Amorgos

Day 1: Chora, Hozoviotissa and Katapola

Begin with the island’s soul: the whitewashed lanes of Chora and the cliff-hugging monastery that made Amorgos famous. Start early for cool temperatures and soft light; in summer aim to be on the trail by 07:00.

• Morning: Wander Chora’s alleys at dawn, then head to the Agia Anna car park and climb the steps to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa (modest dress required; wraps provided). Linger for the views and, if the sea is calm, take a quick dip at Agia Anna before the crowds.
• Midday: Return to Chora for brunch at a kafeneio and a rest out of the sun; pick up a hiking map and plenty of water (2–3 litres per person in warm weather). If it’s windy, expect strong gusts on exposed ridges later.
• Afternoon: Hike Trail 7 from Chora to Katapola via Agios Georgios Valsamitis (about 5 km, ~2 hours). Pause at the historic spring, follow the blue squares/red–white marks, and leave any gates exactly as you found them.
• Evening: Stroll Katapola’s waterfront and dine by the harbour; try psimeni raki after dinner. Check KTEL bus times for an easy ride back to your base.

Day 2: Aegiali’s mountain villages and chapels

Today blends a rewarding climb with village life and big views over Aegiali Bay. Spring brings wildflowers; in high summer, plan a long midday break in the shade.

• Morning: Take the bus to Aegiali and climb Trail 5 to Langada and Agios Theologos (steep but spectacular; sturdy footwear essential). In cool conditions and with time, continue to the chapel of Stavros for cliff-edge vistas.
• Midday: Long, lazy lunch in Langada; top up water and sunscreen. In July–August, rest until at least 16:00 before walking again.
• Afternoon: Follow easy, panoramic Trail 6 from Langada via Epanohoriani to Tholaria (~1 hour). Explore the village, then descend to the bay on foot or by bus for a swim at Aegiali or Levrossos.
• Evening: Watch sunset from Potamos steps or a Tholaria outlook, then enjoy meze and local dishes at a village taverna. Toast the day with psimeni raki and bus back to your accommodation.

Day 3: The Palaiá Stráta (Trail 1) — Amorgos’ epic traverse

Walk the island’s ancient backbone from Chora towards Aegiali, threading wind-carved saddles, abandoned hamlets and terrace-walled slopes. This is exposed and unforgettable—start pre-dawn in summer and carry ample water.

• Morning: Set off from Chora on Trail 1 towards Asfondilitis, crossing the Steno ridge with sweeping sea views (expect strong Meltemi gusts). Wear a hat, use high-factor sunscreen, and carry up to 3 litres of water per person in hot weather.
• Midday: Rest in the shade at Asfondilitis and examine the rock carvings made by local resident Michalis Roussos. Skip adventurous detours (like Chalara beach) in heat or without experience.
• Afternoon: Continue via Oxo Meria and Potamos, descending to Aegiali (allow 4–5 hours total walking, plus stops). Watch for blue paint squares and red–white blazes; if fatigue sets in, end in Potamos and bus/taxi down.
• Evening: Swim and recover on Aegiali seafront, then celebrate with a relaxed dinner. Check bus times back to Chora/Katapola; if visiting in late September, you may catch the Amorgos Trail Challenge atmosphere.

By Air

• Amorgos has no airport. The nearest airports are:
  • Athens (ATH): then ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Airport to Piraeus by metro line 3 or suburban railway (about 60–70 min), or X96 bus (60–90 min). Airport to Rafina by KTEL bus or taxi (about 30–60 min).
  • Santorini (JTR): ferry from Athinios port to Amorgos (typically 1–2.5 hrs in season).
  • Naxos (JNX): ferry from Naxos port (about 1–3 hrs depending on vessel/port on Amorgos).
  • Paros (PAS): ferry from Parikia (about 2–4 hrs).
  • Mykonos (JMK): ferry from New Port (Tourlos), often via Naxos (about 2.5–4 hrs in season).

By Ferry

• Amorgos has two ports: Katapola (central) and Aegiali (north). Check your ticket for the correct port.
• From Athens (Piraeus):
  • Conventional ferries (e.g., Blue Star) mainly to Katapola: about 7–9 hrs; year‑round but less frequent in winter.
  • High‑speed catamarans (seasonal): about 4.5–6.5 hrs to Katapola/Aegiali depending on route and sea conditions.
• From nearby islands (mostly seasonal, more frequent spring–autumn):
  • Naxos: about 1–3 hrs (fast ferries), or 4–5 hrs on the local “Express Skopelitis” via the Small Cyclades.
  • Santorini (Thira): about 1–2.5 hrs (fast ferries).
  • Paros: about 2–4 hrs.
  • Mykonos: about 2.5–4 hrs (often via Naxos).
• Local inter‑island service: the Express Skopelitis links Naxos – Iraklia – Schinoussa – Koufonissi – Amorgos (Katapola/Aegiali) most days; slower but very reliable for island hopping.
• Schedules are highly seasonal and weather‑dependent; check and book in advance, especially July–September.

By Train

• No train to Amorgos; use rail only to reach ferry ports in Athens:
  • Athens Airport to Piraeus: Metro line 3 (direct) or suburban railway; about 60–70 min.
  • Central Athens to Piraeus: Metro line 1 (Green) from Omonia/Monastiraki; about 25–35 min.

By Bus

• Athens Airport to Piraeus: Express bus X96; about 60–90 min depending on traffic.
• Athens Airport to Rafina: KTEL Attikis bus from the airport arrivals area; about 30–60 min.
• Central Athens to Rafina: KTEL Attikis buses (commonly from Nomismatokopio metro area); about 45–70 min.

By Car

• Drive to Piraeus or Rafina and take a car ferry to Amorgos (vehicle spaces book out early in summer).
• Allow extra time for port traffic and check‑in; for vehicles, arrive at least 60–90 min before departure.
• Parking near the ports is limited; use dedicated port car parks where available or arrange a drop‑off.