iCyclades - Cyclades Discovery Guide

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In 2016-2017, we shot some panoramas in Amorgos with one of the first 360° cameras, with very limited performance (16MP). In 2025, the technology has evolved and a brief visit to Katapola enabled us to shoot much more detailed panoramas (96MP). This stroll along the bay combines old and new panoramas.

These naive frescoes are not ephemeral decorations. We photographed them in 2013 and, twelve years later, they were still there. They are part of Katapola's charm, bringing smiles to visitors' faces. We hope to see them again on our next trip!

Our virtual stroll along the bay was shot on 8 May 2025, which is still a little out of season. Not everything was open yet in Katapola, we can see workers busy preparing for the opening of the season, but there are hotels and restaurants that are already open and we enjoy having the village to ourselves.

This is where the ferries dock... but not all of them! The legendary Express Skopelitis has its own dock a little further away. Cafés, shops, car rental companies and an ATM are conveniently located here, so you won't miss a thing.

At the height of the season, this is Katapola's busiest square, opposite the part of the quay where many sailing boats are moored. This is also where you're likely to see small concerts or entertainment.

Here you can see the short ramp where the legendary Skopelitis Express spends all its nights before setting off again early in the morning, whatever the season, to serve the Small Cyclades and Naxos. This 'express' is probably the slowest ferry in the Cyclades, and every trip takes you back to the past.

Here we pass a veritable institution, the Kapetan Dimos taverna, where you can eat the best moussaka in the Cyclades, cooked in his own special way by the owner, Giannis. Be sure to visit while you can, as Giannis told us in 2025 that he planned to retire in two years' time...

Don't be fooled by appearances, there is no parking in the village, only deliveries and access to the port are authorized. A large public car park is available nearby, opposite the end of the beach.

It's here, at the very start of the beach, that you'll find a public car park. Our virtual stroll will now continue along the beach towards the village of Xilokeratidi, the one you can see across the bay from Katapola.

Our virtual stroll will now follow the beach to Xilokeratidi, the small village on the other side of the bay, opposite Katapola.

This small jetty with its decorative boat marks the spot where we will pass by the village of Rachidi, hidden away from the road.

At the far end of the bay, the village of Rachidi is set back a little from the seafront. It is less picturesque than Katapola and Xilokeratidi and we only shot a few rare panoramas here in 2017, without really exploring the village.

A superb view of the bay, with the village of Katapola on the left and Xilokeratidi on the right. Behind us is the start of the road that climbs to Chora, the capital of Amorgos, and gives access to the rest of the island.

A narrow strip of sand wedged between the sea and the road, Katapola beach is certainly not the most beautiful in the Cyclades. It's the proximity to hotels and restaurants that makes it so attractive. The walk from Katapola to Xilokeratidi is a must, especially at sunset as the bay faces west.

We are approaching the village of Xilokeratidi, which from a distance looks like Katapola's twin brother. In fact, the two villages are very different: on one side, there is the hustle and bustle of a port where ferries dock; on the other, the calm of a small fishing port.

All along the beach, you'll find small car parks where you can leave your vehicle. Very useful if your hotel is in the immediate vicinity, but the walk is so pleasant that you'll have the most fun on foot...

To give you an idea of the distances involved, we are here about 600 metres from Katapola. There is exactly 1 kilometre from the ferry terminal to the fishing port of Xilokeratidi. And here and there, there are public benches where you can relax and contemplate the sea. You won't regret the walk!

Following the south shore of Katapola Bay, you will arrive at this picturesque little chapel, partially built with fragments of ancient ruins.

One of the three villages around Katapola Bay, slightly set back from the shore. A long sloping street, a beautiful church, a few streets lined with pretty houses tastefully decorated. Nothing really extraordinary but the place is full of charm.

The small supermarket of Xilokeratidi can be seen to the right of the panorama. There's everything you need to stay in the village: hotels, restaurants, bars, a beach and a holiday atmosphere. Not to mention the fresh fish brought in by the fishermen!

The water in Katapola Bay is so crystal-clear that the boats seem to float above their shadows cast on the seabed. The other two villages in the bay can be seen in the background, Rachidi on the left and Katapola on the right.

As you can see here, there is even a tiny beach in Xilokeratidi, with terraces by the water. We didn't have the opportunity to try the restaurants, so unfortunately we can't recommend any. Just go with your gut feeling!

During our brief visit in early May 2025, the season was just beginning and Xilokeratidi was still very quiet. In the height of summer, the village is undoubtedly much livelier, especially as Amorgos is becoming increasingly popular.

Xilokeratidi is not a village closed to traffic, but we advise against driving there in the hope of finding a parking space. You will probably not be that lucky, and as the road ends in a cul-de-sac, turning around could be quite an adventure.

The fishing port of Xilokeratidi is still active, and you will have the opportunity to see fishermen preparing their nets or returning with fresh fish, which will undoubtedly be served to you in some of the village taverns.

The village extends a little further west, but for now our stroll along Katapola Bay ends here, with a view of Xilokeratidi from the pier of its small fishing port. Perhaps we will continue this virtual stroll on a future trip!