Passengers traveling with the ferry to Folegandros, arrive in one of the most picturesque islands of the Cyclades, with wild landscape and peaceful atmosphere!
According to Greek mythology, the island was named after the son of King Minos, Folegandros. Another version wants the name of the island to come from the Phoenician word ‘phelekgundari’ which means ‘rocky land’, referring to the morphology of the island.
It boasts traditional Cycladic architecture. That means that its villages are made up of tiny whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and colorful windows. Quite frankly, every corner looks like a Cycladic postcard.
The main village of the island, Chora Folegandros, is a very picturesque place not only to visit but also to stay at. It boasts the traditional Cycladic architecture, as it is full of little whitewashed houses, colorful windows and doors, blue-domed churches, and narrow streets. The numerous Folegandros hotels located in Chora are perfect for a romantic stay with sea view.
Book your ferries to Folegandros in advance, in order to find availability and have a great holiday!
Port of Folegandros
The port of Folegandros is in Karavostasis, on the southern coast of the island, 5 minutes from Chora by car. There are cafeterias, restaurants, an ATM, car rentals and accommodation options in the port area. You can also find some parking spots. However, most hotels, airbnbs, boutiques and eating places are placed in the pisturesque Chora.
Getting to Folegandros by ferry
Getting to Folegandros can be achieved either from the Greek mainland ports of Piraeus and Lavrio in Athens as well as from many islands. Board on the ferry from Athens to Folegandros and reach the island in about 4.30 hours if you are traveling with a high-speed vessel and in about 10 hours with a conventional one, always depending on the port of departure and the number of stopovers. Note that using the ferry is not only the cheapest way to get to Folegandros but also the most exciting one since you get to admire the beautiful endless blue sea and feel the summer breeze.
Athens to Folegandros Ferry
There are ferries to Folegandros from Athens throughout the year. Most ferries depart from the port of Piraeus, while there are also ferry crossings from Lavrion.
Piraeus to Folegandros
Ferries from Piraeus to Folegandros are available three times per week on average year-round. The journey duration is 4.5 hours with high speed ferry and 10 hours with standard ships.
Lavrion to Folegandros
You can catch a ferry from Lavrion to Folegandros once a week year-round. It takes around 11.5 hours to arrive in Folegandros.
Transportation in Folegandros
Folegandros is a lovely island that is really worth visiting and exploring. There are several available options for you to move around.
Public buses are a convenient way to move around the lovely island of Folegandros. Local buses carry out routes from Chora to Ano Meria, Agali beach and towards the port. More info at Folegandros Bus.
Sea buses transfer you to various beaches around the island.
With a car or a rental motorbike, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! In case you don't have your own vehicle, it is an excellent idea to rent a car for your sightseeing trips!
A taxi offers you easy and fast transfer to your destination. Many taxis can be found close to the port and in any central spot. You can book your taxi in advance by calling +30 694 469 3957.
Holidays in Folegandros
During your holidays in Folegandros you can swim in amazing remote beaches, go hiking in tremendous landscapes, gather wild herbs, explore religious and cultural sights, enjoy lounge nights at cozy bars and go island hopping. Get ready for vacation experiences off the beaten path and Folegandros will amaze you with its unspoilt lifestyle.
Beaches in Folegandros
Folegandros beaches are known for their tranquil surroundings, spectacular views, and stunning landscape.
As this is an unspoiled island with traditional character, most beaches in Folegandros Greece are unorganized and ideal for total relaxation. Folegandros beaches can be reached on foot, by bus or small boat.
You will find below a list of the best beaches on Folegandros island:
- Agali Beach: It is a popular sandy beach offering sea sports, umbrellas and sun-beds for rent, easily accessed by boat. Nice long beach, fine sand, and clear waters
- Katergos Beach: The most popular beach of Folegandros. Pebbled and sandy, remains secluded which adds to its mystical atmosphere
- Agios Nikolaos Beach: Lovely beach near to Agali beach ideal for families. There is shadow under the trees and 2 taverns nearby
- Galifos Beach: Small beach near to 10' on foot from Agali beach. There are some trees that offer shadow and it is nudist friendly
- Karavostasi Beach: Pebbles on the beach and sandy sea bottom. Shallow waters, most of the time calm and friendly, ideal for families. From Karavostasis, there is easy access to the beaches of Hochlidia and Vardia next to the port, while from there and on the way to Livadi, you will find the small beaches of Latinaki, Vicentzou, and Pountaki. Livadaki, Serfiotiko, and Voreina are good alternatives, but also quite inaccessible
Hotels in Folegandros
A wide range of Folegandros apartments,hotels, resorts and villas all over the island welcome you to enjoy your stay by the sea offering all the requested facilities. As Folegandros is suitable for couple vacations the option of luxury hotels is available such as rooms to let, an Airbnb or even a villa.
Here are some suggestions in order to choose your ideal hotel in Folegandros:
- Hotel Horizon
- Hotel Ampelos
- Blue Sand Boutique Hotel
- Aria Hotel
- Miramare Hotel
- Anemi Hotel
- Kallisti Hotel
- Hotel Castro
- Anemomilos Boutique Hotel
- Anemousa Hotel
Things to do in Folegandros
Folegandros is certainly not your typical Cycladic Island. This undiscovered Aegean gem is ideal for an alternative kind of vacation, away from all the hustle and bustle of other more popular islands. On the island of Folegandros you will be able to relax and enjoy the quiet setting as time slows down.
Don’t be discouraged by the island’s small size; there are various spots to explore. Secluded beaches, traditional villages, paved paths, cafes and restaurants with panoramic sunset views, yoga and scuba diving sessions, this island has all it takes to make it to your favorite destinations.
For an even more laid-back traveling experience, visit it during the spring or in autumn to avoid the high summer temperature and hike your way to the island’s most beautiful isolated beaches with ease and comfort.
Get ready to make memories on Folegandros island like no other and let us help you organize your to-do list!
- The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: Towering above Hóra and with a stone path leading to it, a whitewashed impressive church awaits to be discovered. Allegedly built on the site of an ancient temple, the church hosts significant ancient immured inscriptions and statues’ pedestals in its yard and interior. Tradition has it that the silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary is miraculous. Linked to pirate stories, the icon is carried around the town in a procession held every year on Easter Sunday
- Ano Mera: The picturesque village of Ano Merá is a traditional rural settlement of the 19th century. To learn more about the traditional everyday life of Folégandros, visit the Folk Art Museum (open from 17:00 to 20:00 in the summer)
- Chrysospilia: Chrysospilia is a natural monument of great interest, and not just to archaeologists and speleologists. Situated below the monastery of the Virgin Mary on a rocky beach at 30m above sea level with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is globally unique for the ancient male Greek names written on its walls and roof, dated back to the 4th century BC. Nicagoras, Themistocles, Cleon, Callimachus, Pythagoras, and Lysicrates are some of the names carved on the cave walls. According to some theories, the cave was used as a worship site where ceremonies for young men coming of age used to take place
- Snorkelling at Katergo Beach: The secluded beach of Katergo is one of the most famous places on the island thanks to its unspoilt beauty. The sea waters are crystal clear and warm, with a few sea currents flowing
Island hopping from Folegandros
Folegandros is a nearby island to Milos, Sifnos, Sikinos and Kimolos in the Cyclades. There are frequent ferry crossings from Folegandros to more islands in the Aegean Sea, making it a great starting point for island hopping in Greece! You can reach Sikinos and Santorini from Folegandros in just 45 minutes. One of the most famous journeys is from Folegandros to Amorgos, as, normally, there are daily ferry crossings.
You can travel straight by ferry from Folegandros to the following islands:
