Amorgos Island: 10 highlights of the beautiful Cycladic island

Amorgos – an island whose name already contains love has the potential to immediately enchant every visitor. If you tell the Greeks that you are going to Amorgos, they look at you longingly and start raving about the beauty of the island.

“Amorgos has an aura that is difficult to put into words. The island is of wild, rugged beauty. For us, she is the goddess of the Cyclades.”

Anyone who drives along the coastal road from Aegiali to Chora at sunset knows what we mean by these lines. The 33 km long island on the eastern edge of the Cyclades offers typical Greek flair, extremely hospitable people, untouched nature and a high degree of authenticity.

Whether the beautiful Cycladic island can also conquer your heart and why Amorgos made it into the top 5 of our favorite Greek islands right away, you will learn in this article:

#1 Walk through Chora

The capital of Amorgos is somewhat hidden on a mountain ridge above the port city of Katapola. Chora is a Cycladic dream come true – narrow, whitewashed streets with cube-shaped houses, small chapels and snow-white churches, pretty little shops and traditional taverns.

Chora was founded in Byzantine times as a refuge from pirate attacks. Take a day to explore the medieval labyrinth of alleys of Chora to discover. Outside the traffic-calmed town centre, there are free parking spaces in the west and east or Unterdorf and Oberdorf.

From the Platia Agios Panton, where the bus stop and the town hall are also located, you will get to the main alley. A walk leads past small, tasteful jewellery, ceramics and textile shops as well as inviting taverns and cafés (see Amorgos Restaurants for our recommendations).

We found the shops Katoi Amorgos (soaps), Transistoraki (delicacies), Ola Berdevontai Glyka (souvenirs) and Harroto (boutique) interesting. After the Botilia Bar turn left into a narrow alley that leads to the Platia Loza with its Metropolitan Church. The tree-shaded main square is ideal for a coffee break.

Kastro of Chora

In the Loza Cafe Bar you will also receive the key to access the Kastro of Chora, a Venetian castle from the 13th century, which is enthroned in the middle of the village on a blunt rock. An inconspicuous alley branches off west of the square at the Café To Katofili up to the castle rock.

Above the white Chapel of Agios Konstantinos narrow steps lead to the entrance of the Kastro. Compared to forts on other islands, it is almost tiny and apart from the remains of walls, hardly anything has been preserved. Up here, the wind whistles mercilessly, but the view from the plateau to the surroundings is magnificent.

In the evening, it is worth taking a detour to the windmill hill above the village. At sunset, there is a magical atmosphere that attracts many people every evening. The Windmills of Chora are partly accessible (at your own risk) and offer interesting photo motifs through their windows.

#2 Amorgos Monastery Chozoviotissa

The most famous Amorgos sight is hidden on a steep slope of the east coast. Like a fatamorgana, the gleaming white monastery of Chozoviotissa seems to cling to a steep rock face 300 meters above the sea.

The Orthodox monastery complex is not only architecturally impressive. The ascent to the holy place and the view from the living room window alone are highlights that will never be forgotten. (daily 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

The bay of Agia Anna

After we watched the movie »The Big Blue – In the Rush of the Deep” (see box) we know about the magic of this place. The turquoise blue of the Aegean Sea sparkles here with the bright white of the chapel of Agia Anna.

The rugged rocky coast below the Chozoviotissa monastery radiates wild beauty and the narrow bays with their grey pebble beaches invite you to take a little refreshment. From the parking lot above the Chapel of Agia Anna offers the most beautiful photo motif of this unique landscape.

💡 In the Rush of the Deep: »Le Grand Bleu« is the original title of the 1988 French diving film by cult director Luc Besson. The profound drama about the two protagonists Jacques and Enzo is based on a true story and takes place largely on Amorgos. If you watch the film beforehand, you will recognize some of the locations when visiting the island. Further information and the possibility to stream are available at Amazon*: Le Grand Bleu Film*

 

#3 Hike to the Profitis Ilias

Amorgos has a good network of attractive hiking trails and is considered a hiking paradise by connoisseurs. An almost one-hour tour leads to one of the highest peaks on the island. The Mount Profitis Ilias is located above the Chora on a steep cliff and offers a 360-degree panoramic view over the island at almost 700 m above sea level.

