Amorgos island map – attactions, towns, villages, roads, streets and beaches !!
The island of Amorgos is the most easterly of the Cyclades and the nearest to the Dodecanese. With an approximate population of 1800, the coastline stretches for 121 kilometres while the total land mass is 121 square kilometres. Amorgos is the seventh largest island in the Cyclades and has 2 ports, Katapola at its centre and Aigiali in the north. The 136 mile journey from Piraeus to Amorgos takes between 7 – 9 hours by regular ferry or 4 – 5 hours by highspeed ferry. There are regular ferry connections with the islands of Paros, Naxos and Mykonos and less frequent connections with most of the other Cycladic islands.
Amorgos has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with finds discovered from the early Cycladic period.
The presence of Cretans from the Minoan period has also been established and thoughts are that Amorgos formed one of the residences of King Minos himself. In later years, having fallen under the occupancy of the Romans, Venetians and Turks, the subsequent architecture of Amorgos is rich and diverse and when combined with fine beaches, wild landscapes, beautiful churches and ancient sites, visitors to Amorgos can enjoy the relaxing way of life in very traditional and picturesque environments displaying an original character and amazing beauty.
Take a look at our static and interactive Google map, showing major places in Amorgos island and providing regional travel information.
We’ve highlighted the most well-known villages, towns and beaches using pointers. Don’t forget to drag the map around and zoom in to see places in more detail – and to use street-view also !!
Printable and Downloadable Amorgos map (Greece) island showing the best places to visit.
The capital, Chora can be found in the centre of the island of Amorgos, 400 metres above sea level. This charming medieval town lies hidden behind the mountains and is topped by a 13th century Venetian castle. Surrounded by wonderful windmills, the Cycladic architecture, the Byzantine and early Christian churches, the narrow paved paths and whitewashed houses with flower pots, all unite to give a unique colour and atmosphere to Chora. The delightful main square of Chora, Plateia Loza, is surrounded by little coffee shops and is a most pleasant spot to enjoy some relaxation.
Amorgos island is well-known for its excellent climate, which remains fairly mild throughout the year.
Like other Cycladic Islands, Amorgos has warm and dry summers, and comfortable winters, making it a splendid holiday destination all year round. The temperature of the sea gets cold only in the deep of winter. From January to March, temperatures in Amorgos range from 12°C – 16°C. The months of April and May warm up, as temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C. As summer comes round, the island warms up, due to its rocky surface and temperatures in June, July, August and September, range from the mid 20s to mid 30s.
October, November and December are quite warm for the season, as temperatures range from 12°C to the mid 20s. The Meltemi wind, which blows from the north, makes its appearance in July and August, so visitors may prefer to swim at beaches which are sheltered from the wind. Fortunately, Amorgos has many bays and coves that offer protection from the wind. Those of you who decide to visit Amorgos and the Little Cyclades won’t have any problems at all concerning transportation since boats leave for the islands quite of ten.
Boats leave both from Pereus and Rafina. The trip on conventional boats lasts 7 to 9 hours depending on the in-between stops they have, and 4 to 5 hrs on high speed boats. During winter the boats make the trip to Amorgos 3 to 4 times a week while in the summer they do it 5 to 8 times. You can also reach Amorgos and the Little Cyclades by air via the islands of Naxos, Paros or Mykonos since smaller islands luck an airport. There are frequent departures from Amorgos to the rest of the Cyclades as well as to the Dodekanese once a week, with the exception of Astypalea where it is twice a week. “SKOPELITIS EXPRESS” starting from the port of Katapola connects Amorgos to the Little Cyclades on a daily basis.
The most bright ornament and the patron of Amorgos is the monastery which is dedicated to the Grace of Panagia (Virgin Mary), built on the steepest rock of the Prophitis Elias mountain, 300 metres above the sea level, south of Chora (the capital). It causes feelings of awe and one wonders how these people using primitive tools managed to build this architectural masterpiece that decorates our island!
Crowds of people from the world over visit the island to marvel at the Monastery’s unparalelled beauty. Every year at the celebration of Panagia on the 21st of November there is a big fair and food and sweets are offered to visitors made by both the men and women of Amorgos island.
Amorgos is an island made for walking. Its network of traditional paths (many of which are still in working use) reaches deep into the crevices of some of Greece’s most awe-inspiring island scenery. A spine of mountains runs the length of the island like the battlement of a vast natural fortification defending the easternmost limits of the Cyclades. Wind-sculpted ridges drop in hidden folds and creases to deep-cut inlets that harboured bloodthirsty bands of pirates at many a time in Amorgos island’s turbulent history. Vertiginous limestone cliffs, towering above a distant, glittering blue Aegean Sea, were immortalised in the Luc Besson’s cult free-diving film Le Grand Bleu.