FolegandrosCyclades · Greece

All About Folegandros

When you arrive on the stunning Greek island of Folegandros, you will instantly be stunned by its iconic beauty. It belongs to the southwestern Cyclades between Paros and Santorini yet stands out for its unique graphic scenery and relaxed rhythm. Taking a ferry to Folegandros is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

The iconic little Church of Panagia is the island’s most famous landmark, standing proudly on the hillside overlooking the sea and Chora, the main town. Folegandros covers an area of 32 square kilometers and has only a few hundred permanent residents who have settled over the years in three main villages. The views from the sun-parched hills over the deep azure of the Aegean are truly spellbinding, with a trip to the stunning Aspropountas Lighthouse near Livadaki well worth the hike. From its deserted beaches to its well-trodden footpaths, the scenery of Folegandros will have you totally spellbound.
 

Routes and Ferries to Folegandros

There are frequent ferry connections throughout the year between the port of Piraeus and Folegandros, with regular ferries like Zante Ferries taking 7-9 hours or a journey of 4-6 hours with the high-speed lines such as Seajets. You can also reach the island from Lavrio, which normally takes 7 hours on the high-speed ferry. Folegandros is also well connected to other islands in the Cyclades.

You can book your ferry tickets to Folegandros with Ferryscanner and sail there from Amorgos (7 hrs), Anafi (2.45 hrs), Ios (1.10 hrs), Kea (6.20 hrs), Kimolos (2 hrs), Koufonissi (3 hrs), and Kythnos (4.35 hrs). There are also regular routes to and from Milos (2.40 hrs), Mykonos (5.20 hrs), Naxos (3.20 hrs), Paros (4.45 hrs), Sifnos (2.30 hrs), Sikinos (1.15 hrs), Syros (7.20 hrs), and Santorini (2 hrs approx.)

If you wish to reach the port of Piraeus from Athens International Airport, you can catch the X96 express bus, which leaves every 30-40 minutes. There is also a connection from the airport to the port of Lavrio via Markopoulo with the KTEL bus service, which also runs on a regular basis. Taxis are available at the airport to take you to either port and you can also reach Athens city center by train for connections to Piraeus.

Folegandros has no airport but there are regular domestic and international flights to Santorini National Airport (JTR), from where you can hop on a ferry and be here in a few hours.
 

Ports of Folegandros

Karavostasi is the name of the island’s only port and actually means ‘boat station’ in Greek. It is a small seaside settlement that welcomes all ferry crossings to and from the island, as well as being a pretty harbor for local fishing boats and visiting yachts. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Folegandros.
 

Capital & Villages

Chora

This is the capital or main town of Folegandros, and it is a traditional settlement built at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level, just 3 kilometers away from the port of Karavostasi. Chora is one of the oldest medieval towns in the Cyclades, dating back to the 13th century, and the external walls of the castle (or kastro in Greek), are still standing. Cars and other vehicles are not allowed in the village, so you can enjoy a peaceful walk around its meandering streets and soak up the quaintness of its three squares, which are the hub of village life. The iconic and beautiful whitewashed Church of Panagia can be found here by following the zig-zag path up the hill to marvel at the splendid views across the Aegean Sea.

Not far from Chora lies the famous Chryssospilia Cave, once thought to be a place of worship in the 4th century BC, where archaeologists have discovered the remains of human skeletons, a Roman cistern, and ancient inscriptions on its walls.

Karavostasi

When arriving with ferry tickets to Folegandros, you will disembark in this picturesque port town which offers most of the amenities that you will need during your stay. For instance, quality hotels, welcoming restaurants, handy supermarkets and excellent bakeries. There are a couple of very nice beaches nearby and several footpaths to reach each one. You can also visit the Cave of Georgitsis by boat and enjoy some scuba diving in its crystalline waters while you are there.

Ano Meria

This picturesque village is located to the northwest of the island, only 5 km away from Chora, and is spread over cultivated fields separated by a labyrinth of dry stone walls. The tiny hamlet of 350 permanent residents has retained all of its old-world charms and you can enjoy a lovely leisurely stroll before stopping off at its fascinating Ecological and Folklore Museum. Upon entering, you will find the reconstruction of a rural cottage house, along with a wine press and miniature vineyard, as well as exhibits showing the farming practices and local costumes of the island.
 

Best Beaches

A ferry to Folegandros will let you admire the tantalizing beaches. They are well known for their tranquil surroundings and scenic landscapes, with a mix of pebbled and sandy shores for you to explore. As the island is almost untouched by mass-scale tourism, most of the beaches are unorganized and therefore offer sheer escapism from the hustle and bustle of busy neighboring islands. Peruse around the island to discover your personal paradise.

Agali Beach

Agali Beach is a firm favorite with visitors and probably one of the busiest in the summer months. The beach itself seems to be hugged by the surrounding rock formations, creating a peaceful cove for relaxing your time away. There is accommodation to rent nearby and a few traditional taverns and from here, you can also take a boat ride to the nearby beaches of Agios Nikolaos, Livada, and Ampeli, or walk to the small beaches of Fira, Galifos, and Agios Nikolaos.

Karavostasi Beach

This beach is very popular with families due to its proximity to all of the amenities in the port of Karavostasi. Also known as Chochlidia (meaning pebbles in Greek). It is a sublime spot for sunbathers and swimmers alike, with its pristine waters and shady trees offering a welcome escape from the heat. The graphic backdrop of quaint little houses scattered on the hillside makes it a lovely place to relax and you can also walk from here to the nearby beaches of Vardia and Livadi.

Agios Georgios Beach

Nestled on the northern side of the island, Agios Georgios has fine sand and clear blue waters, offering a unique experience in an area of untamed beauty. It is named after the small chapel of its namesake and can be accessed by road or via the footpaths of Ano Meria. The beach can be very windy in the summer months and is therefore usually extremely quiet and peaceful,

Ambeli Beach

Ambeli Beach may be small, but it is well worth a visit for its superb views and stunning sunsets. Due to its location, it is also protected from the wind and the azure waters attract snorkeling fans and bathers alike. To get there, you can either take a 30-minute walk that begins at Agios Panteleimonas church in Ano Meria or hop on a water taxi from the port.

Livadi Beach

Livadi is a different beach from Livadaki and can be found on the east side of the island close to the port. Loved by visitors because of its sandy shoreline and turquoise waters, it also has a lot of trees for when you need some shade. A snack bar is open during high season as well as a restaurant at the nearby camping site where you can enjoy refreshments and sample delicious local cuisine.
 

Transportation Around Folegandros

It is easy to get around Folegandros by renting a car, moto, scooter, or a quad, which will enable you to explore its hidden beaches and dramatic landscape on your own time. The local bus service runs from Chora to Ano Meria, Angali Beach, and around the port area. You can reach the beach of your choice either overland with a regular taxi or via the sea buses that run to and from the surrounding beaches. Taking a ferry to Folegandros is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.