Home › Amorgos › Where to stay
Where to stay in Amorgos
Amorgos is a stark, elongated island defined by two main ports and a high-altitude capital. Your choice dictates your landscape: the north is rugged and vertical, while the south offers sheltered bays. Since the island lacks a robust public bus system, where you stay dictates your proximity to the ferry terminals and the limited sandy beaches. Renting a vehicle is essential to bridge the vast distances between these isolated settlements.
Chora
Chora sits high on a ridge, offering dramatic views and a labyrinth of whitewashed stairs. It is purely pedestrian-friendly, filled with small tavernas and wind-sheltered courtyards. You can walk to the iconic Kastro or the famous windmills perched above the town. It feels timeless and removed from the sea, serving as the cultural heart of the island with no vehicular noise.
Katapola
Katapola is the main port, split into three small bays connected by a flat promenade. It is the most walkable area, housing the majority of the island’s car rentals and cafes. You can easily stroll to the Church of Katapoliani or hike the trail leading to the ancient ruins of Minoa. It serves as the primary logistical hub for daily arrivals and departures.
Aigiali
Aigiali features a long, crescent-shaped bay lined with sunbeds and water-front dining. The area is flat and highly walkable, perfect for families or those wanting to avoid the vertical climbs found in Chora. You are within minutes of the beach and can easily access the trailheads for the mountain villages of Tholaria and Langada, which overlook the bay from the heights above.
Rent a car in Amorgos
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in AmorgosOne thing to think about
Avoid staying in the remote, high-mountain villages if you are not prepared for constant driving on winding, hairpin roads. Many visitors underestimate the time required to reach the coast for swimming; you will spend hours daily in your car if you don't choose a base near the sea or the main port.
Other places to stay in Greece: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Amorgos are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Amorgos
Common questions
Do I really need to rent a car in Amorgos?
Yes, absolutely. While some areas like Katapola and Aigiali are walkable, the island’s most spectacular sights, including the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and the various cliffside beaches, are miles apart. Public bus service is infrequent and restricted, making a rental car or scooter the only reliable way to explore the entire island effectively.
Which area is best for a quiet, authentic Greek island experience?
Chora is your best choice for authenticity. Because it is perched in the mountains away from the main ports, it avoids the transient tourist flow of the ferries. You will experience quiet mornings in the Kastro and evenings in the central square, surrounded by locals rather than crowds arriving for the day’s boat excursions.
Are there many sandy beaches on the island?
Amorgos is primarily defined by rocky cliffs and pebbled coves rather than long, sandy stretches. Aigiali and Agia Anna are the most popular spots, but most of the coastline consists of dramatic rocky outcroppings. If you are specifically looking for soft sand, manage your expectations, as most swimming spots here require water shoes or careful maneuvering.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.