Folegandros is an island of the Cyclades. The island is located between Sikinos and Milos. Ιn mythology the island functioned as a refuge for those persecuted from Crete and it got its name from the son of the Cretan king Minos, Folegandros. The island is a protected Natura 2000 habitat and hosts Mediterranean seals monachous monachous. The capital of Folegarvdro, Chora, is a romantic Greek place that retains its medieval character, the Venetian castle, the old churches, the small squares, the taverns, the traditional houses and the beautiful alleys fascinate the visitors, at the church of Panagia you can enjoy the sunset. Karavostatis is the port of the island with white houses spread around a picturesque bay with a beautiful beach, from there small boats leave and take you for a walk around the beaches of the island, buy honey and cheeses and pretzels baked in a wood oven.

There are three main villages on the island: Karavostasi, Hora (Folegandros town) and Ano Meria.

Hora is one of the oldest traditional medieval towns in the Cyclades; the buildings stand close to one another creating the external wall of the castle (kastro). The Hora, closed to car and motorcycle traffic, has a unique centre of three squares in a row, with trees under which to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in a quiet, romantic atmosphere. It is no exaggeration to describe Hora as one of the most aesthetically picturesque, traditional villages of its kind. The view is said to be second only to that of Santorini, (though fans of Plaka on the island of Milos might argue). The Kastro is a medieval fortress at the top of the town which dates from the 13th Century. Despite being a ‘quiet island’ there actually are some music bars so if you need that thumping beat to make conversation you are in luck.

Karavostassis is a small seaside settlement 3 km southeast of Hora with whitewashed houses in the Cycladic style of architecture and a pebbled beach. Karavostassis is the island’s port, where you will find fishing boats intermingled with and yachts and the visit of the ferry from Athens which comes only two or three times a week in the off-season but many times a day in the summer from Athens, Rafina and other islands. From Karavostassis, you can go on foot to Petoussis and Livadi to see the cave of Georgitsis. If you find yourself in Karavostasis waiting for a boat, three’s always “To Zirma” run by friendly Manolis, who despite the size of his establishment can serve up all kinds of delicacies. A view of the sea and a wide selection of Greek beers also helps! This year’s favourite was a microbrew Katsika Porter which is marketed as Folegandros beer but the connection with the island escapes me.

There are a variety of mostly quiet beaches around the island many of which require some hiking to get to. You can find some small beaches around the port area of Karavostasi. About 400 meters from Karavostasi, just over the small hill is the beach of Vardia and Livadi with its beach and camping area. From Ano Meria you can walk from 40 to 90 minutes to reach many beaches, the finest being Agios Georgios, towards the northeast. Agios Giorgios is one of the best beaches in summer, when there’s enough of a breeze to keep it cool under the trees, and the walk there from Ano Meria is very nice. From Hora a road heads north, hugging the cliff top and offering breathtaking views before descending sharply to the lovely sandy beach of Vathi Bay and the beaches of Angali and Agios Nikolaos the latter of which there are two places to eat and take drinks, the “Papalagi” on top which keep extending their terrace and where you can reserve table, and then there is the Agios Nikolaos taverna right on the beach, serving excellent fish (oh, the swordfish fillets!) and cold Mythos on tap!

Where to head next?

Keep exploring the best of Greece! After Folegandros, the top destinations to visit are Milos, Sikinos, and Amorgos.