One of the wildest islands in the Cyclades, Amorgos rewards intrepid cruisers with a vertiginous 11th-century cliff monastery, the turquoise coves that starred in The Big Blue, and footpaths threading between hilltop villages untouched by mass tourism.
Amorgos is a tender port at both its main harbors — there is no dedicated cruise pier.
💡 Pro move: There is no large cruise terminal facility — both ports are working fishing harbors. Facilities are basic but charming.
Ships anchor offshore and use their own tenders; no fixed cruise pier exists at either harbor.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (boutique/small ship) | Katapola harbor, western Amorgos📍 | Tendered |
| Some expedition & sailing ships | Aegiali harbor, northern Amorgos📍 | Tendered |
From a cliff monastery to Big Blue coves and ancient ruins above the harbor, a day on Amorgos packs a remarkable amount of drama into a small island.
Founded in 1088, this dazzling white monastery is wedged into a sheer 300-meter cliff above the sea. A steep staircase leads to the chapel inside the rock; monks offer a traditional welcome of loukoumades and raki. The views alone are worth the climb.
Find Amorgos monastery tours →Above Katapola sit the scant but evocative ruins of ancient Minoa — an acropolis with sea views. Combine with a wander through Chora's maze of whitewashed alleys, blue-domed churches, and a ruined 13th-century Venetian castle.
Find Chora & Minoa tours →This small rocky cove on the south coast was immortalized in Luc Besson's 1988 film The Big Blue. The water is impossibly clear and deep blue; it's accessible by boat or a rough track — boat excursions from Katapola are the easiest way.
Find Big Blue boat trips →A well-marked ancient footpath descends from Chora back to Katapola — roughly 4 km through terraced hillsides with sweeping sea views. Walk down at your own pace and arrive at the tender dock ready to reboard.
Find Amorgos hiking tours →Small-boat excursions circle the island to reach sea caves, hidden swimming bays, and the rusting wreck of the Olympia in Liveros bay. Snorkeling gear is usually included; the water is pristine.
Find Amorgos boat excursions →Amorgos has an excellent network of ancient kalderimi (stone paths) linking villages, ruins, and harbors — ideal for cruise day walks.
From the tender quay, stroll through Katapola's harbor front, then follow signs uphill to the ancient acropolis of Minoa for panoramic views over the bay. Return the same way or loop back through the village backstreets.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Take the bus or taxi to Chora, then wander freely through the maze of narrow lanes past whitewashed cube houses, bougainvillea, and small churches to the Venetian castle ruin on the highest ridge. Multiple kafeneions for a coffee break.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Amorgos Island, Cyclades, Greece (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 14°C | 52°F / 11°C | 12 | 7:28 AM | 5:23 PM |
| Feb | 59°F / 15°C | 53°F / 12°C | 8 | 7:05 AM | 5:56 PM |
| Mar | 61°F / 16°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 | 6:27 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 58°F / 14°C | 4 | 6:42 AM | 7:50 PM |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 3 | 6:09 AM | 8:17 PM |
| Jun | 79°F / 26°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 | 5:57 AM | 8:37 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:09 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:33 AM | 8:07 PM |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | 2 | 6:59 AM | 7:23 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 | 7:24 AM | 6:39 PM |
| Nov | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 | 6:54 AM | 5:06 PM |
| Dec | 61°F / 16°C | 56°F / 13°C | 10 | 7:22 AM | 5:01 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
KTEL buses connect Katapola and Aegiali ports with Chora and other villages. Bus stops are near the tender pier in Katapola — the cheapest way to get around.
Taxis are scarce but available. Katapola to Chora is roughly €10 (5.5 km); Aegiali to Chora is roughly €22 (15 km). Fares are generally fixed — confirm with the driver beforehand.
Local operators (Dream Blue Amorgos, FindinGreece) offer half- or full-day island tours by minibus, typically visiting Hozoviotissa Monastery, Chora, and coastal spots. Book in advance.
Rental shops in Katapola and Aegiali offer scooters and ATVs — ideal for exploring at your own pace on a small island with winding roads.
A small number of car rental agencies operate on Amorgos. Supply is limited; reserve ahead, especially in peak season. A car gives full flexibility to reach the monastery and remote beaches.
Upcoming cruises that call at Amorgos Island, Cyclades, Greece. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.