The hike is especially recommended when the sun is shining, the visibility is clear and there is no wind, as strong gusts of wind can occur up here, making it much more difficult to get around. In spring and autumn, the weather in Amorgos quickly, a rain jacket should be in your luggage.

The ascent can be done either from Chora or from the main road (turn-off to the Theoskepasti cave chapel, approx. 50 minutes). The donkey path winds its way over treeless slopes, always accompanied by a magnificent view over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding Cyclades. At the junction to Chora, the path gets lost, you follow the cairns all the way to the top.

On the summit at an altitude of 698 m, the snow-white chapel, which is dedicated to the prophet Elijah. To the right of the chapel, caution is advised, here the steep wall drops several hundred meters into the sea. Behind the church, a concrete column marks the highest point of the mountain.

The Old Strata Amorgos

Hiking enthusiasts can hike the approx. 15 km long old connecting path between Chora and Langada on a challenging day tour (min. 5 hours, medium to difficult). The starting point is Chora or the monastery of Chozoviotissa, then it goes below the Prof. Ilias massif up to Asfontilitis and via Potamos to Langada.

All along the route you have a magnificent view of the sea. A worthwhile detour is the small cave chapel Panagia Theoskepasti, which was built directly under a rock. On the wind-protected forecourt you can have a wonderful picnic. On a clear day, the view extends to the picturesque neighboring island Astypalea.

#4 Port town Katapola

Katapola in the southwest of the island is the main port of Amorgos. Here, the majority of visitors set foot on land for the first time by ferry and are greeted by a typical Cycladic backdrop of white, cubic houses.

The harbour settlement is located in a deeply cut bay and consists of three districts. In the southern part of the district of Katapola is the small harbour jetty, which merges directly into the waterfront promenade with numerous cafés and taverns. Apartments and guesthouses have settled in the hinterland.

In Katapola there are shops for daily needs, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, a laundry and car rentals. Worth seeing in the rear town centre is the historic Church of Panagia Katapoliani, which was unfortunately closed for our visit.

In the oldest Rachidi district there are some private accommodations, otherwise mainly locals live here in quiet surroundings. The eye-catcher is the large church of Agios Georgios with its blue domes, which is only open for church services. Directly below is the supermarket of the German emigrant Ursula, where you will find a good selection of organic products.

We found the most idyllic Xilokeratidi, the northern district of Katapola. The neighborhood winds around a picturesque fishing port, an ideal place to end the evening. Hip bars and restaurants have settled here directly on the water. An entertaining walk through the photogenic alleys is worthwhile.

Hike to Maltezi Beach

From the cemetery on the outskirts of Xilokeratidi you can walk in 20 minutes to the popular Maltezi Beach. The path winds along the shore to the pretty chapel of Agios Panteleimon. Behind a rocky plateau, the view opens up to the beautiful bay with golden sandy beach and crystal clear water.

In high season, there is a canteen on site that provides sun loungers and parasols. In the low season, the beach of Maltezi is natural and pleasantly quiet. More information about this beach at: Beautiful beaches in Amorgos

Ascent to Minoa

South of Katapola, on the moundoulia hill, lies the ancient site of Minoa. In Minoan times (about 2,500 BC), the summer residence of the Cretan king Minos is said to have been located here. The oldest remains include the huge cyclopean walls that once protected the complex from attackers.

The archaeological site, whose origins date back to the 11th century BC, housed an acropolis with temples and statues in ancient times. Minoa was permanently inhabited until Roman times (about 4 centuries AD). Abandoned today, the complex still offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Bay of Katapola.

Although you stumble across pottery shards from different eras everywhere, there is unfortunately not too much to see. Only the foundations of a Temple of Apollo with half a statue, remains of the mighty cyclopean walls and a Roman cistern can still be seen in the ruins.

