Getting from Santorini to Amorgos

Amorgos sits at the far eastern edge of the Cyclades and has a character that sets it apart from almost every other island in the group. It is long and narrow, with a dramatic spine of mountains running its length, a coastline of sheer cliffs dropping into deep blue water and two ports at either end that feel like separate worlds. The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built into the cliff face above the sea, is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Greece. The island became known internationally when Luc Besson filmed The Big Blue here in 1988 and the underwater light at Agia Anna beach that inspired the film is still as extraordinary as it was then. Amorgos draws people who want something raw and unhurried and rewards them completely.

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Santorini to Amorgos running from April to October, with around one crossing per day and up to two on peak summer days. Seajets high-speed catamarans cover the 34 nautical miles to Katapola, the main port, in around 1 hour 15 minutes. The conventional Express Skopelitis, the legendary small ferry that threads through the Small Cyclades, also serves the route but takes around 5 hours. Outside of the April to October season there is no direct service and you would need to connect through Naxos or Piraeus. Book ahead in July and August.

What about flying?

Amorgos has no airport. The ferry from Santorini is the only direct option and at 1 hour 15 minutes on the Seajets catamaran it is one of the better island hops in the Cyclades.

Your best option

Take the Seajets ferry directly from Santorini. It is fast, direct and the arrival into Katapola with the whitewashed village climbing the hillside above the harbour is one of the finer approaches in the Cyclades. Give Amorgos at least three nights. The island opens up slowly and rewards time.