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How to Get to Amorgos

How to Get to Amorgos

Amorgos Greece Travel Guide

Air Travel to Greece

Major Airports Serving Amorgos

The closest international airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), "Eleftherios Venizelos." This airport serves as the main gateway for international travelers heading to Greece. Other close airports on Cycladic islands have domestic flights from Athens and some international seasonal charters.

Nearby Airports

  • Naxos Island National Airport (JNX)
  • Paros National Airport (PAS)
  • Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)

Airlines & Routes

Numerous foreign carriers offer flights to Athens (ATH) from major global hubs. Domestic flights within Greece connect Athens to Naxos, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos via airlines like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. Travelers using these airports will journey by onward ferry to Amorgos. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Flight Information

  • International flights mainly to Athens (ATH).
  • Domestic flights to nearby Cycladic islands.
  • Onward ferry travel from other islands to Amorgos.

Direct Flights

Direct flights to Athens (ATH) are obtainable from major cities in North America (New York, Toronto, Montreal), Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight availability and frequency surge during high season (June-August), with highest prices. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) balance availability and reasonable prices.

Airport Facilities ATH

Athens International Airport (ATH) provides duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfers from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Public Transport Options

  • Metro: Line 3 (blue) direct from airport to Piraeus Port (final stop), approximately 1 hour.
  • Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): Connects airport to Piraeus station, similar journey time.
  • Express Bus (X96): Operates 24/7 from airport to Piraeus Port, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Taxi: Available 24/7, fixed fare to Piraeus (day: €54, night: €70).

Private Transfer & Car Rental

  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked private car services provide convenience.
  • Land Transportation: Not for direct arrival to Amorgos. Used to reach departure ports. Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.
  • Piraeus Port is the main departure point for ferries to Amorgos.
  • Confirm port tolls for taxis.

Sea/River Arrivals: Ferry Travel to Amorgos

Departure Ports

Ferries to Amorgos depart from Piraeus (Athens), Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, Syros, Astypalea, and Koufonisia.

Amorgos Ports

Amorgos has two main ferry terminals: Katapola (central, main port) and Aegiali (north). Some ferries serve both, others just one.

Ferry Companies

Blue Star Ferries (conventional, year-round). Seajets (high-speed, seasonal). Small local ferries (Express Skopelitis) connect to Small Cyclades.

Ferry Durations & Booking

Typical Ferry Durations Approximate

Travel times vary by ferry type and route. Conventional ferries are slower but more stable, while high-speed catamarans offer quicker journeys but are more sensitive to rough seas. Confirm your destination port when booking tickets.

Journey Times

  • Piraeus to Amorgos (Katapola): 7-9 hours (conventional), 5-6 hours (high-speed).
  • Naxos to Amorgos (Katapola): 1.5-2.5 hours (high-speed), 3-4 hours (conventional).
  • Santorini to Amorgos (Katapola): 1.5-2.5 hours (high-speed).

Booking & Procedures

Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season. Use websites like Ferryhopper, Viva.gr, or book directly with the ferry companies. For travel within the Schengen Area, immigration checks at Greek ports are minimal or non-existent upon disembarkation. Tickets are typically checked upon boarding.

Important Information

  • Advance booking especially for high season.
  • Minimal immigration checks within Schengen Area.
  • Upon arrival, local buses, taxis, and rentals are available.

Connections to Land Transportation

Upon arrival at Katapola or Aegiali port, you will find local buses, taxis, and car/scooter rental agencies. These are available for transfer to your accommodation or other villages. Many accommodations offer port transfers; confirm this service in advance.

Onward Travel from Ports

  • Local buses connect ports to villages.
  • Taxis are available for convenience.
  • Car and scooter rentals are at the ports.

Departure Information

Greece imposes no specific exit fees or taxes when departing the country. For ferry departures, arrive at the port at least 30-60 minutes before departure, especially if you need to pick up tickets or have a vehicle. Check-in procedures are usually minimal; passengers typically walk directly onto the ferry with their tickets. For flights abroad from Athens Airport, plan to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.