You can reach the freely accessible ancient site either on foot via a hiking trail from Katapola or by rental car via a concrete track. At the Stavros Chapel you can park your car. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the entrance of the shadowless complex.

💡 High-proof Amorgos souvenir: At the Amorgion distillery, located between Katapola and Chora, you can taste wine and spirits produced on the island, such as psimeni (aperitif made from tsipouro, honey and spices) and Fragkosikomelo (liqueur made from prickly pears) and buy them in the original or as a gift box. You can find more Amorgion shops in Katapola at the harbor and in Chora.

 

#5 In the footsteps of ancient Arkesini

The Ancient Site of Arkesini (Ancient Arkesini) is spectacularly located on a rocky outcrop in the sea. It was once one of the three city-states of Amorgos, along with ancient Minoa and ancient Aegiali, and was probably founded in the 9th century BC by immigrants from Naxos.

In the Middle Ages, there was great unrest in the Aegean. Amorgos and its coastal settlements were repeatedly the target of pirate attacks, Arkesini was finally abandoned. Because of its fortress-like structure, the cape with its complex is also called »Kastri«.

A very scenic hiking trail leads in about 30 minutes from the village of Vroutsis after Ancient Arkesini. Next to the village church of Agios Spyridon you can park your car in a parking lot.

If you follow the alley to the north, you will come to a paved mule track that leads to the church of Agios Ioannis. With its blue dome, it is a real jewel in the landscape covered with maquis. Donkeys, sheep and goats are not uncommon on the way.

From here it is about 20 minutes to the ancient site. Narrow steps lead up to the ruin-strewn summit plateau with the snow-white Chapel Panagia Kastriani. The plateau was once home to an ancient acropolis with a temple in honor of Apollo and Athena, but nothing remains of it.

The view from up here of the west coast of Amorgos and the deep blue Aegean Sea is breathtaking. Especially at sunset, the light mood on the hill directly above the sea is particularly beautiful. The area is not fenced, caution is advised, it goes steeply downhill in places.

With photo stops, this Amorgos Walking Tour about 1.5 hours and is only recommended in the morning or late afternoon in midsummer, as the path is completely unshaded. Both the church of Agios Ioannis and the chapel of Panagia Kastani were closed during our visit.

On the way back, it is worth taking a break from the tired legs in the Giōrgalínēs Tavern or in the rustic Kafeneion Klimataria Rest. In the latter, the friendly landlord serves cool drinks and simple Greek dishes. Inside there is a small supermarket, a so-called Pantopoleion.

Would you like to get to know the island of Amorgos together with locals? Then you will find guided Amorgos hiking trips and other activities on the portal Getyourguide*. Click on the link for details such as availability and prices: To guided tours*

#6 Kalotaritissa and Gramvousa Island

About 35 minutes drive from Chora, on the southern tip of Amorgos, lies the Kalotaritissa Bay. With its golden sandy beach and shallow turquoise waters, on which colourful fishing boats sail, it is a real postcard motif. The lagoon-like bay is also sheltered from the wind, making it ideal for families with children.

Part of the beach of Kalotaritissa is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas (about 10 €), which are provided by the Kantina. The beach kiosk provides hungry bathers with homemade food at slightly higher prices. The rest of the beach is natural and you can spread out your towel in peace.

From the harbour pier in the north of Kalotaritissa Bay, excursion boats depart several times a day during the season to the neighboring island of Gramvousa. The uninhabited island is home to beautiful bays with a fine pebble beach and turquoise blue water. The island is also ideal for snorkeling.

The team of Roussetos Roussos offers hourly crossings between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. for €5 p.p. (approx. 8 min.) during the season. On site on Gramvousa you can rent an umbrella with a sunbed if necessary (approx. 12 €) or spread out your beach towel yourself. More info on Facebook: Amorgos Roussetos Daily Cruises

Shipwreck of Amorgos

In February 1980, strong northerly winds drove the cargo ship Olympia to the coast of Amorgos. The captain sought shelter in the bay of Liveros. However, the freighter was caught by high waves and washed directly onto the cliffs, where it ran aground. The entire crew was able to save themselves.

