Covered in small bays, mountainous paths and white churches, Amorgos has been (for a while now) an alternative destination with devoted fans.
In fact, it now welcomes the third generation of visitors since 1988, when Amorgos became widely known to the public – both within and outside Greece – due to the first shot of the famous “The Big Blue” film by French director Luc Besson.
An ideal place for exploration, diving and snorkelling, and a heaven for hikers, Amorgos is known for its wild beauty: a land that expresses the tradition of the Aegean Sea being, at the same time, a place of more modern, youthful, carefreeness, combined with the disarming honesty and politeness of its residents.
Where to stay:
Aqua Petra: next to the beach of Agios Pavlos, a lovely complex of comfortable apartments with a pool, restaurant, bar and views of the Nikouria islet.
Theasis Suites: six modern suites with their private jacuzzi and all the modern comforts and amenities you’ll need. It’s located in Aegiali bay, a few steps away from the homonymous beach.
Emprostiada: a lovely, stone-built, traditional guesthouse at the north entrance of Hora, with spacious rooms and suites, in total harmony with the architecture of the Cyclades.
Porto Katapola: A small pension right at the port of Katapola, with spacious rooms, lovely views of the sea, and wonderful service, ideal for a budget stay.
Villa Le Grand Bleu: Gorgeous studios inside a verdant garden, a few steps from the beach in Katapola. They offer Greek breakfast with homemade delicacies, expressing the authentic spirit of hospitality.
7 food recommendations
Katapola
The scenic port of Amorgos is a place where all the Greek culinary trends meet.
Youkali: The most popular restaurant on the island is located in the scenic Xilokeratidi village, and, apart from everything else, serves the best vegetarian dish on the island: orzo with beetroots. For meat lovers, we recommend the goat casserole, while if you want to have seafood, you must try the linguini with fresh mussels or the shrimp pasta. This year, their various legumes dish with (or without) mackerel is an amazing addition to their menu.
Almiriki: Next to the sea, a new version of the typical fish tavern. Serving small and large fish, lobster, as well as the most extensive range of seafood.
Fata Morgana: This summer’s new entry, with a lovely balcony overlooking the sea, serving creative dishes with full flavour and intensity, using meat or fish as the main ingredient.
Hora
Tranzistoraki: The famous Amorgos tavern is located on the busiest alley of Hora and serves the “smartest” dishes on the island. Greek mezze cooked in modern ways, using amazing ingredients, and with respect to tradition.
Aegiali
To Limani tis Kira-Katinas: the oldest restaurant in Amorgos, serving mostly fish and seafood, also has a long menu that includes casserole dishes and even Thai dishes.
Vroutsi
Giorgalinis: the master meat griller can be found in the village Vroutsi, serving unbelievable portions of the best grilled meat you’ll have on the island. All the meat comes from the owner’s farm and the tables are set in their cool garden.
What to see
Starting your tour at Aegiali, make a stop just 5km away, in the area of Agios Pavlos. Apart from the small beach with the bright blue waters, there’s also the uninhabited islet of Nikouria, with the impressive terrain and lovely sunsets, right across from it.
About fifteen km from Agios Pavlos, you’ll find the capital of Amorgos, Hora. A stroll around its narrow streets will prove that it really is the most beautiful Hora of the Cyclades. The third stop on the itinerary is at the most distinctive place on the island: the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. Whether you actually visit the monastery, or just admire its view, a stop here is a very special experience.
Two kilometres further away, you’ll find the beach of Agia Anna, that is the small bay that French director Luc Besson fell in love with –and with him the rest of the globe– since this is where the famous film “The Big Blue” (1988) was shot. It’s a place you absolutely must see.
Driving south, you’ll come across one of the most emblematic images of modern Amorgos: the unforgettable “Olympia” shipwreck.
Where to go swimming
Agia Anna: the epitome of open sea swimming. No comforts or amenities for chilling out, but a landscape of unique beauty that made Amorgos famous in 1988, due to “The Big Blue”.
Mouros: the most famous beach on the island, with pebbles and rocks, amazing deep waters and a wonderful seabed. The best location for snorkelling.
Kalotaritissa: A comfortable beach on the southernmost edge of the island from where you can also take a boat for the charming Gramvousa island with the golden sand beach and the turquoise waters.
Levrossos: a large sandy beach across the bay of Aegiali, where you can chill and also enjoy cocktail.
Agios Pavlos: a serviced beach with beach bars, sunbeds, and boats leaving every hour for the Nikouria islet, with the two quiet sandy beaches.
Maltezi: the most protected beach of Amorgos, serviced, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and a canteen. You get here by boat from Katapola.
Where to go hiking
Profitis Ilias: from its top, at around 702m you’ll have the most epic view of Amorgos. It takes about one hour to get there, on the path that starts at the high school. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes and avoid the high noon temperatures.
Kato Meria: the most authentic part of the island is located south and is full of beaches, smiley people and local products, like tomatoes, potatoes, courgettes, aubergines, cheese, small fish and, of course, meat.
Tholaria and Lagkada: Two mountainous villages with picturesque white alleys and authentic atmosphere.
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