The ferry from Aegiali to Katapola is the easiest way to move between the two main ports of Amorgos without using the island roads. This short, scenic coastal crossing is operated by Small Cyclades Lines and usually runs only in the high season, mainly from June to September. The journey time is very short, typically between 50 minutes and 55 minutes, so it feels more like a local boat ride than a long ferry trip. In a normal summer there are around 3 weekly sailings, with departures often in the evening around 19:10 from Aegiali and arrival in Katapola before 20:10, which is ideal if you want to change base on the island after a day at the beach. Ticket prices are very reasonable, starting from about €4.50 to €7.00 for a foot passenger, and there is usually the option to bring a car or motorbike on some sailings. Because the route is short and direct, it is very popular with travellers who stay in both Aegiali and Katapola in one trip and want to avoid a long bus or taxi ride over the mountains.
Key information for the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Katapola (Amorgos) ferry
1. Ferry duration
The Aegiali to Katapola ferry normally takes about 50 minutes to 55 minutes. Ferries Greece and Netferry both note that the fastest crossing is around 50 minutes, while the typical scheduled time is 55 minutes. This makes it one of the quickest ferry routes in the Cyclades, and in calm conditions it can sometimes feel even shorter.
2. Ferry companies
This internal Amorgos route is operated by Small Cyclades Lines, also known as Mikres Kyklades N.E. in Greek timetables. Netferry lists Mikres Kyklades N.E. as the only operator on the Aegiali to Katapola line, with 3 weekly sailings. While Saos Ferries runs many routes in the Cyclades and Dodecanese, current schedules show this particular Aegiali–Katapola connection in the hands of Small Cyclades Lines rather than Saos.
3. Fast vs slow ferry
On this route there is effectively just one type of small conventional ferry, so there is no real choice between fast and slow options. All Aegiali to Katapola sailings are short coastal hops scheduled at around 50 to 55 minutes, with no big difference in duration between departures. The vessel is smaller than the big blue water ferries, but for such a short crossing that is part of the charm and allows you to enjoy views of the Amorgos coastline.
4. Best time to travel
The Aegiali to Katapola ferry runs mainly in high season, usually from June to September. Ferryscanner notes that services operate only during this period, with around 3 departures per week. In the winter months there may be few or no sailings on this internal route, so outside the main season you should be ready to use the island bus or a taxi instead of the ferry.
5. Sea conditions and wind
Because this is a very short coastal route within Amorgos, sea conditions are usually mild, even on windier days. The Meltemi can still blow strongly in July and August, but the ferry keeps close to shore and the crossing is brief, which reduces the impact of choppy seas. If you are sensitive to motion sickness it is still wise to take basic precautions, but most travellers find this 50 minute trip quite comfortable.
6. Port guide
Aegiali port is a relaxed seaside village in the north of Amorgos with a long sandy beach, cafés, tavernas, small hotels and mini markets along the waterfront. The harbour is compact, so walking from most accommodation in Aegiali to the ferry is straightforward. Katapola is the main port of Amorgos, a scenic bay with three small settlements, several tavernas, cafés and basic shops, and many guesthouses within walking distance of the quay, plus bus and taxi links to Chora and other parts of the island.
7. Car rental advice
On this internal route, Small Cyclades Lines sailings can accept vehicles such as cars and motorbikes on certain departures, according to Ferryscanner. However, many visitors simply return or pick up rental cars at one port and use the ferry as foot passengers, because the distance between Aegiali and Katapola is short and there are rental offices at both ends. If you do need to take a car, check the booking engine carefully for your chosen date to confirm that vehicles are allowed on that specific sailing and that space is available.
8. Foot passenger tips
As a foot passenger you can usually arrive at Aegiali port about 30 to 45 minutes before departure, as boarding is quick and the ferry is small. Current schedules show evening departures around 19:10 to 20:00 from Aegiali, which is perfect if you want to enjoy a full day at the beach and then move to Katapola for the night. In Katapola most accommodation is within easy walking distance of the pier, but if you are staying up in Chora or in a more remote bay, check bus times or arrange a taxi in advance.
9. Is this route worth it?
The Aegiali to Katapola ferry is absolutely worth it if you plan to stay in both parts of Amorgos or want to change bases without taking the bus. It turns what would be a winding 40 minute drive across the island into a short and relaxing coastal boat ride with views of Amorgos from the sea. For many travellers it is part of the charm of visiting Amorgos, as it feels like a mini island hop within the same island.
10. Alternative route if cancelled
If your Aegiali to Katapola ferry is cancelled or not running on the day you want to travel, the main alternative is the island bus service. Buses between Aegiali, Chora and Katapola run regularly in summer and take around 40 minutes, stopping in Chora and sometimes near the monastery on the way. Taxis are also available, and although more expensive, they are still a straightforward backup option for such a short distance.
11. Reverse route internal links
There is also a reverse Katapola to Aegiali ferry route, again operated by Small Cyclades Lines or Mikres Kyklades N.E. with the same short journey time. Direct Ferries notes 3 weekly Katapola to Aegiali sailings of about 55 minutes, usually departing Katapola at 07:00 and arriving in Aegiali before 08:00, which is convenient if you are changing base in the morning. When planning your stay on Amorgos, it is worth checking both directions together so you can decide whether to start in Aegiali and move to Katapola, or the other way round.