Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Amorgos is a captivating Greek island known for its striking deep blue waters and untamed landscapes. Unlike its more famous neighbours, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape from mass tourism, allowing visitors to experience authentic Greek island life. With its crystal-clear waters – reputed to be the deepest in the Aegean Sea – Amorgos became internationally famous after being featured in Luc Besson's film 'Le Grand Bleu' in 1988.
Discovering katapola's coastal treasures
Katapola, one of the island's main ports located just 6 kilometres west of Chora, serves as a perfect starting point for beach enthusiasts. This charming harbour town provides access to several delightful beaches where the water temperature typically ranges from a pleasant 19°C to 24°C during the swimming season. The area features both organised and untouched swimming spots, catering to different preferences.
Sandy beaches and crystal waters near the port
Within easy reach of Katapola, visitors can explore Maltezi beach, a charming spot 9 kilometres west of Chora. This beach can be reached on foot and rewards swimmers with shallow, inviting waters. Nearby, Plakes and Finikes beaches (7-9 kilometres west of Chora) offer additional options for those looking to enjoy the crystalline waters without venturing too far from the port. For those willing to travel slightly further, Agios Panteleimon beach, situated 8 kilometres west of the island's capital, presents another excellent swimming option with its characteristic Cycladic charm.
Accommodation options with seaside views
Katapola provides an ideal base for exploring Amorgos, with numerous accommodation options overlooking the azure waters. The working port community offers an authentic glimpse into Greek island life while providing all necessary amenities for visitors. Staying in this area allows easy access to not only the local beaches but also to the bus network connecting to other parts of the island, making it convenient for those wanting to explore multiple swimming spots during their stay.
Aegiali: family-friendly swimming spots
Located in the northern part of Amorgos, approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Chora, Aegiali boasts the island's most popular organised beach. This area has become a favourite destination for families seeking a comfortable and convenient beach experience with all necessary facilities. The wide bay features golden sand and gradually deepening waters that create an ideal environment for swimmers of all ages.
Psili Ammos: The perfect beach for children
Psili Ammos, located 18 kilometres northwest of Chora, stands out as one of the most child-friendly beaches on the island. Its name, which translates to 'fine sand', accurately describes its soft, golden shoreline. The beach slopes gently into the sea, creating shallow waters that remain warm and calm throughout the summer months. Parents appreciate the safety this natural feature provides for young swimmers. The beach's sheltered position also protects it from strong winds, making it a reliably pleasant swimming spot even when other parts of the island experience rougher conditions.
Nearby tavernas and places to stay
The Aegiali area offers an excellent selection of traditional Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood, local specialities, and classic Greek salads. Many establishments provide stunning sea views, allowing diners to enjoy the panoramic coastal scenery while savouring authentic island cuisine. Accommodation options around Aegiali range from family-run guesthouses to more upscale hotels, most within walking distance of the beach. This convenience makes the area particularly attractive to families who wish to minimise travel time between their lodgings and swimming spots.
Unique swimming experiences around panagia hozoviotissa
The magnificent Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, dramatically perched on a cliff face, serves as one of Amorgos's most iconic landmarks. While the monastery itself requires appropriate attire for visitors, the surrounding area offers some of the island's most spectacular swimming experiences. The stark contrast between the whitewashed building against the deep blue sea creates a breathtaking backdrop for swimmers who venture to this eastern part of the island.
Hidden coves near the magnificent monastery
Just a short distance from the monastery lies the famous Agia Anna beach, located approximately 3 kilometres east of Chora. This beach gained international fame after appearing in 'The Deep Blue' film. Despite its small size, the dramatic rock formations and extraordinarily clear waters make it one of the most photogenic swimming spots on the island. Further along the coast, adventurous swimmers can discover Kambi beach, situated 4 kilometres east of Chora. These secluded spots offer tranquillity and privacy, allowing visitors to connect with the raw natural beauty that characterises this part of Amorgos.
