Amorgos is a beautiful island in the Cyclades. Known to the French community as the island of the famous film Le Grand Bleu, it has no shortage of attractions. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Amorgos, here’s our top list of must-sees in Amorgos.
1- Between sky and sea, the monastery of Amorgos
Among the many things to do in Amorgos, a visit to the White Monastery is an absolute must. The Panagia Chozoviotissa Monastery is truly impressive.
It was built in the 11th century and partly carved out of the rock, 300m above sea level. This is certainly the best-known image of Amorgos: a large, gleaming white facade clinging to the cliff, floating between sea and sky.
Getting there isn’t easy. It’s a 15-minute climb up a stone staircase with irregular steps, under a blazing sun. But it’s worth it.
Inside, a staircase carved out of the mountain leads up to the church. The Monastery is home to some beautiful icons, the most famous being that of the Panagia Chozoviotissa (you’ll easily recognize it by the number of ex-votos hanging on it).
Before you leave, the monks will seat you in the dining room and offer you fresh water, a small glass of rakomelo (a liqueur made from raki, cinnamon and honey) and loukoums.
The Monastery is open daily from 8am to 1pm and from 5pm to 7pm. To visit, men must wear pants (no shorts) and women must wear a long dress or skirt and cover their shoulders (no pants). If necessary, the monks will lend you clothes at the entrance.
2- The villages of Amorgos
We love these little white villages so characteristic of the Cyclades!
Not to be missed:
- Chora, the island’s capital. A pretty Cycladic village, with white houses with blue shutters, narrow streets, windmills, churches with vaulted roofs… In short, a village full of charm. We recommend climbing up to the kastro, an ancient Venetian citadel. All that’s left are the walls, but the view from here is breathtaking.
- Langada, a white village overlooking the bay of Aigiali, where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll.
- Tholaria, another small village perched high above Aigiali, with a couple of good places to eat.
- Or Potamos
3- What to do in Amorgos A hike!
If you’re wondering what to do on Amorgos, don’t hesitate: discover the island on foot.
Amorgos is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. This is certainly one of Greece’s best walking islands. Marked trails link the small white villages perched high in the mountains.
The path from Aigiali to Chora, via the Panagia Chozoviotissa monastery, is particularly worth a mention. A must for all walking enthusiasts.
4- The beaches of Amorgos
Amorgos is not a Greek island particularly renowned for the quality of its beaches. In fact, there are very few on the island, and most of them are lined with rocks or pebbles. And there’s often little shade, so you’d better bring something to protect yourself from the sun. On the other hand, the sea is splendid and the bathing very pleasant.
Our favourite beaches in Amorgos :
- Mouros Beach, in the south-east of the island: a beach of grey pebbles bordered by rocks. It is reached after a 5-minute walk along a steep path. We’ve seen more pleasant places to laze around, but the swimming is nice: clear water, small fish for snorkeling enthusiasts and swim-through caves. And the overhanging tavern offers a beautiful view.
- The small Agia Ana cove, below the Panagia Chozoviotissa monastery: a tiny beach of grey pebbles with magnificent waters. The setting is impressive: the surrounding cliffs plunge straight into the sea.
- Aigiali beach: a shaded beach of golden sand
- The beaches of the islet of Nikouria, reached by caïque from Agios Pavlos. The setting is beautiful.
- Kalotaritissa beach: a sandy beach in the southwest of the island. On the way, stop off in the previous cove to admire the wreck of the boat featured in The Big Blue Bus.
- Maltezi beach: you can get there by caïque from the port of Katapola (in summer, departures every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. – €4 return). This sandy beach, sheltered from the wind, is well suited to families with young children: gently sloping sea, deckchairs with parasols, beach bar where you can buy drinks and snacks. However, as the beach is small, it’s best to arrive early (we speak from experience).
5- The little chapels of Amorgos
You’ll find numerous chapels scattered all over the island, both in villages and lost in the mountains. With their rounded blue domes and white walls, they are very characteristic of the Cyclades.
We particularly like the Agia Anna chapel, located on the beach of the same name, for its traditional, uncluttered seaside style.
Also worth seeing: the three churches to the north of the village of Chora, with their roofs in the shape of an upside-down ship’s hull.
6- The Amorgos wreck
Among the things to see and do on Amorgos, a trip to see the island’s famous shipwreck is a must.
The wreck of the Cypriot ship Olympia, which ran aground in 1979, was made famous by the film The Big Blue. It is located a little before Kalotaritissa, in a small cove called Navagio on the maps. Keep an eye out for a discreet sign on the main road pointing in the direction of the boat. We park alongside the road. Then it’s a 15-minute walk along a stony dirt track.
7- Diving and snorkeling in Amorgos
And yes, of course, it is possible to dive in Amorgos. For this, you can rely on the Amorgos Div ing Center in Aegiali, and book directly via the Manawa website. The diving center organizes first dives, introductory dives for children, night dives, wreck dives, PADI training courses and sorkeling excursions.
In fact, we tried out the snorkeling trip by boat at Agios Pavlos with our family, and everyone loved it. A great experience!
8- Evening stroll in Katapola
Katapola is actually a conglomeration of three villages: Katapola, Xylokeratidi and Rahidi. In the evening, we particularly like to visit Xylokeratidi, the fishermen’s quarter with its many cafés, shops and restaurants.
Our favourite addresses?
- Karamel, a small waterfront restaurant run by a Frenchwoman, serving simple, fresh, well-prepared dishes.
- For a drink: Moonlight Bar
- For a taste of local cakes and sweets, visit “the Meli kai Canela” (“honey and cinnamon”) pastries.
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Find out more about the island of Amorgos
See also our articles :
- “Amorgos, the island of the Big Blue” to discover the island’s must-sees
- “Practical information” on how to get to Amorgos, when to go, how long to stay, how to get around…
- Where to stay in Amorgos: how to choose the right hotel on the island.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Amorgos.
Laure M/ 2024