Since then, the giant has been rusting away and is not only a spectacular photo motif, but also a popular dive site. It was also incorporated into the plot in the French diving film “Le Grand Bleu” (see box #2).

The wreck lies southwest of Amorgos not far from the bay of Kalotaritissa. Google Maps shows a parking lot on the main road where you can park your car. From here it is only a 10-minute walk down a narrow path to the coast.

Even from afar, the shipwreck catches the eye, lying like a rusty giant in the narrow bay. Down on the pebble beach you can admire it in all its glory. However, we advise against exploring the wreck on your own, diving schools (e.g. We Shall Sea Diving Center) offer excursions.

#7 Bay of Aegiali

Aegiali is located in the northwest of Amorgos and, like Katapola, is a popular holiday resort with a harbour jetty. In recent years, the coastal town, also known as Ormos, has grown strongly and more and more private accommodations and smaller hotels have settled.

Just behind the pier is the original settlement centre of the former fishing village with the gastronomic centre of Aegiali. Numerous taverns, bars and cafés (tip: Amorgis) invite you to linger here with a view, an old windmill by the sea is a popular photo motif.

Aegiali is great for a coffee break before or after a hike or a visit to the mountain villages. Behind the playground directly on the Aegiali Beach you will find a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly until lunchtime.

The harbour promenade stretches to the longest sandy beach on the island. The wide bay of Aegiali is largely natural and slopes gently into the sea in the shore area. Tamarisk trees on the beach provide some shade. For the disabled, there is even a beach lift that leads directly into the sea.

Above Aegiali, a road branches off to the mountain village of Potamos. Stairs take you to the maze of alleys of the small hamlet, which serves as a retreat for the locals. The two taverns of the village offer a magnificent view, which is especially popular at sunset.

By the way, you have the most beautiful view of the photogenic bay of Aegiali from the road that leads to the mountain village of Tholaria. It is also home to the island’s only 5-star hotel, the Aegialis Hotel & Spa (View on Booking.com*).

Excursion to Nikouria Island

Like a sleeping giant, the uninhabited Nikouria Island off the west coast of Amorgos. The island was once connected to Amorgos, but the great volcanic eruption of Santorini separated the land masses. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the island served as a place of exile for lepers, similar to the island Spinalonga on Crete.

From the coastal hamlet of Agios Pavlos there are several times a day during the season excursion boats to Nikouria (every full hour between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., approx. 5 € p.p.). Below the gleaming white Panagia Chapel, small bays with wonderfully clear water invite you to refresh yourself. On very windy days, the excursion is not recommended, because then it can be very uncomfortable on the beach of Nikouria.

At least as beautiful is swimming on the headland lined with light gravel of Agios Pavlos, which juts far into the sea. All around, the sea shimmers in wonderful shades of blue, ochre-coloured rocks set colourful accents on the shore and the scenery is very photogenic, especially from a distance!

Ruined village of Asfontilitis

The settlement on a windswept ridge above Agios Pavlos looks like a ghost village. An eerie silence lies over the almost deserted village, from which only the white church of Agios Nikolaos stands out. If you stroll through the ruins of Asfontilitis, you will embark on a journey through time and discover strange drawings at the entrances, around which many legends are entwined. The rustic tavern To Steki tou Machera is open to hikers by telephone appointment.

#8 Amorgos Mountain Villages in the North

In stark contrast to the lively coastal settlement of Aegiali are the two white mountain villages Tholaria and Langada, which rise above the landscape at an altitude of about 200 meters northeast or southeast. Only in July and August is there a lot of activity here, when the narrow, whitewashed streets fill with numerous visitors.

A colorful mix of mainland Greeks, neo-hippies and international tourists bring the summer evenings to life until late at night. At lunchtime, you can stroll leisurely through the alleys while the crowd of holidaymakers lingers on the beach.

