Amorgos: The Island of the Big Blue

Amorgos is dramatic. It is a long, narrow ridge of rock rising steeply from the Aegean Sea. Located at the eastern edge of the Cyclades, it feels like a frontier. It gained worldwide fame as the primary filming location for Luc Besson’s movie The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu).

In 2026, Amorgos remains delightfully untamed. It has no airport, which has saved it from mass tourism. It attracts a specific kind of traveler: hikers, divers, and those seeking the spiritual silence of its ancient paths. It is an island of wind, herbs, and deep, deep water.

Why Visit Amorgos in 2026?

It is the hiking capital of the Cyclades. In 2026, the marked trail network (“Blue Paths”) is world-class, connecting the two ports (Katapola and Aegiali) through the mountain spine. It is raw and authentic. The local specialty, Psimeni Raki (honeyed raki), tastes like the landscape itself.

Best Time to Visit

May & June: The island is green, and the hiking is pleasant before the summer heat.
July & August: The Meltemi wind blows strong. It keeps the heat down but can make the sea rough.
September: The sea is calmest and warmest.

How to Get There

Ferry: The only way.
- From Athens (Piraeus): 7-9 hours by conventional ferry, 5-6 hours by high-speed.
- From Naxos/Santorini: Frequent connections (1-2 hours).
- Note: The island has two ports: Katapola (center) and Aegiali (north). Check which one your boat goes to.

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. The Monastery of Hozoviotissa

The icon of Amorgos. A dazzling white monastery built into the face of a vertical red cliff, 300 meters above the sea. It looks impossible. You have to climb 300 steps to reach it. The monks will welcome you with loukoumi (delight) and psimeni raki. The view is vertiginous.

2. Agia Anna Beach

Below the monastery lies the tiny pebble beach of Agia Anna. This is where the young Jacques Mayol dives in The Big Blue. The water is incredibly clear and deep right off the rocks.

3. Chora

The capital is hidden in the mountains (to protect from pirates). It is one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, with a 13th-century Venetian castle (Kastro) on a rock in the middle. The windmills on the ridge above are iconic.

4. The Shipwreck of Olympia

In the south (Kalotaritissa), the rusting hull of the Olympia sits half-submerged in a shallow bay. It’s haunting and photogenic.

5. Hiking the Spine

The hike from Chora to Aegiali (4-5 hours) is legendary. You walk along the ridge of the island with the sea on both sides. You pass abandoned villages (Asfondilitis) and ancient stone walls.

Where to Stay

Katapola: The main port. Traditional, quiet, family-friendly.
Aegiali: The beach resort area. More nightlife, sandier beaches, and access to the northern villages (Tholaria, Lagada).
Chora: For atmosphere and views.

Gastronomy: Rakomelo and Goat

Patatato: Goat meat stewed with potatoes and tomato. The wedding dish of Amorgos.
Xerotigana: Fried dough strips drizzled with honey and sesame.
Psimeni Raki: The local moonshine boiled with honey and herbs. It is served everywhere as a welcome drink.

Sustainability & Herbs

Amorgos is famous for its medicinal herbs (oregano, sage, thyme) that grow wild on the mountains.

Harvesting: In 2026, sustainable harvesting is taught to visitors. Don’t uproot plants; cut them.
Water: Water is scarce. Short showers are the norm.

Safety and Tips

Wind: The wind can be fierce. Secure your hat and be careful opening car doors.
Driving: The road connecting north and south is spectacular but high. Vertigo sufferers might struggle.
Stairs: To see the monastery or Chora, you must be able to climb stairs.

Digital Nomad Life

Amorgos is an island for the deep thinker. It is not a bustling nomad hub, but Katapola and Aegiali offer decent internet connections (upgraded in recent years). It is a place to write a novel or finish a thesis. The cost of living in the off-season is very low. The “Moon Bar” in Katapola is a good spot to check emails with a view. However, be prepared for occasional isolation when the ferries are cancelled due to wind.

Cultural Events

Psimeni Raki Festival: Held in Katapola in summer. You can watch the process of making the local spirit and, of course, drink plenty of it.
Feast of Agia Paraskevi: The biggest festival on the island (July 25th) held in the lower part of the island (Kato Meria). It involves massive cauldrons of “Patatato” serving thousands of people.

Amorgos is not an island for a quick weekend. It demands time. It is an island that gets under your skin with its stark beauty and potent raki.