Best times for a refreshing dip in the area
The waters around Panagia Hozoviotissa are at their most inviting during the morning hours, especially in July and August when afternoon winds can sometimes create choppier conditions. Early morning swimmers are rewarded with calm seas and the magical experience of watching the sunrise illuminate the monastery and surrounding cliffs. The water temperature in this area tends to be slightly cooler than in the more sheltered bays of the island, providing a refreshingly invigorating experience during the hot summer months. After a visit to the monastery, which requires climbing numerous steps, a cooling swim in these pristine waters feels particularly rewarding.
Remote beach escapes in amorgos
For travellers seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty, Amorgos offers several remote beaches that reward the effort required to reach them. These secluded spots, many of which remain non-organised, provide an authentic connection with the island's wild landscapes and crystal-clear waters. It's in these remote locations that visitors can truly appreciate why Amorgos is considered to have some of the clearest waters in the Aegean.
Kalotaritissa and the magical islet of Gramvoussa
Kalotaritissa beach, located 20 kilometres southwest of Chora, offers a tranquil escape from the more frequented areas of the island. This partly organised beach provides basic amenities while maintaining its natural charm. From here, adventurous swimmers can take a short boat trip to the islet of Gramvoussa, situated 22 kilometres west of Chora. This tiny uninhabited island boasts a pristine beach with extraordinarily clear waters. The journey to Gramvoussa creates a sense of discovery and rewards visitors with an unspoiled swimming experience far from the crowds. Nudism is also accepted in these more remote areas, attracting those who prefer a natural approach to sea bathing.
Agios Pavlos: Snorkelling amongst stunning rock formations
Agios Pavlos beach, located 10 kilometres northwest of Chora, offers one of the most distinctive swimming experiences on Amorgos. Set against the backdrop of Nikouria Island, this beach combines dramatic scenery with excellent snorkelling opportunities. The underwater landscape features fascinating rock formations and abundant marine life, making it a paradise for those who enjoy exploring beneath the surface. The extraordinary visibility of the water, often exceeding 20 metres, allows snorkellers to discover the rich underwater world with remarkable clarity. For scuba diving enthusiasts, the waters around Amorgos hold special treasures, including a site featuring ancient amphorae dating back to 322 BC, testament to the island's rich maritime history.
The famous agia anna beach: a cinematic paradise
Nestled just 3 km east of Chora, Agia Anna Beach stands as perhaps the most recognisable shoreline on Amorgos. This breathtaking beach rose to international fame in 1988 when French director Luc Besson chose its dramatic setting for his film 'Le Grand Bleu' (The Big Blue). Since then, this spot has become a pilgrimage site for cinema enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
Swimming at the iconic 'Le Grand Bleu' filming location
Taking a dip at Agia Anna offers more than just a refreshing swim – it's an immersion into cinematic history. The beach features in several memorable scenes from 'Le Grand Bleu', with its rocky shoreline and crystal-clear waters creating the perfect backdrop for the film's underwater sequences. The waters here are said to be among the deepest blue in the Aegean Sea, ranging between 19-24°C (66-75°F) during swimming season, making it comfortable yet refreshingly cool even at the height of summer.
Unlike the more organised beaches of Aegiali or Katapola, Agia Anna maintains its wild, untouched character. This non-organised beach offers a pure swimming experience without the distraction of beach bars or watersports facilities, allowing you to truly connect with the same pristine environment that captivated filmmakers decades ago.
Natural beauty and deep blue waters that captivate visitors
What makes Agia Anna truly special is its dramatic natural setting. Steep rocky cliffs plunge directly into impossibly blue waters, creating a stark and beautiful contrast that epitomises the wild Cycladic landscape. The clarity of the water is simply astonishing – on calm days, visibility extends deep below the surface, revealing the rocky seabed and occasionally schools of fish darting through the depths.
The beach itself is primarily pebbled rather than sandy, typical of many of Amorgos' shorelines. While this might mean you'll want to bring appropriate footwear, it also contributes to the remarkable water clarity. The surrounding landscape remains largely undeveloped, preserving the raw beauty that first attracted filmmakers to this spot. From the water, swimmers can enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the endless blue of the Aegean stretching toward the horizon, creating a swimming experience that feels both intimate and expansive at once.