A foray into Tholaria

To get to Tholaria, drive along the main road just behind the coast, past the Campsite Aegiali and over some winding passages past the Aegialis Hotel & Spa. You can park for free in the municipal car park of Tholaria, in summer the sparse parking lot is usually full.

Since Tholaria is traffic-calmed, you will explore the labyrinth of alleys of the amphitheatrically laid out place on foot via countless steps. Today’s centre of the village is the Platia around the magnificent Church of Agioi Anargyroi.

On the eve of July 1st, the largest festival of Tholaria takes place here. Around the church there are some solid taverns and kafenia. The village of 200 inhabitants used to be much larger. On the outskirts of the village there are numerous dilapidated houses, a handful of which are renovated every year.

If you want to make the sweaty climb to the highest point of Tholaria (near the Plori Studios) to an altitude of a good 200 m, a very popular postcard motif of Amorgos capture.

If you are looking for an original fashion souvenir, you should visit Marilena’s Handmade Jewellery swing by. On the neighboring hill Vigla, directly opposite Tholaria, are the remains of the ancient Aegiali. A visit is really only worthwhile for those interested in history.

In the alleys of Langada

From Tholaria you can already catch a glimpse of Langada. Like a green oasis, the white splash of color with lush green trees stands out against the barren rocky landscape of northern Amorgos.

We park our rental car either in the free parking lot in the lower or upper village. Hiking enthusiasts can set off from Tholaria via a scenic donkey trail (Lagada-Tholaria Hiking Trail 3 km, 1 hour) directly to Langada.

Arriving in the village, the typical Cycladic architecture. For us personally, Langada was a bit more authentic than Tholaria. You could stay in the photogenic village for hours, and so we visited Langada several times.

You immediately fall in love with the picturesque village of 300 inhabitants with its winding alleys with quaint taverns (tip: Loukaki ksaná) and cafes as well as small craft shops. Colourful bougainvillea, blue doors and shutters on whitewashed houses provide a Cycladic flair.

A stroll through the village is an experience at any time of the day, but especially from noon onwards, when the sun lights up the alleys. With a few exceptions, the gastronomic establishments are open almost continuously, colorful raffia chairs under shady pergolas along the alleys invite you to linger.

We found the craft shop particularly interesting I Agapi by NIAK, in which Natalie offers creative souvenirs made from recycled materials. In the surrounding area, the tasty Amorgos Honey (Information at: amorgiano.gr), which you can buy in some supermarkets.

💡 Picturesque Sunset on Amorgos: From the cemetery outside the village, a path leads to the historic cave church of Agia Triada. Over 100 steps you reach the Hermitage, which was built directly under the steep wall. At the beginning of July, we enjoyed a magnificent sunset all to ourselves from this place.

 

#9 Hike to Agios Ioannis Monastery

The surroundings of Langada, with its outstanding natural beauty, offer numerous opportunities for hiking and short walks. A very rewarding hiking tour (Amorgos Hiking Trail 5, »Pan«) starts above the village and leads along ancient narrow donkey paths to the impressive Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos.

For the approx. 3 km long route, you should plan a total of about 2 hours there and back. The path is signposted (signs including St. Theologos) and well developed at the beginning, but leads uphill all the time.

Shortly after Langada you will discover the half-dilapidated Stroumbos settlement, which stretches along the slopes of the narrow Araklos Gorge. After about 1 km, the path leads over several restored steps past former terraced fields.

The last section winds along a stony donkey path past partly abandoned farms and old churches, including the Chapel of Agia Barbara. From here you can already see the whitewashed monastery, which lies like a fortress on a hill.

The monastery was founded in the 7th century, so it is older than Chozoviotissa and has been expanded again and again over the centuries. In July and August, the complex is open to the public and the main church can be visited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The partially restored frescoes inside date from the 12th century. The view from the monastery to the surrounding area is spectacular, in the sea you can see the barren mountains in front of the monastery Kinaros and Levithia Islands, which are inhabited by only a few people.

