The 7 things to do in Folégandros

A boat trip in the Cyclades, jewel of the Greek islands? Discover 7 things to do by visiting Folégandros!

Small Cyclades island of only 676 inhabitants, Folégandros is located between Sikinos and Milos . If you want to visit the Cyclades in all peace, it is in Folégandros that you have to go away from the tourist tumult of Santorini or Naxos. The island was inhabited by the Minoans, the Dorians and the Athenians from Antiquity. In the Middle Ages, the island was influenced by the Venetians, who built the kastro of Chóra, castle of the city. Only three villages are located on the island, in the middle of an arid and mountainous environment: Karavostási (the port), Chóra or Folegandros (the capital), and Áno Meriá.

But while at Folégandros, this island is only 32 km2? One can visit the Chora, a small town erected at the top of a steep cliff, the breathtaking landscapes, but one comes especially to visit Folégandros for the sumptuous beaches. It is sometimes read from Folégandros that it is a barren and steep rock, three desert villages, a single road, unobstructed beaches, a rock carved by winds to decorate the oxen and inhabitants as smiling as a child the old of a school year.

Here is our selection of things to do to break these prejudices and visit Folegandros.

1. Karavostasis

Karavostasis, the capital of the island, is at its dimension: small. We visit her on foot, from the landing – where ships arrive from Milos, Sifnos, Naxos , Sikinos, Santorini – to its two beaches: Vardia and Chochlidia Beach. We arrive on a village with the facades of a bright white illuminated with blue flaps, an image that recalls the colours of Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunisia. In the vicinity, black volcanic rocks veering to brown recall the Canary Islands (Spain) or Sicily (Italy). Many hotels – in proportion for the village – allow you to stay for the night. You are advised to rent a car, a scooter or a motorcycle to explore the island in peace.

2. Chora

Rising in the interior of the land, drive to Chora in the middle of a landscape of no man’s land where small dwellings are rare and composed of dry limestone hills. We arrive on Chora, a small village perched on the heights, at the top of a cliff overlooking the plain: splendid views of the sea guaranteed! Go up to the Panagia Pantanassa church, north of the village, in zigzagant on the climbing path on the peak overlooking the village, if you like religious buildings. Around Hora, trails leave to make beautiful hikes (water preview), leave early in the morning in the summer to avoid the overwhelming heat. In the evening, the alleys are built and the premises come out of their homes: a relaxed atmosphere, where a very simple, peasant life is carried out. Moreover, some peasants are sometimes seen to move back on the “roads”.

3. A boat ride

Visiting Folegandros is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat. It would be a shame not to rent a boat , and thus miss the Mediterranean setting to go there.

But how far do you sail? The island is full of splendid places, as you see it in the rest of the article. But it is also possible to visit the neighbouring islands, as Milos and Sifnos .

4. Katergo Beach

In the southeast of the island, there is a beach that should not be missed: Katergo Beach. Alas, it will take the direction to Karavostasis to continue south because there is only one road to go. After the village of Livadi, turn left and park at the end of the road. Access to the beach is on foot – lovers of walking and quiet you are in the right place – by taking paths through the cliffs: beautiful crystalline waters await the swimmers, but you need good calves.

5. Agkali

Agkali is a small fishing village in the middle of the island on the southern coast of Folégandros. In a scooter, you'll pass from ridge to ridge to the village. On foot, a hiking path winds through the slopes and the fields on the terrace, offering a magnificent view of the coast. Small wild coves lead to Agkali: here, the days of strong wind, the sea can be enlivened. So, for swimming. The village consists of fishermen's buildings built on hillsides. We'll enjoy the village beach, between the peaks. Two restaurants and hotels await guests: you will be advised to book, if possible, in advance.

6. Ágios Nikólaos

The Saint-Nicolas beach, west of Agkali, is home to a church, a bar and a pretty beach lined with tamaris. Hiking trails allow you to access it. Once on site, you can swim in turquoise green waters, calm as in a tropical lagoon. In the evening, a seafood restaurant – the Papalagi – allows to taste the charms of the local Greek cuisine: dolmades (rolls of vine leaves with rice and shrimp), tentacle of caramelized octopus, grilled fish...

7. Ano Meria

The island of Folegandros mixes picturesque, tradition and peasant life as if its shredded relief had preserved it and as if it had managed to save all the assaults of industrialization. Between the typical mills of Greece and the orthodox churches in the midst of a wild landscape, where donkeys and goats are sometimes seen, one is sure to enjoy a stay without mass tourism. At the start of the small village of Ano Meria, you can walk to the end of the island, by small hiking trails that often lead to a beach or a small wild cove. And since there is no hotel, there is no tourism. Here, Folégandros’ social life is not denominated by money and tourism!

How to go to Folégandros?

Like its neighbouring lands, Folégandros is only accessible by boat. At the start of the port of the Piraeus of Athens (4h) or Santorini (40 min), several connections per week are provided. If you are staying in one of these two cities, you will find a cheap flight from France on our partner’s website Ulysses . In particular, the journey is also made from the Cyclades Ios Islands (30min), Mykonos (3h30), Milos (55min), Kimolos (35min), Amorgos (2h10), Kimolos (35min), Koufonissi (2h45), Paros (3h30), Kythnos (4h30), Anafi (5h05), Siros (5h25) and Kea (10h45).

Where to stay in Folégandros?

Capital of the island, Chora and its small neighbouring villages welcome you for a stay in the heart of the Greek jewel. This is the most popular address in high season, which is why it is essential to book your accommodation in advance in order to avoid unpleasant surprises on the spot. You can find a cheap hotel in Chora by doing a search on this Compare hotels . If you enjoy the most picturesque side, opt for Airbnb !

How to move to Folegandros?

On foot, by bike, by scooter, by car and even by donkey... In Folegandros, you have a choice! Like your accommodation, think about booking your locomotion in advance if you opt for a rental. Prices remain reasonable, you can compare car rental prices to Folégandros on the site Rentalcars . Booking is also visiting Folégandros without stress.