Folegandros is a small and charming island with the wild beauty of the South Aegean . It belongs to the Cyclades and is located between the islands of Sikinos and Milos . You will love its landscapes and beaches, while in it you will find excellent food! Many choose it every summer for their holidays, as it is a top destination for rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, whether you want an alternative vacation with your friends, or you are arranging a romantic vacation for you and your partner, Folegandros does it for you! You will enjoy rakomela and cocktails in beautiful shops in Chora with your close friends, while if you are a type of camping you will stay in a fully organized island. If, again, you are looking for romantic moments, you will enjoy walks, you will enjoy the sunset and you will drink drinks in “bars for two”! Also, Folegandros has several rooms and hotels with a view to choose from.
The Land of Folegandros
The traditional settlement of Chora is located at an altitude of about 200 meters from the sea and is 3.5 km from the port of Karavostasi . It is full of cobbled streets and alleys, many and continuous squares, which is a unique feature of all the Cycladic islands, and well-kept houses with small whitewashed courtyards. Also, in Chora is placed the impressive Castle of Folegandros .
In the straits of Chora you will walk comfortably, since the passage of vehicles is not allowed. These are parked in spacious parking lots, outside the settlement.
The Castle in Folegandros Town
Kastro , the oldest part of Chora , is a medieval settlement. It was built by the inhabitants of the island, in order to protect them from pirate raids. It is impressive that since then until now he lives without any interruption!
Its north side is built on the edge of the cliff. The houses, several of which are more than ten centuries old, are inhabited and in good condition.
On the side of the Castle that faces Chora are its two entrances, the Loggia and the Paraporti >. Although, when the danger was eliminated by the invaders, alterations were made to the houses, the architectural physiognomy of the Castle remains unchanged to this day!
There are two main parallel streets, Kato Roua and Mesa Roua , which end in the only square of Kastro . Undoubtedly Kato Roua is one of the most special and most photographed places on the island.
The Virgin of Folegandros
H Panagia is the largest church on the island and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. It is located on the rock above Chora and is probably built on the site of an ancient temple.
In the courtyard and the interior of the temple you will see ancient inscriptions, sculptures and bases of statues. The church took its current form during its reconstruction, which began in 1816 and was completed in 1821.
The icon of the Virgin Mary, kept in the church, is associated with pirate stories and legends of the island. According to the old Folegandric custom, Easter becomes a procession of the image in all the houses of the island.
Karavostasis – The Port of Folegandros
Karavostasis is the port of the island. It is a quiet place and therefore suitable for swimming and rest.
The family beach Hochlidia is the main beach of Karavostasi . However, around it you will find several small secluded beaches.
At the port pier is the starting point of the bus to Chora, whose services are frequent. During the summer months, tourist boats start daily from Karavostasi to transport visitors to the various beautiful beaches, to swim in the clear waters of Folegandros and to sunbathe. Also, on certain days of the week, the same boats sail around the island!
In Karavostasi you will find hotels, rooms to let, mini market, bakeries and ATMs (Piraeus Bank). Of course, you can enjoy great food in the various restaurants and taverns, drink your favorite cold drink in one of the many cafes and cool off by tasting delicious cocktails at the port bars.
The Upper Side
It is the second largest settlement of Folegandros . It is 6 km from Chora and bus services to it are frequent.
The inhabitants of Ano Meria follow the rural way of life and that is why very little has changed for decades. Most houses are small autonomous units of agricultural and livestock production. Each family prepares for the year, sowing barley for its animals and utilizing even the smallest piece of arable land.
In Ano Meria you will find hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, cafes, groceries, grocery stores, wood oven and a traditional pastel production workshop!
The Folegandros House Museum
The House Museum has been operating since 1988 in Ano Meria Folegandros . It belongs to the Cultural Association “I Folegandros”, which, with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture, bought the space at that time, restored the existing constructions and put into operation the first eco-museum in Greece!
The whole space has been restored and nothing in it is fake or modern construction. Any objections there, such as the typical lemonade, threshing floor, mill, press, cellar and oven, pre-existed and were simply restored.
The numerous exhibits of the House Museum include furniture, old wooden locks and wooden keys, jars, vases, plates, various kitchen utensils, clay carnival masks, frames, clothes, textiles, an old record player, a loom, a sewing machine and weapons.
The Hug
The settlement of Agali is only 4 km from Chora . It is located in the picturesque bay Vathi , while you can reach it by motorbike, car or local bus. The area has hotels, rooms to let, taverns, cafes and mini markets.
Petousis
It is one of the oldest and smallest rural settlements of the island. It is located on the southeast side of Folegandros and is 3.5 km from Chora . A 3 km dirt path connects Petousis with Livadi . In this village you will meet yards with animals and local farmers.
The Meadow
This is a sparsely populated rural area. It is located 1.5 km from Karavostasi , while from this the access to the beach of Livadi is easy. Also, in the village is the organized “Camping Livadi” .
The Lighthouse of Aspropounta
The Aspropounta Lighthouse was built in 1919. It is located 58 meters above the sea and its traffic light is 11 meters high. Its light is visible at a distance of 17 nautical miles. The Lighthouse first lit with a wick and then with an oil vapor mechanism. Since 1986, however, it has been operating on solar energy.
You will reach it on foot in 15 ‘from Livadaki or in 60′ from Ano Meria .
