Katapola village is located on Amorgos island, almost 9 hour’s ferry journey. It is part of the Cycladic complex very near Naxos island. This village is the main port of the island. It offers lots of accommodation choices, taverns, cafes, and many other facilities. It is worth mentioning that this town is one of the most developed parts of the island as it is around 6 kilometers from the Chora (center) of Amorgos.
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Visiting Katapola in Amorgos
Close to Katapola, there are beautiful beaches, suitable for families too. With pebbles, sand, or rocks, each beach is unique. All maintain their wild beauty and authenticity until today. Most are accessible by boat.
Katapola is full of life, mainly during the high season months. Among the events, you should not miss the feast of Psimeni on the eve of Aghios Panteleimon on the 27th of July. Locals on the 26th celebrate the saint and the church with a big festival.
If you are there, you must join the festivities, which include lots of dancing, food, and many other traditional activities. Psimeni, the conventional alcohol spirit of the island, is based on raki, honey, sugar, and eight different herbs.
How to get to Amorgos
Few flights can get you to nearby islands. Amorgos doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is Naxos, and you can get a flight from Athens, Thessaloniki, and during the summer season from other European countries. Other options are Santorini and Paros. Between these islands, some ferries connect them; journey distance depends. For example, Santorini to Katapola takes around 4 hours. Of course, all the availability depends on the season.
Another option is to get a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina ports in Athens. Ferries get you to Katapola in around 9 hours, depending on the season and weather conditions.
History of Katapola
Katapola was the headquarters of the American captains. They significantly developed shipping from the late 18th century to roughly 1950, considerably expanding shipping. During Ottoman rule, the port of Katapola was the base of pirates, and therefore there were no permanent residents.
The Greek State was established in 1830, the pirates were expelled from the Aegean Sea, and residents started to reside in Katapola. Later, several companies were engaged in business by opening shops and building hotels, thus contributing to the tourist development of the island.
Where to stay in Katapola, Amorgos
Porto Katapola Pension is very near the port and accessible from all the parts of this town. It offers stunning sea views from the private garden. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Aegean of Amorgos is 5 minute’s walk from the nearest beach. Each room has a private balcony where guests can enjoy fantastic sea views. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Beaches near Katapola:
Maltezi beach Katapola is a sandy beach with turquoise waters opposite the port of Katapola. It is easily accessed by boat, or if you prefer to walk, the footpath starts in Xylokeratidi. Facilities are available, and there is a local beach bar. The rest of the beach is free and non-organized to enjoy your swim.
Agios Panteleimonas beach: A very rocky beach marked by the eponymous chapel. Agios Panteleimonas is located just before Maltezi beach and is served by the same footpath. The area has a beautiful view of the port across the bay.
Kato Akrotiri beach: To the left after the port of Katapola, you will come across the sandy beach of “Kato Akrotiri.” It is a short walk from the last houses of the port settlement.
Tris Ierarches beach: It is a small, pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters in the Katapola area, just below the eponymous Tris Ierarches church in the Xylokeratidi neighborhood. Walk through the village to get there.
You might also like the following:
Things to do on Amorgos Island
Best Amorgos Beaches
A Guide to Hozoviotissa Monastery
A Guide to Chora Amorgos
What to do near Katapola
Amorgos Botanical Park is a park where you can find different plants and herbs and enjoy a drink.
Amorgion Winery, where you can try local wine and learn its history.
Ancient Minoa: In the past, there were three main cities in Amorgos, Aigiali in the north, now by the village of Tholaria with almost no remains, then Arkesini in the south with not much to be seen either, and then Minoa in the middle, high above Katapola.
This place offers the most to the visitor interested in antiquity, except for the Hellenistic tower of Agia Triada near Arkesini, the best-preserved monument of the island’s early years.