My first time posting...my family and I are making last minute plans to go to a Greek island from June 15 - 21 this year. We are interested in snorkeling and/or scuba diving, hiking, and day sailing. We are all active and range in age from 33 to 69. Any suggestions will be tremendously appreciated, as the choices are overwhelming. We prefer zero crowds (ha - impossible, but I guess it doesn't hurt to put it out there) but also would enjoy experiencing iconic natural sights. We will rent a car as needed, and are seasoned enough travelers that we can go with the flow if you recommend an island with less tourist support infrastructure. Thank you !
Posted by
France Southwest
2728 posts
The diving / snorkeling club I know that's excellent and located in a location that ticks all the boxes is the one on Amorgos Island in Aegiali.
https://www.amorgos-diving.com/
Amorgos is famous for the movie "The Big Blue," which is precisely about diving. It's also a perfect place for hiking.
I could give some other locations on other, more touristy islands, but it will be difficult to find better than this one based on your criteria.
The island is only accessible by ferry, with a 6-hour crossing from the port of Piraeus. I know a good car rental there, if you're interested.
Amorgos:
Note that to sail in Greek waters, you need a valid sailing license (ICC, IPC, or equivalent). But you can rent canoes if the weather is good.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Excellent JoLui - thank you so much for your speedy reply. I will check that out. I think the answer is yes, but would we need a license just to rent something like a sunfish or sailfish, if such a boat is available. We are proficient at those, but not much else :)
Also, if you have any other Amorgos recommendations (hotel, AirBnB, restaurants, etc.) feel free to share if you have a moment. We are good with anything from budget (if clean and safe) to high end options. I can also search for Amorgos threads in the travel forum as I'm sure some of that is covered already.
Posted by
France Southwest
2728 posts
A license is not required for a boat (not a sailboat) equipped with an engine of less than 30 hp.
Another way to get to Amorgos is to take a flight from Athens to Naxos and then a ferry to Amorgos. At least the first four morning flights to Naxos are compatible with a ferry departure.
Naxos→Amorgos ferries schedule for the week of June 15:
http://www.openseas.gr/JNX/AMO/2025-06-15/2025-06-15/itineraries
Note that Amorgos has two ports. The ferry arrives at the port of Katapola; you will need to rent a car to get to Aegiali (the other port).
There are many accommodation options in Aegiali, from basic to luxurious. Don't look specifically for hotels, also consider Airbnb-type accommodations or family-run studios and apartments.
You can also search in the villages overlooking Aegiali Bay.
An example in Lagada:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33986664
There must be a few, but I'm not sure you'll find many forum members who know Amorgos. Most of them stop in Naxos. LOL
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you JoLui, very helpful. I'm looking into planning our vacation on Amorgos.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2221 posts
We loved Amorgos! We stayed in Katapola but I’m sure Aegiali will be wonderful as well, and better suited for you.
Be sure to visit the amazing Hozoviotissa Monastery, carved into the cliff. And check the strict dress code before you go: no shorts, no bare shoulders — women must wear long skirts (which they can loan you), etc.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
France Southwest
2728 posts
Just to clarify, in case Amorgos becomes a reality:
You can go to Amorgos on the day of your arrival only if you arrive very early at Athens airport and can catch a flight to Naxos before 11:00 a.m. This means landing in Athens before 9:00 a.m.
Otherwise, you'll have to spend a night in Athens (or Piraeus) and take the 9:00 a.m. ferry the next morning.
And if you're kind, the monk at the Panagia Chozoviotissa Monastery will offer you a drink (a little liqueur). :))
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3474 posts
I loved Amorgos, years ago in late May, and from recent photo albums seen, happily it doesn't seem to have changed greatly. Katopola seems to be served by ferry more often, and I visited that village, but stayed in Aegali, and much preferred it. It has aa wonderful beach, and behind the village it slopes up to 2 lovely hillside villages. In Aegali we found ASKAS Pension, and it was ideal. Just back from the beach 100 yards or so, with lovely view - https://www.askaspension.gr -- behind it, in a grove, is a small camping area. ASKAS has a cafe for breakfast, which is a taverna at night... some music (but not disturbing sleep), friendly people. You can't do better!
You can take a bus up the hill and walk between the 2 villages ... wonderful taverna (Nikolas?) has terrace with stunning sunset view. We enjoyed it so much, we had to run for the last bus down at 9 pm. We didn't have car, but managed a bus to CHORA, the bllinding-white topmost village on the island, it was almost empty ... we tried to reach the sea-level monastery, built into the cliff, by going down from Chora, but got lost on a mountainside field amidst a huge flock of goats... so taxi or car is a better deal there.
I had a memorable experience In Aegali early one morning in the only cafe open. Waiting for coffee to go, I saw a blonde guy puzzling over a Greek map & offered help.. He turned out to be on his honeymoon, trying to decide on the next island to visit. He was swedish, and I exclaimed, my grandparents came to the US from Sweden! He asked what town, and I said, oh you wouldn't know it, its a tiny village waaay at the top of the Baltic, just outside Umea, called Vannasby. He exclaimed, but I am from Umea! What was their name? You wouldn't know I said, there's just one family there, with an unusual name. But when i told him he gasped. He said, a boy of that name from Vannasby was in my class at gym,asium, i know the family!. We sat in silence, grinning, amazed at the unlikelihood of we two coming together from a world apart to discover this connection.