The Castle
This is a small rocky peninsula on the north side of Folegandros . The excavations brought to light the ruins of a prehistoric small settlement, which date back to the middle of the 3rd millennium BC.
The Golden Cave
The Golden Cave is undoubtedly a special natural monument. It is an inaccessible cave on the northeast side of Folegandros , about 30 meters above the sea.
Stairs, which were built in antiquity and are known as “Greek steps”, lead to Chrysospilia . However, access is difficult and dangerous, especially when there is a strong north wind.
It is 300 meters long and has two main chambers, which are connected by a small corridor. Roman tanks and many shells have been found on the floor of the first chamber, while the second chamber is adorned with impressive stalactites!
The multitude of ancient names on the walls and ceiling of the Chrysospilia make it a unique monument of world cultural heritage. These names date mainly to the 4th century BC. and belong to teenagers from all parts of Greece who arrived at the cave. Those teenagers who managed to enter the main room wrote down their names, thus leaving traces of their visit.
It is alleged that the ambassador provided the information to Hussein. A total of about 400 names of men have been recorded, many of which are accompanied by adjectives indicating their place of origin. However, female names are rare.Also, the presence of human bones at the entrance of Chrysospilia has caused the creation of legends, which describe the cave as a hideout of the inhabitants from pirates.
The Cave of Georgitsis
It is located on the southeast side of Folegandros , near Karavostasi , and is an ideal place for diving. Although it is only accessible from the sea, you can visit it by boat.
The most beautiful beaches of Folegandros
The beaches of Folegandros are enchanting. The wild and rocky landscape of the island and its clear blue waters create a beautiful setting! Some of the beaches of the island can be reached only by footpath or by boat.
Αγκάλη
The beach of Agali is only 4 km from Chora and is suitable for families with small children. You can reach it by motorbike, car or local bus. There you will find hotels, rooms to let, taverns, cafes and mini markets. Also, from Agali start paths that lead south-east to the beach Fira (15 minutes) or southwest to the beach Galyfo (10 minutes).
Agios Nikolaos
It is a beautiful beach with sand and crystal clear waters. You will also find natural shade under pine trees. Near the beach there are two taverns, where you will enjoy coffee, drink or food! You will go to Agios Nikolaos from Agali , either walking for 20 minutes or taking the local boat for 5 minutes.
Galyphos
This is a small but popular beach during the summer months, as it is protected from the north winds. It has pebbles and crystal clear waters.
You will reach Galifos in 10 minutes, following a path, which is located between Agali and Agios Nikolaos .
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Livadaki
This is a remote beach on the southwest side of the island. It is characterized by cool transparent turquoise waters, while it is covered by sand and some wide rocks. A 10-minute walk from the beach will take you to the Aspropounta Lighthouse , one of the largest lanterns in the Aegean .
If you like walking, you can reach Livadaki , following one of the three paths that start from Ano Meria . After 45 – 60 minutes you will be in this amazing landscape of wild beauty. Alternatively the access to the beach is by boat from the beach Agalis , in 15 – 20 minutes.
Livad
Livadi beach is of course located in the rural settlement Livadi , while it is only 1.5 km away from the port of Karavostasi . You will reach it easily via the main road along the coast. In the summer months it is a popular choice, as it is sandy and huge, protected from almost all winds and has easy access.
Cutter
It is the most beautiful and at the same time the most “wild” beach of Folegandros , due to the hot sun, the lack of shade and the difficult access from the land. To enjoy its crystal clear waters, take water and an umbrella with you.
You will reach Katergo in 10 minutes by local boat from the port of Karavostasi . If you love walking, you can follow the path that starts from the settlement of Livadi , but it will take 30 minutes to reach the beach.
Αμπέλι
Although Ambeli is a small beach, it is popular as it is protected from the north winds in summer. It is full of small pebbles, while its waters are ideal for snorkeling.
You will reach this beautiful place from Ano Meria , either in 30 minutes, crossing a path, or in 10 minutes, following a dirt road.
The Flavors of Folegandros
Folegandros Town is full of restaurants, which cater to all tastes, as they have a wide range of dishes. In Ano Meria and Karavostasi you will find picturesque taverns with delicious food and try local recipes.
Folegandros is famous for its cheeses , which are made with home-made cheese by cheesemakers or housewives. Its most important cheeses are the strainer or the strainer , the manoura , the cream cheese >, the mizithra , the melichloro , the ladotyri and the gylomeno . The latter is dipped in red wine dregs! Strain is, of course, the most popular of these. Fresh, soft and spicy, it accompanies salads or is used as a filling in excellent Folegandrite pies !
And because tradition and food go together … from the weddings and baptisms that take place on the island, the local pastel is never missing! Also, at Christmas the housewives fry “macaroni” , a kind of melomakarona , while at Easter they make delicious gingerbreads with fresh mizithra strong> and fine thyme honey!
Local specialties of Folegandros are the braised meat (goat, rabbit or rooster) with the local fresh spaghetti “matsata” . Other favorite dishes are the “shaky”, ie spaghetti with mizithra , the baked chickpeas , the cooked capers and the boats (snails) yachni . Also, the Folegandrite pies are amazing! Try Tyrene , Surotene , Zucchini , Onion and Watermelon , which is a sweet pie with watermelon, honey and sesame.