The way back to Langada is easier, it’s all downhill. On the last kilometre we are greeted by a fantastic view of Aegiali Bay and the island of Nikouria behind it. For the hike, you should have enough water and a snack in your luggage in addition to sturdy shoes. We recommend starting the hike early in the morning.

→ More beautiful hiking tours around Langada are among others to the Paralia Mikro Vlichada or the Stavros Chapel. Information and routes at: amorgos.gr

#10 Day trip to the Lesser Cyclades

From Amorgos you can already see the rugged archipelago in the north, the so-called Lesser Cyclades. The idyllic mini archipelago can be explored very well from here, even day trips to the islands are possible.

They consist of around 30 smaller and larger islands, of which only four are permanently inhabited: Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donousa and Pano Koufonisi. With the exception of Donousa and the small, uninhabited island of Macheres, they are close to each other and separated only by narrow straits. In between, the Aegean Sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue.

The Lesser Cyclades are still considered to be a real Greece Insider Tip with a typical blue and white flair and authentic atmosphere. Although Hellas connoisseurs and mainland Greeks have been raving about it for years, very few international tourists have ever heard of it.

In addition to fast catamarans and car ferries, the Ferry Express Skopelitis the Lesser Cyclades. The nostalgic-looking ship has its home port in Amorgos and sails to the islands six times a week, once a week even to the islands of Santorini and Ios.

Since 1956, the ferry company Small Cycladic Lines almost continuously a real sea bridge between the neighboring island of Naxos, all the inhabited islands of the Lesser Cyclades and Amorgos.

Probably the most popular island is Pano Koufonisi (also called Ano Koufonisi). Express Skopelitis starts early in the morning at 7 a.m., and after an hour you will reach the island.

At the harbour, you will be greeted by an idyllic backdrop of snow-white houses whose alleys invite you to stroll. On the dream beach of Ammos, Caribbean flair arises. Around 5 p.m., the ferry returns to Amorgos.

Island hopping in the Lesser Cyclades

If you are looking for deceleration and originality, you can also plan several nights on Koufounisi or on Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donousa and even immerse the islands in a Cyclades Island Hopping integrate. Most of the accommodations are on Donousa and Koufounisi, a comparison on Airbnb or Booking.com* is worth it.

→ More information on how to get there with the Express Skopelitis Ferry under: Small Cyclades Lines

More Amorgos travel tips

Beautiful beaches in Amorgos

Ammoudi Natural bathing bay with pebble beach and crystal clear water in the southeast of the island. Lots of stones and rocks in the shore area. A new asphalt road leads to a parking lot from which the beach can be reached on foot via a gravel path.

Kalotaritissa Beautiful bay in the very south of the island with a fine sandy beach and shallow shore. For details, see point #6.

Levrossos Long sandy beach in the north of the island near Aegiali. Largely natural, some sun loungers at the beach bar in the back. From a small parking lot, turn left down to the beach. In high season, it is recommended to walk from Aegiali Beach as there are few parking spaces.

Maltezi One of the few sandy beaches on the island of Amorgos. The golden sandy beach slopes very gently into the sea, ideal also for small children. Parasols and sun loungers are provided on site by the Kantina. It can be reached on foot in 20 minutes from Xilokeratidi or by taxi boat from Katapola. Very crowded in August!

Mouros Wild, gray pebble beach with offshore rocks and sea caves in the southeast of Amorgos. Due to the crystal clear water, it is also suitable for snorkeling. Parking above the beach, next to it a simple tavern that provides bathers with snacks and drinks.

Paradisia (Paradise Beach) Small sand and pebble beach with shady tamarisk trees, which looks like a pirate’s hideout with the old boathouses above. Very quiet, especially in the low season, but partly washed up garbage because of the bay open to the northwest.

Where to stay in Amorgos

You won’t find large hotel complexes, clubs and resorts on Amorgos. Individualists will find a large selection of apartments, studios and holiday homes for every budget. The highest density of hotels and private accommodation is found in the towns of Katapola and Aegiali.

If you’re planning to stay in Amorgos in July or August, you’ll ideally want to book your desired accommodation at least six months in advance.

