Amorgos: a guide to the island of the cliffside monastery
A long, wild island in the eastern Cyclades, with a monastery built into a cliff, ancient footpaths and intensely blue water.
- There's no airport. Arrive by ferry from Piraeus (about 8 hours on a conventional ferry, about 6 on a fast boat) or from Naxos.
- The 11th-century Hozoviotissa Monastery clings to a cliff about 300 m above the sea. You climb about 300 steps to reach it.
- The best time to go is May–June and September. Most of the island closes from November to March.
Amorgos suits people looking for quiet, nature and walking rather than nightlife. Allow at least three or four days and hire a car or scooter.
Amorgos, Greece: what kind of island is it?
Amorgos is a long island in the eastern Cyclades, east of Naxos. It has two ports, about 13 km apart by road:
- Katapola, in the south-west
- Aegiali, in the north-west
The island has no airport. (Ferryhopper)
Hozoviotissa Monastery
The monastery is the symbol of Amorgos: an 11th-century Byzantine monastery built into a cliff about 300 m above the sea.
- The climb: about 300 steps, 15–20 minutes at a moderate pace.
- Dress: modest, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Hours: opens at 8am and closes between 1pm and 5pm. Mornings are best.
- Entry: free. A small donation is customary.
Source: Greek Trip Planner. Hours vary, so check locally.
Chora, Katapola and Aegiali
| Place | What's there |
|---|---|
| Chora | the capital, on a ridge at 350 m, about 5 km from Katapola, with a 13th-century Venetian castle |
| Katapola | the main port: three villages around a sheltered bay; Ancient Minoa is about a 30-minute walk uphill |
| Aegiali | the northern port, with a 300 m grey-sand beach and three villages above it: Tholaria, Lagada and Potamos |
Amorgos beaches
- Agia Anna: a small pebble cove with clear water, where *The Big Blue* was filmed.
- Mouros: about 9 km from Chora, deeper and more sheltered.
- Agios Pavlos and Paradisia: on the south coast.
The south-coast beaches have no facilities. You'll need a car or scooter, and should bring water and food.
Hiking from Aegiali to Chora
This is an ancient cobbled path, 14 km one way. It takes 4–5 hours and is rated moderate. Wear good shoes and carry at least 2 litres of water per person. The best months to walk it are April–May or September–October.
Getting to Amorgos
- From Piraeus: about 8 hours on a conventional ferry and about 6 hours on a fast boat, according to Ferryhopper. There are sailings all year.
- From Naxos: 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the vessel and route. Sailings run all year and reach both ports in summer.
- By air: fly to Naxos or Santorini and continue by ferry.
- To Koufonisia: there is a direct ferry between Amorgos and Koufonisia.
For details: ferry from Athens to Naxos · Naxos destination page · our Cyclades guide.
When to go
According to Greek Trip Planner, the best time is May–June and September. July and August are hot, windy (the meltemi) and busy. From November to March most of the island is closed.
Kosher food and Shabbat
We found no kosher food on Amorgos. The nearest option is on Naxos: Shabbat and kosher food in Naxos. General information is on our Shabbat page.
FAQ
Does Amorgos have an airport? No. Take a ferry from Piraeus or Naxos, or fly to Naxos or Santorini and continue by sea.
Which port should I arrive at, Katapola or Aegiali? It depends where you're staying. Katapola is closer to Chora and the monastery. Aegiali suits the beach and the northern villages.
How many days do I need on Amorgos? At least three or four, to see the monastery and the beaches and fit in a hike.
Is Amorgos good for families? Yes, for families who like nature and quiet. The monastery climb and the south-coast beaches are harder going with small children.
