Amorgos is a gem in the Cyclades island group with about 2000 residents. It is definitely worth the visit because even with its small size, every meter is exceptionally beautiful. Amorgos avoids the big crowds which you may find in the rest of Greece. Many tourists on Amorgos are French because of the famous French director’s film Le Grand Bleu which was shot here.
What to Do on Amorgos
Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
This magnificent monastery is one of the most popular sights on the island of Amorgos. It was built in the 11th century directly into the cliffside about 350 meters above the sea. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is the patron saint of the island. You need to climb up 300 steps to reach the narrow entrance door, and then go up a further eight storeys. The main church is about 1000 years old and is full of Byzantine icons. The view is stunning from here.
Visit Amorgos’s Two Harbors
Most visitors will make a stop at the two harbors on the island – Aigiali and Katapola. The music and lounge bars on the sandy beaches of Lakki at Aigiali and Katapola are the ultimate relaxation, and they are both ideal for family-friendly holidays away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular Cycladic islands.
Walk Through the Mountains
Amorgos is unique among the islands in Greece because it is more mountainous than other islands in the Cyclades. The whole island is long and thin, and every part of the island offers at least a view of the mountains descending into the sea. There are plenty of walking paths so you can explore every corner of nature to be found in Amorgos.
Visit the Beach
The most famous beach in Amorgos is named “Agia Anna Beach” because it is where the movie “The Big Blue” was filmed. It is found near the southwest tip of the island and includes a freight ship that has capsized off the coast of the bay. It is a bit like the shipwreck in Zakynthos but without the massive cliff walls.
Kamara Sunsets
Kamara is the ideal spot on the island of Amorgos to go to watch the sunset. The best thing to do is to visit this area for drinks or dinner, and to take in the views of the island. It is located just next to the town of Aegiali in the town of Potamos. The sunset on Amorgos will also be a lot less crowded than what you find on the popular islands of Santorini or Paros.
Stroll Through Chora
Chora is the capital of Amorgos, and the medieval village is full of beautiful alleys, small white houses, and old churches. The most imposing building is the 13th-century Venetian castle, also known as “The Kastro”. If you climb the steps to the top of castle, you are rewarded with a magnificent view.
Walking through Chora, you will find a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of shops, restaurants, and rooms to let. One building you must absolutely visit is the Gavras Tower. Here, you get a taste of Venetian architecture and view archaeological treasures from the island. The windmills nearby, which are a characteristic design found in the Cyclades, are also a nice place to take in the sunset.
Try Psimeni Raki
You may have heard of raki – one of the most popular alcoholic beverages found in Greece. The raki on Amorgos is unique because it features honey and cinnamon and has a unique aroma. Some swear that it is the ideal home remedy for sore throats or to stay warm the cold winter months.
How to Get to Amorgos
Amorgos island does not have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry. You can reach the island with a 1 and a half hour ferry from Naxos. Visitors from outside of Greece sometimes take a flight to Santorini or Naxos, and then travel by boat to Amorgos.
