, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. In fact, it's the ideal place for a vacation with your feet in the sand. Among the island's most beautiful beaches is Aegiali, the longest sandy beach on the island, ideal for families with children as it is shaded. Agia Anna beach, just below the monastery, is a small pebbly cove well worth a visit. For those looking for a beach sheltered from the wind, Mouros beach is an excellent choice, with a restaurant just above offering lovely views and delicious meals at reasonable prices. And don't miss Kalotaritissa beach, one of the most beautiful on the island, with its fine sand and turquoise water in the shape of a cove.
8. Discover the island by boat
Discovering Amorgos by boat is a unique and unforgettable experience. Several service providers offer one-day boat excursions around the island, departing from Katapola or Aegiali. These cruises offer the chance to discover secluded beaches accessible only by sea, as well as hidden coves and sea caves. There are plenty of swimming stops in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling. Amorgos' coastal scenery is breathtaking, with steep cliffs, wild coves and picturesque fishing villages. An ideal destination for a romantic getaway!
Planning a cruise in Greece? Discover our dedicated article "7-day sailing cruise in Greece: itinerary tips".
9. Take a diving course in Amorgos
Amorgos is an ideal destination for scuba diving, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, underwater caves and diverse marine flora and fauna. You can choose to train in a pool or in the open sea . In the latter case, you'll go to the dive site and prepare for your first dive. You'll discover underwater cliffs, rock formations and caves, as well as marine animals such as colorful fish, octopuses and sea turtles.
To discover this activity, you can meet a certified instructor at the Amorgos diving center by booking here.
To find out more, read our article "Where to dive in Greece? Our practical advice".
10. Visit the archaeological site of Minoa
Although the site is not accessible to the public due to ongoing excavations, it's well worth the climb to enjoy a breathtaking view of Katapola Bay. You can also see the remains ofan important center of Minoan civilization, where King Minos of Crete established his summer residence. Excavations have revealed that the site was continuously inhabited from the 10th century BC to the 4th century AD. The outer fortifications of the ancient acropolis are still visible today.
11. Taste local specialties
Amorgos is an island rich in flavors and culinary specialties typical of Greece. Not to be missed are the local goat's milk cheese, "kopanisti ", a spicy cheese made from sheep's milk, "patatato ", a potato, onion and meat dish, and "xydato", a soup made from dry bread and vegetables. Fish lovers can enjoy fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters, such as squid, octopus and grilled fish. For an authentic experience, we recommend visiting the best traditional restaurants, where you can sample recipes handed down from generation to generation.
For gourmets looking for an unusual and authentic activity, we recommend you book this Greek cooking or pastry-making lesson overlooking the Aegean Sea. The cooking lesson lasts around 2h30 and the menu includes recipes that every Greek household prepares: gemista (stuffed vegetables), moussaka, pastisio (baked pasta) and patatato (goat and potato stew).
See also our dedicated article What to see and do in Greece? The 17 most beautiful places!
Where to stay in Amorgos?
Amorgos offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs and preferences of every traveler. Chora, the island's capital, is one of the most popular places to stay on Amorgos. Chora is a picturesque town with narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and spectacular sea views. There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses and apartments available for rent in the town. Katapola, Amorgos' main port, is another popular option for accommodation on the island. It offers a variety of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. The town is also well served by public buses, making it an excellent base for exploring the island.
Discover our three favorite accommodations in Amorgos:
- The most family-friendly: Lakki Village
Asure bet: Lakki Village is a complex of 70 Cycladic-style rooms, apartments and bungalows. It's a good address for families, especially if you're traveling in low season or early July: studios for 4 people are then charged at only a little more. The establishment is located at the end of the beautiful Aegiali beach, with a pleasant garden shaded by tall trees and a swimming pool with bar. There's also a parking lot and children's play area. Tempted? Click here to book your stay.
