Amorgos has 2 ferry ports, and choosing the right one can save you a long taxi ride. Katapola, in the middle of the island, is the main port and the closest to Chora and the famous Hozoviotissa Monastery. Aegiali, in the north east, is the second port, a relaxed beach village surrounded by hiking trails and hillside villages. Many ferries call at both, one after the other, so it is worth checking which stop suits your hotel before you book. Amorgos has no airport, so every visitor arrives by sea. This guide covers both Amorgos ports, getting around the island from the ferry, the ferries to and from Amorgos and tips for your arrival.
Amorgos ports at a glance
Amorgos has 2 ports: Katapola, about 5 to 7 km from Chora, and Aegiali, about 21 to 25 km further north. Many ferries stop at both.
- Katapola: the main port, best for Chora, the Hozoviotissa Monastery and the south
- Aegiali: the second port, best for Aegiali beach, Tholaria, Lagada and hiking
- Bus: links Katapola, Chora and Aegiali, with other routes to the beaches
- Taxi: about 12 to 15 euros from Katapola to Chora, and 30 to 35 euros to Aegiali
- Ferries: Piraeus, Naxos, the Small Cyclades, Santorini, Paros and more
Katapola or Aegiali: Which Amorgos Port?
| Katapola | Aegiali | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | West coast, in the middle of the island | North east of the island |
| Distance to Chora | About 5 to 7 km, around 10 minutes | About 15 km |
| Best for | Chora, Hozoviotissa, Agia Anna and the south coast | Aegiali beach, Tholaria, Lagada and hiking |
| Ferries | The main port, with the most sailings | Fewer sailings, often on the same ferries as Katapola |
| Feel | A working harbour with waterfront tavernas | A relaxed beach village |
The simple rule is to use the port closest to where you are staying. If you are based in Chora, Katapola or anywhere in the south, sail to Katapola. If you are staying in Aegiali, Tholaria or Lagada, sail to Aegiali and save yourself a 21 to 25 km drive.
Katapola Port
Katapola sits in a deep, sheltered bay on the west coast and is made up of 3 joined settlements, Katapola, Rachidi and Xilokeratidi. People have lived around this bay for more than 6,000 years, and on the hill above the port are the excavations of ancient Minoa, one of the 3 cities of ancient Amorgos. The modern village grew up from the 1830s and today has a working harbour atmosphere, with tavernas and cafés right on the water and the quiet Maltezi beach a short walk away.
From Katapola, Chora is about a 10 minute drive up the hill, and the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery, clinging to the cliffs on the east coast, is a short ride beyond.
Aegiali Port
Aegiali is the island’s second port and its most relaxed resort. Unlike the older villages of Amorgos, which were built inland to hide from pirates, Aegiali sits right on its bay and only grew into a village once that danger had passed. The long sandy Aegiali beach starts at the edge of the village, and hiking trails lead straight from the port up to the hillside villages of Tholaria, Lagada and Potamos.
Getting Around Amorgos From the Ports
Bus
- Katapola to Chora
- Chora to Aegiali
- Monastery and beaches
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- A few drivers cover the island
- Book in July and August
- Night surcharge after midnight
- Best with luggage
Hire car
- Collect on arrival
- Long, winding main road
- Book ahead in summer
- Best for exploring
Walk
- Famous hiking trails
- Old paths between villages
- Start early in summer
- Best for hikers
Bus From Katapola and Aegiali
The island buses link both ports with Chora. There are frequent direct buses between Katapola and Chora, a route that continues from Katapola and Chora to the Hozoviotissa Monastery and Agia Anna beach, and a route across the island between Katapola, Chora, Agios Pavlos and Aegiali. From Aegiali, buses climb to Tholaria and Lagada. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer, a south coast bus runs from Katapola and Chora to Mouros, the shipwreck and Kalotaritissa. See our Amorgos bus timetable for the full summer schedule.
Taxis at Amorgos Port
Amorgos has no taxi rank as such. A handful of local drivers cover the whole island, moving between Katapola, Chora and Aegiali to meet the ferries. Outside the peak season a taxi usually turns up soon after a ferry arrives, but in July and August it is best to book. See our Amorgos taxi guide for the drivers’ numbers.
| Taxi route | Distance | Typical fare |
|---|---|---|
| Katapola to Chora | About 5 to 7 km | About 12 to 15 euros |
| Chora to Aegiali | About 15 km | About 25 to 30 euros |
| Katapola to Aegiali | About 21 to 25 km | About 30 to 35 euros |
| Short trips to a nearby beach | A few km | About 8 to 12 euros |
Our guide to getting around Amorgos compares buses, taxis, hire cars and the island’s hiking paths.