Departure Procedures

  • No specific exit fees from Greece.
  • Ferry: Arrive 30-60 minutes prior.
  • Airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flight.

Departures Reminders

  • Fixed taxi fares for Athens Airport to Piraeus.
  • Check ferry schedules for Meltemi wind impacts.
  • Confirm baggage allowance for high-speed ferries.
  • Airport provisions at Athens (ATH) are extensive.
  • Amorgos ports have basic facilities.
  • Book flights with connections and ferries with ample buffer time.

Getting Around Amorgos: Local Transportation

Public Transportation Overview

Amorgos has a public bus system, KTEL Amorgos, which connects its main villages and famous shores. The bus system serves as a practical way to travel between locations. Main routes connect both ports, Katapola and Aegiali, with the capital, Chora, and other important villages and beaches.

Main Bus Routes

  • Katapola - Chora - Agia Anna - Mouros
  • Aegiali - Tholaria - Langada - Potamos
  • Katapola - Xylokeratidi - Chora

Bus Ticketing & Hours

Purchase tickets directly from the bus driver upon boarding. Fares are generally low, ranging from €2 to €5, depending on the distance. Carry small denominations of Euro for bus fares. Bus schedules vary significantly by season. In high season (July-August), buses operate regularly on main routes, usually every 1-2 hours. In shoulder seasons, frequency is reduced. In low season, services are very limited or non-existent on particular ways.

Bus Logistics

  • Purchase tickets from the driver (€2-€5).
  • High season: every 1-2 hours.
  • Check schedules at bus stops or KTEL Amorgos website.

Accessibility

Public buses may have limited accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges due to steps and narrow aisles. Direct inquiries with transport providers are recommended.

Taxis & Hailing

Taxis are in Katapola, Aegiali, and Chora. They are dark blue/silver with a "TAXI" sign. Find them at kiosks or hail them. Booking by phone is often best for specific times.

Tips for Bus Travel

Carry small Euro denominations for fares. Arrive a few minutes early. Confirm place with the driver if unsure. Public transport is a cost-effective way to explore.

Rental Options: Cars & Scooters

Car Rental Requirements

Various local vehicle rental firms operate in Katapola and Aegiali. Booking in advance, notably in the busy season, is recommended. A valid driving license is necessary; EU citizens use their national license. Non-EU citizens typically use an International Driving Permit in addition to their national license. The minimum age for rental is usually 21-23, with a minimum license holding period of at least 1 year. Payment is typically by credit card.

Driving Eligibility

  • Valid driving license (International Driving Permit for non-EU).
  • Minimum age 21-23, license held for 1+ year.
  • Credit card for payment.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Scooter rentals are very popular on Amorgos due to the winding roads and smaller island size. A valid motorcycle license (A category) is legally for scooters over 50cc. For 50cc scooters, a B category car license may suffice if issued before certain dates. Check the latest regulations. An International Driving Permit is also advised. Helmets are legally mandatory and should always be worn.

Scooter Safety & Rules

  • Motorcycle license (A category) for >50cc.
  • Helmets are legally mandatory.
  • Check local regulations for B category license.

Driving & Parking Information

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 50 kilometers per hour in cities and 90 km/h on open roads.

Road Conditions

Road conditions vary. Main roads connecting villages are paved but can be narrow and winding with sharp turns. Some roads to the coast or remote areas may be unpaved or gravel. Drive cautiously, especially on curves and unpaved sections.

Parking

Parking is available in designated areas in villages and near beaches. Finding parking in Chora can be challenging during peak times.

Rental Smartly

Bicycle rental options are limited in main towns. The mountainous terrain makes cycling challenging outside of specific routes.
How to Get to Amorgos. Flights, Transportation, Airlines