This is precisely the image that has stuck with me of this beautiful island, surrounded by a blue sea, starring in a famous film with the same title "Le grand Blu" (L. Besson, 1988).

An island that will satisfy even the most demanding: small villages to discover, beaches all different from the other, a postcard Chora and unforgettable trekking. The island is divided into three different sections: the Kato Meria area to the south, the Chora and Katapola in the central part and Aegiali to the north.

Shots from Amorgos

Beaches

The island offers different types of beaches scattered along its entire coast, from north to south. Let's start in order from the north, from the Aegiali area. We went to two beaches, both beautiful and easy to reach: Ormos beach, the port beach, with clear sand and crystal clear waters and nearby Levrossos, which can be accessed from the steps of the tavern. All quite quiet in the morning and uncrowded.

Ormos and Levrossos beaches

In the central area of ​​the island, we enjoyed Maltezi beach, which can be reached on foot with a 15min walk from the end of Xylokeratidi. Turquoise and transparent waters, in the afternoon it tends to get crowded.

Maltezi beach and the path to reach it

We were also in Agia Anna in the late afternoon. The beach is almost non-existent, you have to settle on the rocks and the people are really too many! Perhaps also for this reason, it has not particularly convinced us. Surely at another time of the year, it can have a different effect.

The crowds of Agia Anna and the peaceful adjacent bay

Finally, in the south we went to Kalotarissa. You can opt for the equipped part on the left side of the bay (2 sunbeds and umbrella for € 10) or for the free beach. Really turquoise water, the easiest entrance on the left side, the others are more difficult due to the rock bottom.

From the road to get there, you can see Kalotarissa in all its beauty

Sunsets

The Chora was the backdrop for unforgettable sunsets. For the first we chose to get to the top of the Castro, located on the top of the hill. Get ready for a strong wind and very romantic shots towards the sea or towards the mills that overlook the town.

The suneset from the Castro

For the next sunset, we decided to change the location slightly and went to the mills. Here, too, we could not save any shots: the coppery, orange and pink colors flood the surrounding landscape and slightly dampen the crazy wind that here seems to almost take you away. I assure you that I am not exaggerating things: the photos are the testimony!

... and this time the sunset from the mills

Main sights

Amorgos really has a lot to offer, but what makes it unique is definitely the beautiful Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery. Set in the rock, it can be reached by a staircase overlooking the beautiful blue sea. We recommend that you visit the main chapel inside with the icon of the Madonna from Hozovo in Palestine which, according to legend, would have given way to its construction. At the end of the visit, you will also be offered some loukomi accompanied by rakomelo.

The incredible Hozoviotissa monastery
Seen from a little further away, it appears to be embedded in the rock

The Chora with its narrow streets and doors and shutters colored in turquoise, green and yellow is also worth a visit, both during the day and in the evening. During the day you will find few tourists, while in the evening you will be able to appreciate its vitality, for a dinner in the center or to drink rakomelo in a bar in the square in front of the church.

The picturesque Chora of Amorgos
A corner of Greece, at the beginning of the path to climb to the Castro

Perhaps not everyone knows that not only Zakynthos boasts a wreck on the beach. Amorgos also has its Navajo: the Inland boat, stranded in a cove to the south in 1980 and later renamed Olympia. Once parked along the road, it can be reached with a simple dirt road of about 10min. The wreck has its own melancholy charm, after the shots during the day we decided to go back in the evening too.

We really liked this Navajo

Finally, if you are fond of local liqueurs, we recommend a short visit to Amorgion, the only distillery on the island. We enjoyed both their rakomelo and tsipouri (rakomelo with added sugar).

The most famous distillery in the Cyclades

Before your trip

Amorgos window
  • How to reach the island? It can be reached by ferry from various islands, we arrived there from Koufonissi in about 30 minutes

  • How many days? We have dedicated five days to it and there is no doubt: you will not get bored because the island really has a lot to offer

  • How to move around the island? The best vehicle is certainly the car. The roads are all paved, but the wind is often very strong and the distances are not short, which is why the scooter is not recommended. We have hired from FM Rent a car Amorgos, which has two offices: one in Katapola and one in the port of Aegiali. There is also a bus service with stops at the main points of interest. If you are not in a hurry, this could also be a solution. We've seen them quite often, but don't expect great punctuality ...

  • Where to stay? We have chosen a structure by Airbnb in a strategic position at the beginning of the Chora. There is a large public car park a short distance away and two well-stocked mini markets in the Chora. The room is very functional (there is also a washing machine!) And has a nice balcony overlooking the Castro for breakfast

  • Where to eat? The island offers some still very traditional restaurants:
    • First of all Ston Pyrgo in Arkesini. Home cooking, tasty and with generous portions. Truly a traditional Greek tavern: don't miss the baked goat and the dakos with local cheese
    • A little further in the center, at the entrance to the Chora you will find instead O Parvas. Mainly meat dishes, all very good portions and very abundant
    • For a more modern dinner, you can try instead Anemi a Katapola a few steps from the beach
    • Or Apospero in the Chora

Greetings from Amorgos