Ferries From Amorgos
Amorgos is connected with Piraeus, Naxos, Paros and Santorini by Blue Star Ferries and Seajets, and with the Small Cyclades by the local Small Cyclades Lines ferry, which runs between Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Donousa and both Amorgos ports. Times below are from Katapola unless stated.
| Amorgos to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Naxos | About 1 hour 10 minutes | 3 hours or more |
| Santorini | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Up to 4 hours 55 minutes |
| Paros | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Up to 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Mykonos | About 2 hours | About 3 hours, June to September |
| Folegandros | About 2 hours 10 minutes | About 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Koufonisia | About 2 hours 30 minutes from Aegiali | Small Cyclades Lines |
| Donousa | Short hop | Small Cyclades Lines |
| Katapola to Aegiali | Ferries link the 2 ports | Check the timetable |
| Piraeus from Katapola | About 4 hours 55 minutes | About 7 hours 35 minutes |
| Piraeus from Aegiali | About 8 hours 35 minutes | About 9 hours 10 minutes |
For more on the journey from Athens, see our guide to the Athens to Amorgos ferry, how to get to Amorgos, our Piraeus port guide and our guide to getting from Athens to the Cyclades.
Flying to Amorgos via Naxos or Santorini
Amorgos has no airport. The nearest are Naxos Airport, with domestic flights from Athens, and Santorini Airport, with direct summer flights from the UK. From Naxos port or Athinios port on Santorini, fast ferries reach Katapola in around 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Things to Do Near the Amorgos Ports
With a few hours to spare in Katapola, walk up to the ruins of ancient Minoa or swim at Maltezi. From Aegiali, follow one of the marked trails up to Tholaria for sweeping views over the bay. For the rest of the island, see our guides to things to do in Amorgos, the best beaches in Amorgos, the best villages in Amorgos and the best caves in Amorgos.
Facilities at the Amorgos Ports
| Facility | Katapola | Aegiali |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Travel agencies on the waterfront | Travel agencies near the quay |
| Food and drink | Waterfront tavernas and cafés | Beachfront tavernas, cafés and bars |
| Car hire | Offices by the port | Offices in the village |
| Beach | Maltezi, a short walk away | Aegiali beach, next to the village |
| Places to stay | See where to stay in Amorgos | |
Tips for Using the Amorgos Ports
- Book your ferry to the right port. Katapola and Aegiali are 21 to 25 km apart, so check which stop is closest to your hotel.
- Check the order of stops. Many ferries call at both ports, and it is easy to get off too early.
- Book a taxi in July and August. There are only a few drivers for the whole island.
- Leave slack in your plans. The small Small Cyclades Lines ferry can be cancelled in rough weather.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Both ports are small, but ferries can arrive early and leave on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amorgos Port
How many ports does Amorgos have?
Amorgos has 2 ferry ports: Katapola, the main port in the middle of the island, and Aegiali in the north east. Many ferries call at both.
Which Amorgos port should I use?
Use Katapola if you are staying in Chora, Katapola or the south of the island. Use Aegiali if you are staying in Aegiali, Tholaria or Lagada.
How far is Katapola from Chora?
Chora is about 5 to 7 km from Katapola, around a 10 minute drive. A taxi costs about 12 to 15 euros.
How far is Katapola from Aegiali?
Katapola and Aegiali are about 21 to 25 km apart by road. A taxi costs about 30 to 35 euros, and buses run between them via Chora.
Is there a bus from Katapola port?
Yes. Buses run from Katapola to Chora, the Hozoviotissa Monastery and Agia Anna beach, and across the island to Agios Pavlos and Aegiali.
Does Amorgos have an airport?
No. Amorgos has no airport. The nearest airports are Naxos and Santorini, both about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 15 minutes away by fast ferry.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Amorgos?
From Piraeus to Katapola takes about 4 hours 55 minutes on the fastest ferries and about 7 hours 35 minutes on slower ones. Ferries to Aegiali take about 8 hours 35 minutes to 9 hours 10 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Naxos to Amorgos?
The fastest ferries from Naxos to Katapola take about 1 hour 10 minutes. The slower Small Cyclades Lines ferry takes 3 hours or more because it stops at the Small Cyclades.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Amorgos?
High speed ferries take about 1 hour 15 minutes, and slower ferries up to about 4 hours 55 minutes.
How do I get from Amorgos to Koufonisia?
The Small Cyclades Lines ferry links Amorgos with Koufonisia and the other Small Cyclades. From Aegiali the crossing takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
How many taxis are there on Amorgos?
Only a handful of local drivers cover the whole island. Book ahead in July and August.
Final Thoughts
The key to arriving on Amorgos is picking the right port. Katapola is the one for Chora, the monastery and the south, while Aegiali is the one for its beach, the hill villages and the best hiking. Check the order of stops on your ferry, book a taxi in high summer and leave a little slack for the weather. Before you travel, take a look at our guide to the Amorgos weather, our Amorgos map and our guide to photography in Amorgos.
