This tiny speck of an island has long been a secret cherished by Greeks trying to get away from the blights that tourism can bring to their country. “It’s like Santorini used to be” they used to claim. The small whitewashed village that crowns the cliffs and overlooks the deep waters, the sunny dazzle and isolation explain why they thought this.
Folegandros shares its history with much of the Cycladic island group- Archaic remains from its Dorian settlers around 500 BC, a member of the Delian League in Classical times, part of Alexander the Great’s empire, of the Roman empire, then Byzantine, a part of the Duchy of Naxos under the Venetians, followed by the Ottomans, and finally joining Greece after the war of Independence.
Today it is known for its pristine waters and unspoiled beaches, (the local council does not allow commercialisation of beaches,) its pretty villages and dramatic landscapes which can all be enjoyed from the network of hiking trails.
Unspoiled and hard to reach beaches
Wonderful hiking trails
Warm local hospitality and traditional culture
Authentic food and some local handicrafts
Safe and colourful nightlife for younger – and older guests
High winds in summer making boating and ferry access tricky at times
Lack of tourist infrastructure
Dodgy telecommuncations
No watersports from organised beaches, and difficult private boat hire.
Few beaches accessible by car.
Travellers trying to find an authentic Cycladic island with minimal infrastructure and difficult access. Dreamers, chillers, hikers and solitary swimmers.
Instagrammers and photographers.
People wanting to fill their days with lots of sporting and cultural activities
Visitors wanting sophistication, pedicures, vibrant evening clubs, international shoppoing and cuisine, and luxurious resorts with day spas.
People wanting to be handed chilled drinks on a deck chair
• The picturesque hilltop Chora (village) of whitewashed houses and purple bougainvillea
• The Ecological and Folklore Museum of Ano Meria- a picturesque village with a small gem of a local museum
• Trekking to Katergo - one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean with emerald waters. Access it either by boat from Karavostasi (main port) or by walking around 40 minutes from Livadi taking in the view of the glistening sea.
• The 30 minute hike up the dazzling white zig-zag steps to the iconic church of Panagia located on a rocky hillside with ancient inscriptions and statues. It offers incredible views all over the island and the Aegean sea and is ideal for enjoying the sun set.
• Boat trips – a day trip to Sikinos island which offers amazing architecture in Hora and many picturesque Cafenia.
• Trekking the hiking trail network- stunning landscape.
• The beaches accessible only by boat or trekking!
Aghios Nicolaos, Livadaki and Galifos
• Local dining highlights!
Matsata is the most prominent local recipe; hand-made pasta accompanied with rabbit, rooster or pork in tomato sauce. Try the local sweet karpouzenia which is made from watermelon and honey, or Melitinia, made from honey, local cheese and cinnamon.. If you want to get an authentic experience off the beaten track, then try Eirini's tavern located in Ano Meria. Eirini's shop operates both as a grocery store and as a tavern. During winter months, it is one of the very few stores that remains open supplying locals with groceries. Eva's Garden in Hora is a restaurant in the island with modern Greek cuisine and a wide range of wines from all over Greece; Akis, Anthi and their team will make their best to enjoy your dinner. If you are in mood for cocktails, Beez Bar is your place. Manos will create cocktails using local ingredients such as sage which he hand-picks from the island's mountains and Dionysia will serve you in the best way and answer every question that you might have about Folegandros.
the island enjoys its sun filled lively days. The Meltemi wind can create challenges but it is a great way to get off the main tourist track.
At Easter, locals open their homes to guests and offer wine and sweets. Fire-works represent the beginning of the Easter on Saturday night, with church and Magiritsa soup. The day after, locals roast lamb outdoors, drink raki and local wine.
Late summer, the island closes down dramatically and travel becomes logistically difficult.