Agia Anna beach
Agia Anna stands as the most exquisite and renowned shoreline among the beaches of Amorgos. Nestled near the island's capital and embraced by towering cliffs, this enchanting locale promises an unforgettable experience. The crystalline waters of Agia Anna gained international fame over 20 years ago, featuring in Luc Besson's cinematic masterpiece "The Big Blue," with Jean Reno in a leading role.
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Beach description
The beach is situated 3 km from Hora and only a few meters away from the Panagia Khozoviotissa Monastery, the main attraction of Amorgos Island. By the way, "Agia" means "Saint" in Greek, so many tourists refer to this beach as "St. Anna Beach".
At first sight, everyone falls in love with Agia Anna Beach. As you descend to the beach, a magnificent view of the tranquil bay unfolds: the endless sea and stones, seemingly scattered along the beach, create a perfect backdrop for a painting.
Agia Anna is a small, rocky beach renowned for its stunning beauty. The beach is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters with an incredibly bright blue hue, which, in combination with the light gray rocks - partially covered with vegetation - crafts a majestic scene.
The beach territory is compact, so it can feel crowded even with just a few dozen visitors. However, privacy can be found in secluded nooks among the rocks. The beach is strewn with large and fine white pebbles. Despite the typically calm sea at Agia Anna and the rarity of waves, it has deep waters. Moreover, large stones may lie on the seabed.
This beach is particularly favored by the youth who prefer an active lifestyle and cherish wild nature over developed resorts.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Amorgos for a beach vacation is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. During this period, the weather is most favorable for beach activities, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
- June: The beginning of summer offers pleasant weather without the peak season crowds. The sea temperature starts to warm up, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- July & August: These are the hottest months, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the vibrant island life. However, these are also the busiest months, so expect more tourists and higher prices.
- September: As the summer winds down, the water remains warm, but the crowds dissipate. This is a great time for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience.
Regardless of the month you choose, Amorgos's stunning beaches, such as Agia Anna, Katapola, and Aegiali, offer breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for an unforgettable beach vacation.
Video: Beach Agia Anna
Infrastructure
Discover the charm of Iria Beach Art Hotel, a stunning hotel nestled near the beach. Its snow-white façade, a hallmark of the traditional Cycladic style found throughout Greece, complements the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from the balconies, enticing tourists to book their stay well in advance. The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant and spa, enhancing the luxury of your beach vacation.
Agia Anna, despite its popularity, maintains a rustic charm with its modest beach infrastructure. This very simplicity helps preserve the natural beauty of the coastline. Conveniently, a parking lot is situated atop the cliff, and a quaint tavern nearby offers refreshments and snacks. From Agia Anna, you can embark on a short walk to secluded beaches:
- Kambi – A serene nudist beach nestled at the base of the cliffs, located to the left of the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery.
- Sirma – A peaceful, seldom-visited beach situated to the right of Agia Anna.
Agia Anna may not be the most child-friendly due to its rocky landscape and the deep waters off its coast. However, it is a haven for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The crystal-clear, warm waters of this part of the island promise an unparalleled swimming experience.
Be aware that Agia Anna does not offer equipment rentals for water sports, nor sun loungers and umbrellas, so it's advisable to bring your own. To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere, plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.
Weather in Agia Anna
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The way to the beach is quite difficult, so it is better to use sports shoes for this walk, which will protect your feet from sharp stones and slippery sand mounds. Since there are no tall trees and shady transitions on the rocks, the use of sunscreen is a must. It is also important that for children and novice swimmers visiting this beach is not recommended.
But not only the beach attracts tourists to this part of Amorgos. The main attraction of the island is located directly above the beach: Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa (Monastery of Amorgos Chozoviotissa). The temple has 8 floors, located in the rocks. There is a memorial from the ninth century, and wedding ceremonies within the walls of the church are held to this day. The monastery is called "the pearl of the Aegean Sea" and "the patron of the island of Amorgos".