Yacht charter in Amorgos
A yacht charter in Amorgos brings you to the wild eastern edge of the Cyclades, where a long, mountainous island rises almost to the threshold of the Dodecanese. Steep cliffs plunge into deep blue water on one shore, while quiet, shaded bays open on the other, and the whole coast rewards crews who arrive by sea rather than by ferry.
Amorgos has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a place of real importance during the Cycladic civilisation. In antiquity three independent cities flourished here, Minoa, Arkesini and Aegiali, and important archaeological finds from the island are now held in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The oblong shape of the island, its barren peaks and its dramatic monastery give it a character quite unlike the whitewashed party islands to the west.
Why sail to Amorgos
Amorgos rewards a crew that wants scenery and substance over crowds. It sits at the end of the chain, so reaching it is part of the appeal, and the sailing between here and the central Cyclades is some of the most rewarding in the Aegean.
- Dramatic cliff coastline with the Hozoviotissa monastery clinging to a sheer rock face
- Two natural harbours, Katapola and Aegiali, that give you sheltered options in different winds
- Fine sandy beaches and quiet coves reached easily by boat
- A genuine, unspoilt island feel with strong walking, history and local food
- A satisfying downwind run back toward Naxos, Paros and the central Cyclades
Katapola and ancient Minoa
Katapola is the island's main harbour today and a natural first stop. The bay is well protected and the waterfront is lined with tavernas, making it an easy overnight. On the hillside above stand traces of ancient Minoa, and the harbour church of Our Lady Katapoliani was built on the site of a temple of Apollo. From Katapola a short road climbs to the capital.
Chora and the Hozoviotissa monastery
Chora, the island's capital, is a classic Cycladic settlement built around and beneath a Venetian castle that crowns the hilltop. The typical Cycladic twin church is much in evidence here, and the Archaeological Museum, housed in the 16th century Venetian Tower of Gavras, gathers finds from across the island.
Northeast of Chora, at the foot of a steep rock 180 metres above the sea, stands the Byzantine monastery of Our Lady Hozoviotissa, one of the most striking monuments of its kind in Greece. It was founded in 1088 by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos and still houses rare religious heirlooms. Seen from the water, the dazzling white monastery set against the dark cliff is one of the great sights of a Cyclades charter.
Aegiali and the north
Aegiali, the island's second port, is a pretty village famed for its sweeping sandy beaches. It is made up of four distinct quarters, Tholaria, Potamos, Ormos and Langada, and the bay makes a fine base for the northern end of the island. Walkers can follow an impressive route two hours north of Langada to reach Krikellos, the island's highest point, for a sweeping view over Amorgos and the surrounding sea.
Arkesini and the south
In the south, Arkesini stands near the site of the ancient city of the same name, among a group of picturesque whitewashed hamlets. This quieter end of the island is worth exploring for its beaches and its sense of stillness, well away from the busier Cyclades anchorages.
Sail the eastern Cyclades to Amorgos
Tell us your dates and crew and our team will match you with the right yacht from a Cyclades base.
When to sail to Amorgos
The Cyclades sailing season runs from late spring to early autumn. The prevailing Meltemi blows from the north and builds through high summer, so routes to the eastern Cyclades are framed as a downwind run from the central islands out to Amorgos and back. Because Amorgos sits exposed at the edge of the chain, a settled weather window makes the passage and the anchorages far more comfortable.
Warm days, lighter winds and calm anchorages before the Meltemi sets in.
Strongest Meltemi and fast downwind sailing, best suited to confident crews.
Wind eases, the sea stays warm and the island is much quieter.
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Amorgos yacht charter FAQ
Is there a charter base on Amorgos?
No. Amorgos has no charter base of its own. The nearest boats offered by Nautilia are based at Paros at Piso Livadi, about 58 km to the northwest, so crews reach Amorgos as a stop on a wider Cyclades route.
Which harbours can I use on Amorgos?
Amorgos has two natural harbours, Katapola on the southwest coast and Aegiali in the north. Katapola is well protected and lined with tavernas, while Aegiali gives sheltered access to the northern end of the island.
What is the Hozoviotissa monastery?
Hozoviotissa is a Byzantine monastery built into a sheer cliff about 180 metres above the sea, northeast of Chora. It was founded in 1088 by the emperor Alexios Komnenos and is one of the most dramatic sights on any Cyclades charter.
How do I reach Amorgos by yacht?
Most crews sail out to Amorgos from the central Cyclades, using islands such as Naxos and the Small Cyclades as stepping stones. The prevailing Meltemi blows from the north, so the route is usually planned as a downwind run out and back.
What is there to see on Amorgos?
Highlights include the Hozoviotissa monastery, the capital Chora with its Venetian castle and Archaeological Museum, the ancient sites of Minoa, Arkesini and Aegiali, the sandy beaches around Aegiali, and the walk up Krikellos, the island's highest peak.
When is the best time to sail to Amorgos?
Late spring and early autumn bring warm weather and calmer seas, ideal for the exposed eastern Cyclades. July and August bring the strongest Meltemi and the fastest downwind sailing, better suited to experienced crews.