→ On Booking.com* you will find a selection of beautiful accommodations and can check the prices directly via a map:

Here we spent the night on Amorgos

Skopelitis Village, Katapola

The small Hotel above Katapola is run by manager Andreas with a lot of heart and soul. The whole team made sure that we felt completely comfortable here. The apartments with kitchenette are modern and functional. From our terrace we had a beautiful view of the bay of Katapola.

Every morning dear Elena served us a delicious breakfast with local products. The location of the hotel is very central and therefore ideal for exploring both the north and the south. In high season, it is advisable to reserve a room in good time.

➲ Book Skopelitis Village*

Oasis Apartments, Chora

Beautiful and well-kept self-catering apartment complex below the main town of Chora. Modern, clean apartments with equipped kitchens. Quiet location outside the village, but the center can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.

➲ To book Oasis Apartments*

*Booking.com links

Amorgos Restaurants & Cafés Recommendations

The Cycladic island has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Whether it’s an authentic tavern or creative fusion cuisine, Amorgos is the place where every foodie’s heart beats faster. Rarely have we eaten so excellently in so many restaurants.

In terms of price, the island cuisine is a bit above the Greek average, but in our opinion, some taste experiences justify the slightly higher price level. Lovers of hearty Greek cuisine should try the traditional Amorgos dish Patatato.

Aegiali

• Amorgis

Chora

• Botilia Restaurant
• Phōtodótēs
• Transistoraki – Tip: Bulgur Salad, Fava and Kotopoulo Tigania

Katapola (Xilokeratidi)

• Fata Morgana – Amorgos (est. 2022) – Tip: Tomato salad and potatoes

Langada

• Loukaki Ksana (Λουκακη ξανά) – everything was so delicious here! (Tip: Pasturma pie and lamb burger)
• Moschoudaki

Tholaria

• Groova Amorgos (Nkroúba Bar)

Amorgos restaurants & cafes in the south

• Klimataria, Vroutsis
• Glyka Nisos, Arkesini
• Ston Pyrgo, Arkesini – Tip: After dinner, take a look at the Pyrgos Agia Triada (old defensive tower) next door.
• T’Apanemo, Kalofana

Getting around Amorgos Island

If you want to explore the island of Amorgos on your own, you will need a wheeled vehicle. Public buses usually only run in the high season between June and September and are not suitable for a full exploration of the island.

→ bus schedules can be found at: KTEL Amorgos Bus

There are reliable local car rental companies on site that will take you directly to one of the ferry ports. A small car is usually quite sufficient for the largely asphalted and intact road network of the island. The following providers, among others, have very good customer ratings:

• Amorgos Blue Rent A Car
• FM Rent a Car Amorgos

A special feature of Amorgos is the widespread hitchhiking, which we have not experienced so much on any other Greek island. We always had a free place in the car and were happy to take hitchhikers for a bit.

Getting to Amorgos

Amorgos does not have an airport and is therefore only accessible by ferry. There are two ports on Amorgos. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you will need to get off at the port in Katapola (island center/ south) or Aegiali (north).

From Piraeus Blue Star Ferries depending on the season, several times a week to Amorgos. The crossing takes about 8 hours.

Alternatively, you can also go directly to Mykonos or Santorini and on the Naxos Island in a fast catamaran from Hellenic Seaways or Seajets or change to the Skopelitis Express or Blue Star Ferries ferries to Amorgos.

In the high season (Jul.-Beginning of Sep.) there are also large car ferries operated by the Blue Star Ferries from the Kos Island (many direct flights from DACH) to Amorgos in just over 3 hours. You can research suitable ferries to Amorgos and check prices on the Ferryhopper* portal:

➲ To the ferry search on Ferryhopper*

Ideally, you should integrate Amorgos into a Greece Island Hopping in the Cyclades, e.g. starting on Mykonos and continuing to Paros, Naxos and Amorgos.

→ You can find more travel reports and tips about the Cyclades archipelago on our overview page: Cyclades Overview

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