While Mykonos and Santorini may steal the top spots on many travellers’ bucket lists for the best Greek islands, with their crystal-clear waters and iconic white and blue buildings, there are actually many more beautiful options for travellers.
Plus, the overcrowded streets packed with sweaty tourists from endless cruise ships and ferries may be a huge turnoff for many, so this hidden gem may just be the perfect choice for those wishing to actually get some peace on their well-earned holiday.
Largely overshadowed by its Cycladic neighbours – Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos – the stunning island of Amorgos should sit right at the top of your list of Greek destinations to visit this year.
In fact, Amorgos is so highly rated that Gemma Knight from The Telegraph named it her favourite of 25 Greek islands she visited – above the likes of Mykonos and Santorini.
“At no destination will the welcome be more aimed at your readiness to try the family psimeni or pass the time of day – rather than empty your wallet – than on this most perfect of Greek islands,” she wrote in 2021.
Described as “the secret jewel of the Cyclades” by Paul Delahunt-Rimmer and Henrietta Delahunt-Rimmer in their travel guide, Amorgos offers tourists that authentic Greek experience that those wishing to escape the tourist hotspots crave, as well as far fewer crowds.
Amorgos first gained popularity thanks to the 1988 movie “Le Grand Blue” which was filmed there, but still remains largely unknown.
Like many of its neighbours, Amorgos boasts many stunning beaches. Mourous Bay is among Amorgos’s most popular, known for its turquoise water, contrasting rock formations and several impressive small caves for snorkelling. Agia Anna, meanwhile, is known for its calm waters and the nearby chapel, which deserves to be explored once you’ve finished jumping off the rocks into the sea below.
Close to Kalotaritissa Beach lies the Olympia Shipwreck, a ship that sank in 1980 when the captain tried to shelter from a storm – another popular diving spot.
For a chance to walk cobbled streets surrounded by white buildings like that on Santorini or Mykonos but without the thousands of other sweaty tourists, head to Chora, the stunning capital. Here you will find famous windmills and a 13th century Venetian castle to explore.
If craving some vibrant nightlife, “Sunset Boulevard” in the village of Aegiali on the island’s northern side houses a row of restaurants and bars which offer stunning views of the sunset.
Amorgos also a lovely island for hiking, with routes ranging from one to four hours. The Old Strata walk (lasting four to five hours) takes in Chora, past the incredible Monastery of Hozoviotissa carved into the cliffside and to Langada.
The fact that there are no direct flights to Amorgos adds to its secrecy, as few will be bothered to make the extra journey and instead head for the easier options like Mykonos.
The most popular routes are via Athens, where you can then catch a ferry, starting at around £48. As the ferry lasts some six hours, it is best to get up early – having stayed overnight at a hotel near Piraeus the night before – and catch the first ferry, where you can enjoy the sunrise from the top deck.
Popular low-budget airlines including Jet2, Ryanair and easyJet all fly from London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham to Athens, starting at as little as £145 return in March, with peak summer fares starting at around £200 according to Skyscanner.
Alternatively, fly to Santorini and take a shorter 90-minute ferry for around £67.
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