Amorgos, Cyclades

Cyclades

Amorgos

Remote, dramatic, and the setting for The Big Blue — a pilgrimage for divers and dreamers.

Getting around

Scooter friendly

Cost

€€

In peak season

Quiet

Best months

May, Jun, Sep, Oct

From Athens

9h ferry

In pictures

Amorgos

Amorgos — view 1
Amorgos — view 2
Amorgos — view 3
Amorgos — view 4

Amorgos is the easternmost Cyclades island and one of the most dramatically beautiful — long, thin, and mountainous with near-vertical cliffs dropping to deep blue water. The Hozoviotissa monastery, built into a cliff face 300m above the sea, is one of the most extraordinary sights in Greece. Luc Besson filmed The Big Blue here, which made it a cult destination for divers and free-divers.

How it scores

Beaches
Nightlife
Food
Culture
Nature
Family
Accessibility
Value for money

The catch

Long journey from Athens and limited transport once you arrive. The landscape is dramatic but not beach-paradise beautiful.

Hidden gem

Swim out from Agia Anna beach (also Big Blue territory) at dawn — the cliffs above the monastery glow pink.

Where it sits

Cyclades, Greece

Amorgos — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Amorgos?
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The best months to visit Amorgos are May to October. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
How do you get to Amorgos from Athens?
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Amorgos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 9 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
Is Amorgos good for couples?
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Amorgos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
Is Amorgos good for families with kids?
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Amorgos is not the easiest island for families with young kids.
Is Amorgos expensive?
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Amorgos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
Do you need a car on Amorgos?
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A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Amorgos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
What's the catch with Amorgos?
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Long journey from Athens and limited transport once you arrive. The landscape is dramatic but not beach-paradise beautiful.