AmorgosCyclades · Greece

All About Amorgos

A stunning jewel in the crown of the Cyclades, Amorgos will dazzle you with its deep blue waters, glistening white-washed villages, and mind-blowing scenery. Taking a ferry to Amorgos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. This is an island brimming with beauty, history, tradition, and charm!

Despite finding stardom after Luc Besson’s movie The Big Blue was filmed on location here, Amorgos has managed to retain its quiet character and remains unspoiled by mass tourism. It boasts one of the most stunning island capitals in the Cyclades with pretty meandering alleys, an imposing Venetian castle, and a myriad of little taverns serving local specialties as well as a heady local liqueur. Its beaches are simply superb and plentiful, while no visit to Amorgos would be complete without a climb to the stunning 10th-century monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa carved high into a rocky cliff overlooking the glorious Aegean Sea.
 

Routes and Ferries to Amorgos

You can reach Amorgos by booking your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus in Athens or from Rafina with lines such as Blue Star Ferries for a 7-8 hour crossing. You can also take a high-speed catamaran with Seajets, which will have you there in about 5 hours.

If you are already on one of the Cycladic islands such as Ios, Santorini, Kimolos, Naxos, or Milos, then ferries frequently run to and from Amorgos. In addition, there are ferry connections to Amorgos from the islands of Crete and Rhodes, as well as from other destinations in the Dodecanese and East Aegean. Make sure to book your ferry tickets to Amorgos in advance with Ferryscanner as it can get very busy, especially during the summer season.

Amorgos has no airport, so if you are arriving at Athens International Airport, you will need to proceed to a port to reach the island. There are several ways to do this, depending on your preferences and the time available. For instance, you can take the X96 shuttle bus directly to the port of Piraeus which leaves from the terminal every 20 minutes or you can catch a taxi which is much quicker than the bus, albeit more costly. Trains also run from the airport to Piraeus and take about 60 minutes.

If you are sailing to Amorgos from Rafina, you can reach the port on the bus by catching the shuttle service from the airport to Athens center. From there, you will need to go to Pedion Areos for the Rafina bus, which will get you to your destination in just over an hour. Alternatively, take a taxi to the port from the center or the airport – the choice is yours!
 

Ports of Amorgos

Amorgos has two ports, the main one being Katapola, which is situated in the middle of the island, and Aegiali port which is in the north. Katapola is a wonderful place to begin discovering Amorgos as it is divided into three settlements; Katapola, Rachidi, and Xilokeratidi. Its waterfront is lined with pretty cafés and taverns, with moorings for the local fishing boats and visiting yachts.

Aegiali is the second main port on the island and is 15km northeast of Chora. The beautiful villages of Tholaria, Lagadas, and Potamos are built amphitheatrical-style around the bay while the fourth village of Ormos occupies a seafront location and boasts one of the finest beaches on the entire island. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Amorgos.
 

Capital & Villages

There are several picturesque villages to explore when arriving with ferry tickets to Amorgos, each one worth a visit.

Chora

Built in the center of the island between two small hills, Chora was well protected from pirate invasions over the years. Today, it remains the center of activity and has retained all of its quintessential Cycladic charms with whitewashed pavements, floral-decked cubic houses, meandering arched alleyways, and multiple iconic churches. Commanding the village are the several pretty windmills and the large Venetian fortification (known as Kastro).

Aegiali – Ormos

Aegiali is an enchanting bay area within the port village of Ormos, boasting a long and sandy family-friendly beach. A variety of traditional restaurants and bars line the harborfront from where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll and admire the scenic views. Ormos is also the starting point for numerous hiking trails to the nearby villages of Tholaria, Lagada, and Potamos.

Lagada

Located 20km north of Chora, Lagada sits on a hillside at the edge of the Araklos gorge and is surrounded by the island’s highest mountains. This is your typical Greek village with narrow alleys and traditional whitewashed houses, as well as many exquisite walking paths that lead to little churches, a Byzantine monastery, windmills, and the old settlement of Stroumbos.

