AMORGOS: THE BIG BLUE

Amorgos is a wonderful gem in the Cyclades, known for its laid-back vibe, authentic atmosphere, and welcoming alternative crowd. With its charming main town Chora, delicious local food, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages, it’s the perfect island to unwind and explore at your own pace.

The 3 main areas on the island are :

• Chora, the capital of Amorgos
• Katapola port & village with beaches around
• Aegiali port & village with 1 main beach & other beaches close by.

Angel’s tip: Katapola is the biggest port of the island but both Katapola and Agiali have connections with Piraeus port (in Athens) and other islands close by.

CLOSEST AIRPORT: Naxos and Santorini

Angel’s tip: I used the ferry company Seajets and it took me 1,5 hr to travel from Santorini to Amorgos island by ferry. You can book your tickets and support my site here: Ferryscanner.com

CHORA OF AMORGOS

This is the medieval capital of Amorgos, situated 400m above sea level. Surrounded by lovely windmills and full of beautiful churches, outspread white houses and stone paved little streets, Chora has an incredible and particular atmosphere.

It is an amazing village actually hidden behind the mountains, dominated by a 13th century Venetian castle, the Kastro. 

FUN FACT: To enter the Venetian Castle of Amorgos in Chora, you must first get the key from “Loza Cafe”. Then you climb up the few stone steps to the church of Agios Georgios & open its small door. Now you can enjoy the breathtaking view ! (Visit during day time)

FUN FACT 2: Did u know that it became a world-famous island after having been used as a filming location for the 1988 movie “The Big Blue”, starring Jean Reno?

MUST DO IN AMORGOS

• Stroll around the main town! Chora, the picturesque capital of Amorgos, is one of the most charming villages in the Cyclades. Perched on a hill with stunning views, it’s a maze of whitewashed alleys, bougainvillea-covered homes, and hidden courtyards. A walk around the village takes you past traditional cafés, artisan shops, and historic sights like the 16th-century Gavras Tower. Don’t miss the scenic spot by the old windmills – especially beautiful at sunset.
• Visit the Holy Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa – the most iconic and breathtaking landmark in Amorgos.
  Built dramatically into the cliffside, this whitewashed monastery offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and a deep sense of spiritual tranquility!
• Taste the local Greek flavors of Amorgos – I absolutely loved the traditional cheese pie (as you can see in the photo below!) and the unique baked raki, a local specialty. And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic Greek salad – always fresh, simple, and delicious!
  
• Explore the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of Amorgos. The island is home to countless beaches – each with its own charm, but all sharing one thing in common: incredibly clean, turquoise waters. From the famous Agia Anna beach near the monastery to the more secluded Mouros and Levrossos, you’re guaranteed to find a perfect spot to swim, relax, and soak in the Aegean beauty.

• Visit a panigiri if you are there during summer and high season (usually). If you are in Amorgos August 14th and 15th , panigiria take place in Lagkada village and Katapola port, so amazing!! May 08th, June 23rd, July 01st, July 25th, August 06th, August 22nd, September 14th, September 26th, November 11th are some famous dates for Panigiria on the island. Ask the locals!

To be clear for those who don’t know, “Panigiri” is called the local festival in a village (to celebrate usually a saint of the Greek Orthodox church) with live traditional Greek music and local drinks, usually wine or in this case baked raki. It is often till early morning hours and you can find local food as well, meat, Greek salad, potatoes etc

ACCOMMODATION

I think you should spend at least 5 days on the island to truly enjoy everything Amorgos has to offer. There are 3 main areas to stay, but you’ll also find scattered studios in places like Agios Pavlos, which I personally found quite peaceful.

1. Chora – This is my top pick! It’s incredibly picturesque and full of charm. Although accommodation is very limited (and hard to book even months in advance), staying here means you’re right in the heart of the island’s nightlife, restaurants, and atmosphere. Plus, it’s the most convenient base since many roads pass through Chora — whether you’re heading from Katapola to Aegiali or from Aegiali to Agia Anna beach and Kalotaritissa, chances are you’ll drive through it.
2. Katapola port – Quieter than Chora and just 10 minutes away by car. It’s a nice choice if you want to be close to the sea.
   Angel’s tip: There’s a camping site 1.5 km from Katapola called Kastanis, great for budget travelers.

3. Aegiali port – Known for its lively nightlife and great vibes, Aegiali is home to the island’s main camping spot.

   Angel’s tip: If you’re young and looking to party or enjoy camping, Aegiali is the place to be. Couples might prefer quieter options. Since I don’t camp and wanted easy access to both Chora and the port for island hopping, staying in Katapola was the perfect choice for me!

TRANSPORTATION IN AMORGOS

Amorgos is a large island with significant distances between villages and beaches, so I highly recommend renting a car to make getting around easier and more flexible. That said, the bus service is excellent, and there are plenty of taxis available if you prefer not to drive.

There are many car rental companies on the island – I used one called DIASINO, whose owners also ran the studio where I stayed. (I don’t recommend renting a scooter here due to the island’s terrain and road conditions.) . Click here to book a car from Discover cars.

Angel’s tip: If you prefer not to move around much or can’t, consider arriving by ferry directly to Aegiali port. You can stay there, swim at nearby beaches like Aegiali and Levrosso (reachable by boat) and enjoy the lively nightlife and restaurants without worrying about transportation!

