There are places that are so deeply identified with a cinematic moment that reality and art become one. For Amorgos, that moment was in 1988, when Luc Besson presented his masterpiece, “The Big Blue.” The film not only highlighted the beauty of the island, but also managed to capture its soul. The director was looking for a pure, unpretentious landscape with a sea that seemed endless and almost metaphysical.
Even today, decades later, thousands of travelers visit Amorgos with a specific purpose: to stand on the same rocks where Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca stood, and feel the energy of this place.
Why did Besson choose Amorgos?
The answer lies in the light and geography of the island. Amorgos does not have the “sweet” beauty of the other Cyclades islands. It is an island with vertical cliffs that plunge steeply into the sea, creating shades of blue that are rarely found elsewhere. This contrast between the white of the settlements and the deep dark blue was the ideal backdrop for a story that speaks of the limits of human endurance and love for the ocean.
The key locations of the filming
If you want to experience your own cinematic adventure, here is a guide to the most iconic locations featured in the film:
1. Agia Anna Beach: The most recognizable spot
Agia Anna beach is perhaps the most famous filming location. Scenes that have been etched in viewers’ memories were filmed there, with the rocks and the characteristic blue of the sea as a backdrop. Today, the beach remains almost unchanged. It is easily accessible, and visitors can stand in the exact spot where the camera captured the perfect Aegean shot.
How to get there: It is located very close to Katapola. You can get there by car or bus and then walk down the steps. It is the ideal spot to feel the “Big Blue” on your skin, literally.
2. The monastery of Hozoviotissa
Although not a central setting in the film, the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa appears as part of the landscape. Built literally on the rock, it adds a dimension of spirituality and awe.
How to get there: It is located right next to Agia Anna beach. The climb up requires about 300 steps, but the view of the sea will make you understand why the title of the film is no exaggeration.
Diving in Agia Anna: At the heart of the “Big Blue”
Η παραλία της Αγίας Άννας αποτελεί το σημείο μηδέν για όσους θέλουν να νιώσουν τη σύνδεση με τον βυθό της Αμοργού. Τα νερά εδώ είναι τόσο διαυγή, που η ορατότητα αγγίζει τα 30-40 μέτρα, κάνοντάς σας να νιώθετε ότι αιωρείστε στο κενό.
For free diving enthusiasts, Agia Anna is a sacred place. The depth increases sharply just a few meters from the coast, offering the ideal field to test one’s endurance, just like Jacques Mayol in the movie. But even with just a mask and snorkel, the seabed reveals its magic. The rock formations, the hidden caves beneath the chapel, and the play of light filtering through the water create a breathtaking scene.
If you prefer a more organized experience, there are diving schools in Katapola that organize excursions in the area, providing the necessary equipment and guidance to explore the underwater trails safely. After such an intense encounter with the water, returning to the tranquility of Amorgos Villas is the ultimate ritual. There, you can relax on your terrace and reflect on the vastness you have just witnessed, planning your next dip in the bay of Katapola.
3. The “Olympia” shipwreck in Kato Meria
On the southwestern side of the island, in Kalotaritissa Bay, lies the half-sunken ship “Olympia”. In the film, this is where Enzo rescues a trapped diver. The rusty hull in the crystal-clear waters creates an otherworldly, melancholic beauty that is still striking today.
How to get there: You will need a car to drive to Kato Meria. There is a path leading to the shipwreck bay. The atmosphere there is unique, especially when it is not crowded.
Seascapes and the open sea
Many scenes in the film are not limited to a specific beach, but were shot in open waters around Amorgos. This choice reinforced the sense of vastness and absolute freedom. Today, visitors can reach these locations through organized boat tours or private boat rentals.
How to visit the filming locations today
Access to the main filming locations is easy, provided you plan ahead. The beaches are accessible by car or a short walk, while the sea locations require a boat. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is most reminiscent of cinematic scenes.
The best choice as a base for your excursions is Katapola and Amorgos Villas. You will find the reasons in our article “Katapola: The ideal starting point to get to know Amorgos”.
Amorgos and “The Big Blue” will always be inextricably linked. Visiting the filming locations is not just for cinephiles, but for anyone who wants to get to know the true side of the Aegean. By booking your stay at Amorgos Villas, you can be sure that your own “movie” on Amorgos will have the most beautiful backdrop, with all the comfort and tranquility you need to explore such a special island. Surrender to the charm of the sea and let the blue of Amorgos sweep you away.