Tholaria

Tholaria is a scenic mountain village built near Vigla, the acropolis of the ancient city of Aegiali. Local life still revolves around traditional trades and the village is known for its excellent fava, a yellow lentil puree. Wander around the quaint streets lined by rustic whitewashed dwellings and enjoy the fabulous views of Kambos and Gialos from the vantage point of the multi-colored church of Agioi Anargyroi.

Potamos

Another settlement that has retained its traditional architecture and way of life, Potamos scrambles up the mountainside and leads to amazing vistas over the archipelago and bay of Aegiali. You can discover easy walking trails offering breathtaking scenery and at sunset, there is nowhere better to enjoy a relaxing meal and watching the sun sink into the Aegean Sea.

Vroutsi

Vroutsi is a small hilltop village in the southwest part of Amorgos, just 12km from Chora. The hospitable inhabitants residing there are still involved in traditional trades such as fishing, farming, and cattle-breeding. A settlement dating back to the 3rd century BC has been located in the area and a walking path will also take you to the ancient town of Arkesini and the magnificent beach of Mouros.
 

Best Beaches

Amorgos is famed for its many gorgeous beaches, from family-friendly spots like Aegiali Beach to more inaccessible coves dotted with sea caves. Whether you go on foot or take a small boat, there are several idyllic beaches just waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss out on them when arriving with ferry tickets to Amorgos!

Agios Pavlos Beach

Agios Pavlos beach is a beautiful sand and pebble beach with sparkling waters approximately 8 kilometers away from the settlement of Aegiali. A calm place to relax or take up diving lessons, there is also a restaurant serving local cuisine. Excursions to the nearby island of Nicouria are organized hourly by small boats, it has three wonderful beaches and is worth the trip!

Aegiali Beach

Aegiali beach is a long, sandy stretch with shallow, crystal clear waters that are just perfect for swimming. Lofty pine trees offer a welcome shade for all the family and there are also taverns serving delicious cuisine, a playground, supermarkets, and other amenities. Its proximity to the port area makes it a popular choice for visitors seeking an accessible place to unwind.

Maltezi Beach

Maltezi Beach is situated northwest of Katapola port and is considered to be one of the most picturesque on the island. Protected from the Meltemi winds, which often stir in the Cyclades, the fine sandy beach and turquoise waters make it a firm favorite with locals and tourists alike. It can be accessed by boat from the harbor or on foot via a 30-minute walking trail through the settlement of Xilokeratidi.

Levrossos Beach

This stunning sandy beach is just a 20-minute walk from Aegiali on the north part of Amorgos and can also be reached by a small boat from Aegiali port during high season. The beach is popular with nudists and there are no facilities apart from a small taverna. You can also walk further on to reach the two smaller beaches of Psiliamos and Choklakas, which are also both very serene.

Agios Panteleimon Beach

Named after the little chapel of Saint Panteleimon sitting on a narrow peninsula, this is a stone beach with a little bit of sand on the north side of the bay of Katapola. Known for its tranquil setting, it is perfect for some private swimming and can be reached by a small boat from the port which also stops off at Maltezi Beach.

Gramvousa Beach

Gramvousa is actually one of two deserted islands belonging to Amorgos and is located on the southernmost tip of the island. You can reach it with a small boat ride from the beach of Kalotaritissa, located just opposite. There are two nice beaches and several smaller ones on the island and it is a popular spot for yachts to drop anchor because of its sheltered location. Spend the day fishing, snorkeling, or simply enjoy a glorious swim in its sublime waters.
 

Transportation Around Amorgos

You can drive around most of Amorgos and car rental is readily available, as well as plenty of taxis waiting to take you to your desired destination. As some of the beaches are quite inaccessible, there may be some times when parking the car and walking the rest of the way is more practical. The local bus service connects to most of the main villages and beaches. The specific timetables can be found in the main bus stations and also posted in the supermarkets and restaurants. Taking a ferry to Amorgos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets

Buses depart from Chora for the Hosoviotissa monastery and for the mountain villages in the Kato Meria area. Private boats run from Katapola and Aegiali every half hour, heading to some of the best beaches you can find. Many of them are only accessible by sea, so don’t miss out! Rent a boat and explore everything that Amorgos has to offer.