Botilia Cocktail Bar

Botilia Cocktail Bar is one of the most consistently well-reviewed drinking spots in Amorgos, holding a 4.7 rating from close to 600 Google reviews — an unusually high count for a bar on an island this size. It sits in Chora, the island's whitewashed hilltop capital, and stays open from 9 in the morning until 3 at night every day of the week, which makes it a workable option whether you want a mid-morning coffee-style drink or a late-night cocktail after exploring the village.

Chora itself is the kind of place where bar-hopping means walking a few hundred metres along narrow flagstone lanes past Cycladic cube houses, windmills, and the medieval kastro. Botilia fits that setting: reviewers consistently note a relaxing atmosphere, a view worth sitting with, and staff who are genuinely attentive without being intrusive.

The bar's name — botilia means bottle in Greek — signals its orientation clearly. This is a cocktail-focused venue, not a ouzo-and-meze taverna. If you want something more than a drink, Chora has plenty of restaurants within a short walk.

What to Expect

Botilia occupies a spot in Chora that gives you a view while you drink — reviewers mention the outlook as one of the draws, though the exact sightline depends on where you're seated. The feel is relaxed rather than loud: conversation-friendly, good for groups who want to linger, and not the kind of venue where you need to shout over a DJ.

The cocktail list is the main event. Without a menu published online, it's difficult to map every offering, but the bar's positioning as a dedicated cocktail venue suggests a range of house creations alongside classics. The friendly service noted across reviews points to staff who can guide you through the options or suggest something based on your preference.

The venue runs a long day — opening at 9 AM means it catches the tail end of a late Cycladic breakfast hour and stays relevant through aperitivo time, dinner drinks, and well into the night. That 9 AM to 3 AM window is the same every day, so you don't need to check whether it's closed on a Tuesday or a Sunday morning.

Capacity appears suited to the scale of Chora: comfortable enough for groups, but not a barn-sized venue. On busy summer evenings in July and August, arriving before 10 PM gives you a better chance of settling in at a good table.

How to Get There

Botilia is in Chora, Amorgos, with the address listed as Chora 840 08. Chora sits on a ridge in the centre of the island, roughly 4 km from Katapola port and about 14 km from Aegiali port in the north.

From Katapola, taxis and buses run up to Chora regularly during summer. The bus journey takes around 10 minutes; the road is winding but short. From Aegiali, the ride is longer — around 30 to 40 minutes by car or taxi depending on stops.

Once in Chora, the village is pedestrian-only in its core. Parking is available on the outskirts of the village, near the main road that runs below the kastro. From there, you walk into the lanes — Botilia is reachable on foot within a few minutes of the main village entrance. Google Maps coordinates (36.8316, 25.8986) will get you close, but the final approach is on foot regardless.

There is no ferry directly to Chora; all boats dock at Katapola or Aegiali. If you're arriving late by ferry and want to head straight to Botilia, confirm taxi availability at the port in advance, particularly for evening sailings.

Best Time to Visit

Amorgos has a long season running from late April through October, with the peak in July and August. Botilia draws the most traffic in midsummer when Chora fills with visitors in the evenings. If you prefer a quieter drink, shoulder season — late May, June, or September — gives you the same atmosphere with fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.

For the view, the early evening window before full dark is worth timing for. Chora faces west and catches good light in the hour or two before sunset. Arriving for a drink around 7 or 8 PM lets you enjoy that light, then settle in for the night if you choose.

Midnight onwards is when the bar moves into its later, livelier phase — still not a club, but busier and louder than earlier in the evening. If you're after a quiet cocktail and easy conversation, the 6 PM to 10 PM window is more reliable.

In winter, Amorgos is very quiet and many venues close or reduce hours significantly. Verify current operations if you're visiting outside the May–October window.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead for groups. The phone number is +30 2285 071115. If you're arriving with a larger party in high season, a quick call to check capacity and table availability saves time.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Chora's lanes are uneven stone and occasionally steep. You'll be walking to and from the bar regardless of where you park or get dropped off.
• Ask the staff for a recommendation. Multiple reviewers highlight friendly, knowledgeable service. If the cocktail list looks unfamiliar, let them suggest something based on what you usually drink.
• The bar opens early but Chora gets moving later. If you arrive at 9 AM expecting a buzzing scene, you won't find one. The venue is well-suited to a quiet morning or afternoon drink when the village is calm.
• Follow on Instagram for current updates. The bar's Instagram account (@botilia_cocktail_bar_amorgos) is likely to post seasonal hours, closures, and specials. Check it before visiting in May or October when some venues adjust their schedules.
• Combine with a Chora evening walk. The kastro, windmills, and main lane of Chora are all within a short walk of the bar. Build in 20–30 minutes to explore the village before settling in for drinks.
• Don't arrive expecting food. Botilia is a cocktail bar. For dinner, head to one of the tavernas in Chora before or after your drinks.
• Nights in August fill fast. The island sees its highest visitor numbers in the first two weeks of August, coinciding with the Assumption holiday. Chora's bars and restaurants are at their busiest during this period — plan around it or embrace the energy.

What to Order

Botilia is a dedicated cocktail venue, so the drinks list is the focus. Without a published menu available, specific cocktails can't be listed here, but the bar's reputation is built on creative cocktails and consistent quality rather than just standard pours.

If you're unsure where to start, asking for a house recommendation or a signature cocktail is a reasonable approach at any bar of this type. The staff's reputation for helpfulness means you're unlikely to get a shrug in response.

For non-drinkers or those who want something lighter, a bar open from 9 AM almost certainly carries coffee drinks, soft options, and possibly fresh juices, though these specifics aren't confirmed in available information.

Whatever you order, the combination of the Chora setting, the view, and a well-made drink is what most reviewers are actually describing when they call the experience worthwhile.