Kalotaritissa Beach, Amorgos: A Relaxing Bay for Swimming and Sunbathing

If Mouros is the island's wild, vertical masterpiece, Kalotaritissa Beach is its gentle, horizontal sanctuary. Located at the southernmost tip of Amorgos, this beach is a favorite for families, local fishermen, and travelers seeking a calmer, sandier experience. 

Sheltered from the wind and framed by low hills and tranquil waters, it offers a natural bay where boats sway quietly and the sea shifts from deep blue to shimmering turquoise. Soft sand and shallow entry make it ideal for children, while the relaxed atmosphere, simple seaside tavernas, and traditional fishing boats create an authentic Cycladic setting that invites long, unhurried days by the water.

The Gateway to Gramvousa Island

From the small pier at Kalotaritissa, you can hop on a water taxi (running every 30–60 minutes in summer) to the nearby islet of Gramvousa. The short ride glides over crystal-clear waters, offering sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the open Aegean. As the boat approaches the islet, the dramatic outline of the bay and the famous shipwreck slowly comes into view, setting the tone for an atmospheric and memorable visit.

Driven ashore in 1980 during a fierce storm, the rusting hull of the Olympia became an iconic filming location for Luc Besson's cult classic film, capturing the imagination of divers, photographers, and film lovers from around the world. Over the years, the wreck has slowly merged with its surroundings, becoming part of the island’s mythology and a symbol of the wild, untamed character of this remote corner of the Aegean.

. It is a surreal, hauntingly beautiful sight against the turquoise water. The corroded metal, tilted hull, and jagged edges contrast sharply with the soft sand and shimmering sea, creating a natural open-air set that feels frozen in time. Visitors often linger on the shore or swim in the calm bay, taking in the eerie silence, the play of light on the wreck, and the sense of stepping into a scene from the movie itself.

Essential Travel Logistics

How to Get There

• Distance: Approximately 22 km (40-minute drive) from Chora. Public buses (KTEL) run to Kalotaritissa during the high season, but a rental car is recommended for flexibility, especially for combining a visit with other beaches or viewpoints along the way. The road is mostly paved and easy to follow, with clear signage, but it can be narrow in some sections, so extra care is advised when driving. Taxis can also be arranged from Chora for those who prefer not to drive, and many visitors choose to stop at small villages en route to enjoy local tavernas and scenic photo spots.

Facilities & Amenities

• Beach Bar/Canteen: There is a well-run canteen on the beach serving cold drinks, coffee, and snacks (like dakia or sandwiches). It is a casual, laid-back spot where visitors can take a break from the sun, enjoy simple but tasty food, and pick up basic refreshments throughout the day. The menu usually includes soft drinks, beer, and light meals, making it convenient for those who prefer not to bring their own supplies. During peak months, the canteen can get busy around midday, so arriving a bit earlier helps avoid queues.

• Parking: Ample free parking is available right at the edge of the sand, allowing for easy access even with beach gear or families with children. The parking area is unpaved but generally well-organized, and it is only a short walk from the car to the shoreline. Visitors often find space even in high season, though arriving earlier in the day offers more choice and makes it easier to park in the shade where possible.

The Brutal Honest Verdict

Visit Kalotaritissa if:

• You want a relaxing, low-effort day without hiking, with easy access from the parking area straight onto the sand, and the option to simply drop a towel, rent a sunbed, and spend hours doing nothing more demanding than swimming in calm, shallow water.

• The wind is too strong everywhere else on the island, and a sheltered bay with relatively predictable conditions sounds more appealing than battling waves and flying sand on the northern beaches.

• You want to visit the shipwreck and Gramvousa in one trip, turning the day into a simple mini-adventure: beach time in the morning, a short boat ride, a quick exploration of the rusting wreck, and a lazy cruise back to Kalotaritissa without needing to plan a complicated itinerary.

Skip Kalotaritissa if:

• You are looking for a "hip" beach club vibe with loud music, signature cocktails, and a crowd that treats the beach like a runway; Kalotaritissa is quiet, simple, and a bit old-school, with more families and laid-back travelers than party seekers.

• You prefer the dramatic, deep-water swimming of the northern coast, with cliffs, waves, and that wild Aegean feeling, and are likely to find a sheltered, shallow bay less exciting compared to spots like the more exposed beaches described in the northern coast guide.

Pro-Tip: Because it is the southernmost point, the drive back to Chora at sunset is spectacular. The light hits the "Kato Meria" hills in a way that makes the entire landscape look like hammered gold, with long shadows stretching across the road and the sea slowly turning from deep blue to soft purple. It is worth timing the return so that the last part of the journey coincides with golden hour, turning an otherwise simple drive into one of the most memorable moments of the day.