- The Aegialis Hotel & Spa for a romantic stay
The Aegialis Hotel & Spa is a large complex overlooking Aegiali Bay, offering breathtaking, unforgettable views. Rooms are spacious and feature balconies. The seawater pool is spectacular, as if suspended over the bay. The hotel is also home to the renowned Ambrosia restaurant. Despite its size, the hotel's welcome remains friendly. The beach is a 10-minute walk away. Click here to book your stay.
The Pension Titika is a very good address, quiet and very well located opposite the beach, which you can book right here. The rooms are clean and well-appointed, and the welcome is very pleasant. This small, family-run hotel with a charming garden has been welcoming Petit Futé readers for years, with the same success. We love its professionalism and friendliness, not to mention the ideal location of this pleasant guesthouse in the Xylokeratidi district.
What to see in Amorgos in 3 days?
Welcome to the Cyclades, a string of heavenly islands. Amorgos is a magnificent island with many sites to visit. Here's a 3-day itinerary to discover the island's must-sees in spring, for example.
Day 1:
- Start your visit with the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, an iconic site on Amorgos. This Byzantine monastery is built into the side of a cliff and offers breathtaking sea views.
- Next, head for the beach of Aghia Anna, a small pebbly cove surrounded by cliffs. This beach is famous for having been the location of the film "The Big Blue".
- After the beach, visit the village of Chora, the island's capital. Chora is a typical Cycladic village with cobbled streets, white houses and bougainvillea.
- End your first day admiring the sunset from the Kastro, a Venetian fortress on a hill above Chora.
Day 2:
- Start your second day with a hike to the summit of Mount Krikelos, the highest point on the island. The hike offers spectacular views of the sea and neighboring islands.
- After the hike, head for Mouros beach, a small cove accessible only by boat or on foot.
- Then visit the village of Aegiali, on the island's north coast. Aegiali is a lively seaside resort with a sandy beach and a variety of restaurants and bars.
- End your second day with a visit to the archaeological site of Minoa, an ancient city dating back to Minoan times.
Day 3:
- Start your third day with a visit tothe Amorgos Archaeological Museum, located in Chora. The museum houses a collection of artifacts dating from Cycladic to Byzantine times.
- Next, head to Kalotaritissa beach, a sandy beach surrounded by green hills.
- After the beach, visit Tholaria, a traditional village on a hill above Aegiali.
- Round off your stay on Amorgos by admiring the sunset from Agios Pavlos beach, a small pebbly cove on the island's west coast.
This 3-day itinerary will allow you to discover Amorgos' most emblematic sites, while enjoying the island's natural beauty and magnificent beaches.
Getting around Amorgos
The island has a public bus network, but timetables can be irregular and routes limited. Buses connect the island's main towns and villages, such as Chora, Katapola and Aegiali, but they don't serve all the beaches and tourist sites.
Renting a car or scooter is a popular option for getting around Amorgos. The island's roads are narrow and winding, but offer spectacular views of the sea and mountains. It's important to drive carefully and obey traffic regulations, as roads can become congested during the peak tourist season.
Cabs are also available in Amorgos, but can be scarce and expensive. It's advisable to book a cab in advance, or ask your hotel to arrange one for you.
Finally, walking and hiking are popular ways to get around Amorgos, especially for exploring the island's hiking trails. The trails are well-maintained and signposted, and offer stunning views of the sea and mountains.
Book ahead for the hottest activities on your Amorgos vacation:
How to get to Amorgos
here are several ways to get to Amorgos, an island in the Cyclades region of Greece.
The most common way is to take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Crossings are operated by several shipping companies and take between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the type of ferry and the number of ports of call. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the high tourist season, by clicking here.
It is also possible to take a ferry from other Cycladic islands, such as Naxos, Paros or Mykonos. Connections are less frequent, but can be an interesting option if you plan to visit several islands during your stay.
Finally, Amorgos can be reached by plane from Athens. The nearest airport is on the neighboring island of Naxos, which is linked to Amorgos by regular domestic flights. However, this option can be more expensive and less convenient than the ferry.
