As your ferry approaches Amorgos, prepare to be mesmerized by a sea so intensely blue it defies description. Even the most seasoned Aegean traveler is captivated by the extraordinary sapphire hue. This easternmost Cycladic gem, with its twin ports of Katapola and Aegiali, rises dramatically from the sea, its rugged terrain crowned by the 822-meter peak of Krikellos.

14

Katapola: A Port with Character

Your Amorgian odyssey begins in Katapola. While not immediately striking at first glance, this port town reveals its charms gradually. Start your journey at Nautilia, Irini Preka’s waterfront café-restaurant. Here, over a robust Greek coffee, you may find yourself changing ferry tickets to extend your stay, sampling your first fiery raki, and falling under the island’s spell. Wander along the harbor to Xylokeratidi, where gourmet tavernas serve octopus dried in the Aegean sun and salads bursting with local produce. For history buffs, the ruins of Ancient Minoa beckon from above, offering a glimpse into Amorgos’ 7th-century BC roots.

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Blooming bougainvillea, whitewashed terraces and Cycladic beauty / Dimitris Stathopoulos
Small squares and terraces for coffee and amorgian rakes / Dimitris Stathopoulos

Chora: A Hilltop Haven

Ascend to Chora, the island’s captivating capital. This inland maze of whitewashed alleys, bougainvillea-draped walls, and blue-domed churches epitomizes Cycladic charm. The 13th-century castle at its heart speaks to a turbulent past, while the ring of windmills crowning the town offers Instagram-worthy sunset vistas. Don’t miss Fotodotis Christos, a stunning Byzantine church complex that’s one of Amorgos’ most picturesque spots. For a quintessential Greek coffee experience, settle into a table at Apospero, surrounded by no fewer than four chapels in a single square. Culture aficionados should make time for Gavras Tower, home to the island’s archaeological collection. Here, 6th-century BC kouroi (statues) stand sentinel over artifacts that trace Amorgos’ history from antiquity through the Venetian period.

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Dozens of churches, scattered through the narrow streets of Chora / Dimitris Stathopoulos
Photodotis Christos of Chora with a unique view of the sunset / Dimitris Stathopoulos

Culinary Delights and Cozy Corners

As evening falls, savor delicious Amorgian cheeses and freshly caught fish at Parvas taverna. For accommodation that blends tradition with comfort, book a room at Emprostiada, where Evangelia has created a guesthouse that honors local heritage without sacrificing modern amenities.

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The Gymnasium of Chora, at the entrance of the settlement, an exceptional architectural monument with neoclassical elements and influences from the Cycladic architecture / Dimitris Stathopoulos
Modern restaurants, gourmet dishes and Cycladic wines / Dimitris Stathopoulos

“The Big Blue” and Monastic Marvels

No visit to Amorgos is complete without a pilgrimage to Agia Anna, where crystalline waters and stark white cliffs provided the backdrop for Luc Besson’s cult classic, “The Big Blue.” From here, embark on the steep climb to Panagia Hozoviotissa, an 11th-century monastery that seems to defy gravity as it clings to the cliffside. The reward for your 300-step ascent? Breathtaking Aegean panoramas and a glimpse into centuries of monastic tradition.

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The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa / Dimitris Stathopoulos
The view from the terrace of the monastery, next to the holy temple / Dimitris Stathopoulos

Southern Sojourns and Ancient Wonders

Venture south to Kato Meria, where time seems to pass more slowly. Swim in the secluded waters of Mouros or take a boat to the pristine islet of Gramvousa. In Agia Triada, the Pyrgos taverna serves succulent roast kid while you contemplate your visit to the nearby archaeological site, anchored by an ancient tower that once served as both a house and a watchtower.

Aegiali and Beyond

Complete your Amorgian adventure in the north. The picturesque bay of Agios Pavlos and the islet of Nikouria offer yet more swimming spots to tempt you. In Aegiali proper, the hillside villages of Tholaria, Langada, and Potamos sparkle like a tiara above the horseshoe-shaped bay.

As you reluctantly prepare to depart, opt for the Skopelitis ferry (if possible). This legendary, archaic vessel has been connecting the Small Cyclades for over 60 years, offering one last, lingering look at the Aegean’s hidden treasures. In Amorgos, every such view is a postcard, every meal a celebration, and every swim a baptism in the Aegean’s most vivid blue. It’s not just a destination; it’s a revelation.

Read also:

Amorgos Beaches – celebrate The Big Blue

Amorgos: Immerse Yourself in an Authentic Cycladic Experience

Eating like a Local in Amorgos, Eastern Cyclades