Filoxenia

Filoxenia Hotel occupies one of the more enviable positions on Amorgos: a short walk from the arc of Aigiali Bay, the largest and most sheltered beach on the island, in the northern settlement of Ormos Egialis. With a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 56 guests on Google, it draws consistent praise for its welcome and its setting — both things the name itself promises, since filoxenia is the Greek word for hospitality toward guests.

Ormos Egialis is a distinct world from Amorgos Town (Chora) and the famous Monastery of Hozoviotissa on the island's southern flank. The north of Amorgos is greener, its coastline more curved and accessible, and the village of Aigiali — spread between the port, the bay, and the hillside hamlets of Tholaria and Langada above — has a quieter, more local character than the busier Katapola ferry hub to the southwest. Choosing to stay here means you wake up close to the water and the hiking trails that link the northern villages.

The hotel's website is primarily in French alongside Greek, which reflects the longstanding affection French travelers have had for Amorgos since the island was featured in Luc Besson's 1988 film The Big Blue, much of which was shot in these northern waters. If you prefer to book or enquire in English, the email address and phone number below are the most direct routes.

What to Expect

Filoxenia presents itself as a comfortable, welcoming property with rooms oriented toward Aigiali Bay and its surrounds. The website highlights views of the bay from the property and the proximity of the beach — described as just a few steps away — along with a dining or breakfast offer that takes advantage of the setting outdoors under open sky.

Ormos Egialis is a small, walkable port village. The main beach of Aigiali stretches along the bay and is one of the few long sandy beaches on Amorgos, making it popular with families and swimmers. The water here is characteristically clear and calm compared to the more exposed southern coastline. From the hotel's location you can reach the beach on foot quickly, and the village's tavernas, cafes, and small shops are all within easy walking distance.

The property is registered as a hotel and lodging establishment. Beyond the confirmed details — bay proximity, room availability, and the general atmosphere communicated through the website — specific room configurations, pool facilities, or meal plan structures are best confirmed directly with the hotel before booking, as these details are not available in published sources.

How to Get There

Filoxenia is in Ormos Egialis, the northern port of Amorgos, at the address Ormos Egialis 840 08. The coordinates place it at 36.9003°N, 25.9758°E, close to the waterfront of Aigiali Bay.

By ferry: Egialis has its own small ferry port. High-speed and conventional ferries from Piraeus, Naxos, Paros, and Ios call at both Katapola and Egialis; check your ticket carefully, as some services stop at one port only. The crossing from Piraeus takes roughly 7–10 hours on a conventional ferry or around 5–6 hours on a high-speed service.

By car or taxi: From Katapola port, Ormos Egialis is about 14 km northeast via the island's main road — a scenic but winding drive of roughly 25–30 minutes. Taxis are available at Katapola; confirm availability in advance during shoulder season. There is no regular bus service between the two ports timed to ferry arrivals.

On foot: The village of Aigiali and the beach are flat and accessible from the port area. The hillside villages of Tholaria and Langada are reachable on foot via marked trails, though they involve significant elevation gain.

Parking: Ormos Egialis has limited roadside parking near the waterfront. If you are hiring a car or scooter on the island — a practical choice for exploring — ask the hotel about parking options on arrival.

Best Time to Visit

Amorgos has a long tourist season running from late April through October, with the peak concentrated in July and August. During peak weeks, Aigiali Bay becomes noticeably busier, the beach fills by midday, and accommodation across the island books up quickly — reserving Filoxenia well in advance is advisable for any July or August stay.

June and September offer a more relaxed version of the same conditions: warm water, reliable sunshine, and lighter crowds on the beach and hiking trails. The northern part of Amorgos, including Egialis, catches a different wind pattern from the southern Chora area, so the meltemi — the strong northerly wind common in the Aegean in July and August — can affect the area differently depending on the day.

For hikers, May and October are particularly good months: the trails between Aigiali, Tholaria, and Langada are cooler and the landscape is at its most vivid. The ferry schedule to Egialis thins out considerably from November onward, and many local businesses close for winter.

Tips for Visiting

• Book directly with the hotel for the most current room availability and any special requests. The hotel can be reached at +30 2285 073453 or [email protected], and the official website is amorgosfiloxenia.gr.
• Confirm which ferry port to use. Amorgos has two — Katapola in the south and Egialis in the north. If you are staying at Filoxenia, arriving directly into Egialis saves a taxi journey across the island.
• Hire transport for exploring the whole island. A rental car or scooter from one of the agencies in Katapola or Aigiali makes it practical to visit Chora, the Hozoviotissa Monastery, and the southern beaches without depending on the limited bus schedule.
• Ask about breakfast options. The website suggests outdoor dining is part of the offer; confirm whether breakfast is included in your rate or available as an add-on when you book.
• Plan your hiking early in the day. The trails from Aigiali up to Tholaria and Langada are rewarding but steep. Setting off in the morning before temperatures peak makes the walk considerably more comfortable.
• The beach at Aigiali is directly accessible from the hotel. For longer beach days or exploring other coves, small boats and water taxis sometimes operate seasonally from the port — ask locally on arrival.
• Amorgos is a quieter island than Mykonos or Santorini. Nightlife in Egialis is low-key, with a handful of waterfront tavernas and bars. If you are looking for a relaxed stay with walking, swimming, and good food, that is exactly what this part of the island delivers.
• Mobile connectivity is reasonable in the village and along the bay, but can drop on hiking trails and in remote areas. Download offline maps before setting out.

Facilities and Location

Filoxenia sits within the compact settlement of Ormos Egialis, where the main amenities a visitor needs — tavernas, small supermarkets, a pharmacy, and boat hire — are all within a short walk of the waterfront. The hotel's position close to Aigiali Bay means that the beach is the primary outdoor draw, supplemented by the hiking network that connects the bay to the upper villages.

The website indicates rooms with views over the bay and an outdoor eating area where meals or breakfast can be taken with the sea in sight. For any details on air conditioning, Wi-Fi availability, accessibility for guests with mobility requirements, or cot and family room arrangements, contact the hotel directly — these specifics are not confirmed in publicly available information and are worth clarifying before arrival.

The nearest ATMs are in the village of Aigiali itself; it is worth withdrawing cash before arriving on Amorgos, as the island's banking infrastructure is limited compared to larger Cycladic islands. The hotel's email and phone contacts above are the reliable channels for any pre-arrival questions.