ATTRACTIONS

• The Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa.
• Shipwreck of Olympia in Kato Meria.

VILLAGES OF AMORGOS

• Tholaria Village — A very beautiful traditional village with charming narrow streets and plenty of cute restaurants to enjoy authentic local flavors. Perfect for a peaceful meal away from the crowds.
• Lagkada Village — A picturesque village with a relaxed vibe, known for its lovely streets and excellent restaurants. A great spot to soak up local life and enjoy delicious meals.
• Potamos Village — A quiet spot with not much to do, so you can skip it if short on time. But don’t miss the incredible view from above — just climb the stairs at the village entrance for a breathtaking panorama.

BEACHES

Most of them are not organized so have with you ideally an umbrella/tent and water :

In the north :

• Agios Paulos which is pebbly but quite impressive. It has a hotel with swimming pool and sunbeds there that you can swim as a guest with 5 euros.
• Aigiali with beach bars, easy for families
• Psili Ammos close to Aigiali
• Levrossos , organized (a beach bar at the back of the beach) close to Aigiali.
• Mikri Vlyxada (walking distance from Tholaria village)

In the south 

• Agia Anna , small and narrow beach below the monastery 
• Paradisia, great for sunset as well.
• Kalotaritissa, organized-sandy
• Plakes , rocks to jump from
• Maltezi – boat from Katapola
• Agioi Saranta – boat from Katapola (there is often garbage at this beach brought by the sea)
• Mouros  Angel’s tip: don’t miss the caves on the right side of the beach. Swim till there!

ISLANDS OF AMORGOS

There are 2 main small uninhabited islands that you can go by boat and enjoy the beaches there:

• “Nikouria” from Agios Paulos beach with boats every 30-60 minutes and cost of 5 euros round trip. It has a small beach bar with some sunbeds you can rent.
• “Gramvoussa” from Kalotaritissa dock with round trip 10 euros and duration 6-7 minutes. (there are sunbeds 12 euros per set)

NIGHTLIFE

There are some nice bars in all 3 main spots of the island. In Chora and Aegiali usually open till later than Katapola. During summer they organize many events, so make sure you check the public walls or the electricity poles for posters, in order to find out where there is live music or a party etc.

-CHORA: Botilia cocktail bar was my favorite, Giasemi, Tzitziki wine bar are some other options too.

-AEGIALI: Amorgialos for early drinks & psimeni raki, Maestro & Embassa for drinks. Don’t miss Disco the Que as well, which is the most famous in the area.

-KATAPOLA: Bastet and Moon Bar for drinks and cocktails.

Angel’s tip: Visit “Amorgion wine distillery” for a small tour and wine/liqueur tasting of theis famous local products! Don’t miss the Chrysafenios -orange wine-!

FOOD

I don’t think that anyone disagrees that Greek food is absolutely amazing! But every place in Greece has specialties that sometimes you can find only there. Amorgos is well known for many things, some of them are:

1. Patatato: the signature specialty of the Greek island of Amorgos. This dish is a combination of meat & potatoes! The rest are a secret 🤫
2. Psimeni Raki (roasted raki) is a local homemade alcoholic beverage that you can find everywhere on the island and it is great for a gift too ! Raki is distilled and mixed with honey, clove and cinnamon, and is usually homemade.
3. Amorgos cheese pies (fried) are delicious 🤤
4. Amorgos has many local cheeses mainly made of goat’s milk (many goats around the island) like xynomyzithra, myzithra, malaka, kefalotiri, kopanisti…
5. Fava: Amorgian Fava (yellow split pea puree) comes from Pisum Sativum, which is a variety of peas, which is why it is called “katsouni” or “magirema”. The fava is eaten warm, most of the times with onions, oil, capers and lemon.
6. Pasteli is sesame seed and honey bar and famous as a sweet in Amorgos ! The annual pasteli festival takes place in Chora, on the main square of the village called Loza, during August.

Restaurants:

• Lagaro home bar – all day bar restaurant and awesome for brunch
• Kastanis, Byr..zolaki, Parvas tavern in Chora for local Greek food
• Pizza Petrino for Italian in Chora.
• Nikos and Moschoudaki in Langada village.
• T’Apanemo in Kalofana village, maybe my favorite on the island.
• Ston Pyrgo for small plates meze & Marouso in Arkesini village.
• To limani tis Kyra Katinas for seafood in Aigiali.
• Panorama for meat & Kali Kardia for small plates meze  in Tholaria village.
• Georgalinis in Vroutsis village for meat.
• Youkali for delicious modern cuisine in Katapola , Almyriki & Mouragio too in Katapola for seafood!
  
• To steki tou Machaira in Asfontilitis village (reservation in advance since they open only for you and people who call and ask them!)
  

  Almyriki is an expensive great restaurant next to the sea in Katapola

Angel’s tip: Please note that you can find mainly meat dishes on the island, with local products.

Desserts:

• Mikraki Gelato for great ice cream
• Kallisto for handmade sweets and ice cream in Chora.
• Glykanisos Gelateria & Tratarisma in Lagkada.

SUNSET TIME

• In the west side of Amorgos , for example in Kaatapola or Aegiali.
• In the windmills in Chora.
• Embassa bar and frou frou in Aegiali.
• Kokai bar in Kastelopetra close to Katapola.
• In several west beaches of the island like Paradisia.

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