Katapola Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Katapola! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Katapola boasts an impressive 53 ferry routes operated by 14 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Katapola, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Katapola offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Piraeus - Katapola, Naxos - Katapola, Santorini (Thira) - Katapola. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Katapola. You'll find companies like Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Katapola.

Katapola is accessible primarily by ferry services connecting it to Athens' port of Piraeus, with journeys typically taking 7-9 hours depending on the type of vessel and route. Regular ferry connections also operate from nearby Cycladic islands including Naxos (2 hours), Paros (3 hours), and Santorini (3-4 hours). Once in Katapola, the port area is easily navigable on foot, with most accommodations within walking distance of the ferry landing. For those arriving by car, limited parking is available near the port, though it's advisable to arrange parking with your accommodation in advance during peak summer months. Local buses connect the port to other parts of Amorgos, including the main town of Chora.

Nestled in a natural bay on the island of Amorgos, Katapola welcomes visitors with its quintessential Cycladic charm and relaxed atmosphere. This picturesque port village, with its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, serves as the main ferry gateway to one of the Aegean's most authentic islands. From the moment you step off the ferry, Katapola offers a perfect blend of traditional Greek island life, stunning views, and easy access to Amorgos' natural wonders.

Katapola enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The most pleasant time to visit is from May to June and September to early October when temperatures hover comfortably between 22-28°C, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the island is less crowded. July and August bring the hottest weather and peak visitor numbers, though the meltemi winds provide natural cooling. Ferry services to Katapola are most frequent during summer months, with reduced schedules in winter. Spring visitors might catch the island's wildflower bloom, while September offers perfect conditions for hiking Amorgos' renowned trails with views overlooking Katapola bay.

Katapola serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring other Cycladic treasures. Regular ferry services connect to Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, known for its fertile landscape and ancient ruins just 2 hours away. Ios, with its renowned beaches and vibrant summer atmosphere, can be reached in approximately 1-1.5 hours. The Small Cyclades, including tranquil Koufonisia and Donoussa, are accessible in 1-3 hours depending on schedules and offer an even more laid-back island experience. The journey between Katapola and Santorini, with its iconic caldera views, takes 3-4 hours and rewards travelers with one of the most spectacular approaches in the Aegean as the ferry enters Santorini's volcanic bay.

Katapola itself offers simple pleasures, from relaxing at waterfront tavernas serving fresh-caught fish and local specialties like patatato (goat with potatoes) and xerotigana (honey pastries), to swimming at the three distinct beaches within the bay. Just 15 minutes uphill lies ancient Minoa, an archaeological site with panoramic views over the harbor. Don't miss exploring the three distinct settlements that make up Katapola: Rachidi, Xylokeratidi, and Katapola proper, each with its own character. The picturesque hillside Chora is accessible by a short bus ride, where the dazzling white labyrinth of alleys leads to traditional tavernas and craft shops. Hikers should take the ancient stone-paved path to the breathtaking Monastery of Hozoviotissa, dramatically built into a cliff face 300 meters above the sea.

Katapola's name derives from the Greek 'kata' and 'polis,' meaning 'near the city,' referring to its proximity to ancient Minoa whose ruins still overlook the harbor. The bay is actually formed by three distinct villages that together create one of the safest natural harbors in the Cyclades, which has sheltered ships since ancient times. In 1979, the famous shipwreck of the Olympia occurred near Amorgos, leading to the filming of Luc Besson's cult movie 'The Big Blue' which showcased the island's incredible waters. Local fishermen in Katapola still practice traditional fishing methods, and if you're early enough, you can watch them return with their catch that will appear on taverna menus that same evening.