The quaint, easternmost Cycladic island of Amorgos promises ardent travelers a chance to go rustic and enjoy Greece in a laidback yet authentic manner. Famous as the location of Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue, the warm turquoise waters that surround Amorgos have long been a playground for the Greeks who often come here for their vacations, away from the regular tourist crowd.
One reason why Amorgos continues to be an exclusive escape is its distance from Athens. A ferry to Amorgos from the capital can take over 7 hours. However, it is possible to include a short stay on the island when visiting Mykonos or Naxos, both of which are roughly two hours away. Even though Amorgos is an offbeat destination in Greece, it provides visitors with ample hotel options, with the very best having the perfect location and amenities for a relaxing holiday.
A cute family-run establishment, Miké Hotel benefits from its ideal location near Aegiali port and beach. The owners, Theodoros and Eleni, are omnipresent and friendly, ensuring every guest has a pleasant stay. Close to the center, the hotel has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, as well as a bus stop, perfect if you plan to travel across the island by public transport.
Miké Hotel has ten rooms, including two singles. The décor is simple, with soothing color tones that keep the interiors bright and sunny during the day. In-room facilities include TVs, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and balconies. For a bit more outdoor space, ask for their room number 9 or 10 as they share a larger terrace area between them.
If searching for a unique hotel in Amorgos, Pagali is your idyllic getaway, situated in the island’s northern part. This eccentric retreat in the quiet village of Langada promotes “agrotourism” by allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the local culture through activities like winemaking, olive harvesting, and vegetable cultivation. There is also the possibility to perform voluntary work on the property in exchange for meals and accommodation.
For those planning to pay and stay, there are three living options available at Pagali Hotel. The seven spacious studios have a kitchenette, private bath, balconies, air-conditioning, and writing desks. The 14 rooms are slightly smaller but have all the necessary amenities. Families or a small group can also look at renting Lila House, a traditional Amorgos residence with two bedrooms, a kitchen, verandas, and a garden.
Luxury amidst Amorgos’ rugged terrain comes in the form of the island’s only five-star hotel, Aegialis Hotel and Spa. Located alongside a cliff, guests at the hotel are at a vantage point to admire the beauty of the Aegean Sea at all times. Moreover, a sojourn at Aegialis is all about appreciating the island’s subtle attractions through activities such as cooking classes, traditional dance lessons, boat adventures, donkey rides, and hiking expeditions.
The rooms at Aegialis amalgamate the chic and the stylish with classic Amorgian architecture and natural tones. En-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, fridge, TVs, and free access to the pool and spa are standard across all bedrooms. The Honeymoon and Spa suites, though, have private jacuzzies, while the family suites have a multimedia center, walk-in closets, bunk-beds, and two bathrooms.
Far away from the seaside and surrounded by mountains, Vorina Ktismata in Chora consists of seven fully-furnished apartments and rooms with an alluring Amorgian aura. The four detached residences of Vorina Ktismata boast of “bioclimatic architecture” that uses natural elements and design styles to increase ventilation, keeping the indoors cool. Additionally, the buildings’ whitewashed exteriors juxtapose strikingly with the jagged surroundings, creating a serene habitat that seems like a different world altogether.
There are two styles of accommodations at Vorina Ktismata, favoring either couples or families. The suites are expansive with a single bedroom and living spaces with sofa beds. A fully-stocked kitchen, patio, Espresso machine, and terrace with panoramic views further transform them into lavish quarters. The minimalistic rooms cater to all modern-day requirements and have private balconies for that extra bit of space.
A 24-hour reception, indoor and outdoor restaurant, pools for children and adults, jacuzzi, and daily housekeeping with turndown service, Vigla is a step towards a conventional hotel stay in Amorgos. A short drive from the port, guests at Vigla Hotel can choose between views of the Aegean, sun-baked villages such as Langada, or the beautiful church of Agioi Anargyroi. Those renting a car can park on the property, while for others, there is a bus service nearby that goes to all major villages on the island.
Unlike most hotels in Amorgos, Vigla has single, double, triple, and family rooms. Trendy and well-appointed, the rooms extend a relaxed atmosphere. Private balconies, Psimeni Raki (Amorgian liquor), double glazed windows, and room service are some of the facilities provided over and above standard fares such as TVs, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.
Book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and get ready for unique experiences on the island of Amorgos!