Folegandros Is a Little-known Greek Island With Close to-empty Seashores, Rugged Mountain climbing Trails, and a Postcard-perfect City — How one can Go to

Throngs of vacationers flood into Mykonos and Santorini every summer time. And whereas each have engaging attributes, they’re removed from the one vacation havens worthy of a spot on a well-crafted Greek island-hopping itinerary. In recent times, Milos, Sifnos, and Paros have began to garner consideration from worldwide vacationers. However even with vacationers exploring extra of the Cyclades group, Folegandros continues to fly beneath the radar. Maybe it’s the problem of truly attending to the island. Regardless of its proximity to Santorini, Ios, and Sikinos, ferry service stays fairly restricted and sporadic.

Seemingly, the restricted transportation choices play a task in stopping overtourism and preserving the sumptuous establishment. Nonetheless sparsely developed and rugged in all the proper methods, the tiny island with simply over 700 residents exhibits off pristine seashores — lots of which require a ship or semi-precarious trek to succeed in — Cycladic structure, and a frozen-in-time village. Small in measurement and inhabitants, it’s intimate and welcoming in each regard. After a number of days, Folegandros begins to really feel pleasantly acquainted as you see the identical faces sipping espresso by the Castro and catching rays on the shores of Agali Seaside.

Right here’s all the things you’ll want to know to plan the right journey to low-key Folegandros.

Greatest Inns & Resorts

Anemomilos

Household-owned and operated for the previous 31 years, Anemomilos is all the things you’d need in a boutique resort within the Cyclades. Perched on a hillside steps from Chora — the primary village — it’s as fairly as a postcard with whitewashed structure, charming rooms of varied configurations for {couples} and households, and a pool and restaurant that overlook the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Gundari

The most recent addition to the resort scene in Greece, Gundari is a luxurious retreat perched atop a dramatic cliff. Accessible through a rocky, dust street that winds by means of arid farmland, it’s splendidly faraway from the remainder of the world (regardless of being a 10-minute drive from city). The earthy bungalow-style lodging have personal plunge swimming pools. Actually wish to lean into trip mode? E-book a stress-melting therapeutic massage on the spa.

Anemi

With a location simply steps from the port and a spate of facilities, Anemi is a perfect residence base for a Folegandros trip. The property supplies comfy rooms (tip: e-book one of many sea-view lodging and revel in espresso on the terrace every morning), a pool deck dotted with shade-giving umbrellas and solar loungers, a comfy spa, an outside yoga shala and gymnasium, and a playground for little ones.

Polikandia Lodge

Quiet but near the city sq., Polikandia Lodge earns excessive marks for its location, atmosphere, and heat hospitality. Company comment concerning the pleasant service and no-ask-too-big angle. Lodging vary from newly constructed superior rooms to a collection named after the well-known palace of Knossos. Plus, the outside pool is ideal for cooling down after sightseeing.

Pasithea Folegandros

With dreamy views of Agali Seaside and charges that gained’t stress your pockets, Pasithea Folegandros appeals to vacationers in search of a easy, sun-sand-and-sea sort of trip. It’s an easygoing place to take pleasure in recent fish on the terrace restaurant and swimming within the Aegean Sea.

Greatest Issues to Do

Chora

“The picturesque fundamental city (Chora) is a must-visit for its charming Cycladic structure, slender alleys, and gorgeous views over the Aegean Sea,” says Poly Giouri, an area Folegandros-based tour information “Wander by means of its labyrinthine streets, do some buying, take pleasure in a meal or a drink at an area taverna or cafe, and go to the Church of Panagia perched on the cliff.”

Agali Seaside

Positioned on the southern coast of Folegandros, Agali Seaside attracts locals and guests with its crystal-clear waters and delightful rocky environment. It is pretty for stress-free, going for a swim, and soaking within the environment. “There are additionally some native tavernas close by the place you may take pleasure in recent seafood,” provides Giouri.

Katergo Seaside

Vacationers eager to go to Katergo Seaside might want to hop on a ship or gear up for a difficult hike. A spot steeped in pure magnificence and seclusion, the turquoise waters and rocky cliffs make it a favourite amongst adventurers and nature lovers.

Ano Meria

For a glimpse into rural life on Folegandros, head to Ano Meria, a conventional village within the northern a part of the island with distinctive dry-stone partitions and terraced fields. Giouri recommends visiting the Ecological and Folklore Museum to study native traditions and agriculture, in addition to the native bakery.

Livadaki Seaside

A hidden gem accessible through a strolling path from Ano Meria or by boat from Agali Seaside, Livadaki Seaside provides tranquility, gorgeous surroundings framed by cliffs, and shade beneath tamarisk timber. In keeping with Giouri, it’s nice for these in search of a quieter different to the extra common spots.

Greatest Eating places

Papalagi

Probably the most beloved and delightful eating places on the island, Papalagi sits atop a rocky cliff and appears out over the impossibly blue waters of Agios Nikolaos. The meals and chill atmosphere solely add to the attractive setting. It’s a chic spot for a leisurely lunch of Greek salad, grilled native octopus, and malagousia, a Greek white wine.

To Barbounaki

Whereas there’s no scarcity of eateries to get your seafood repair on Folegandros, To Barbounaki continues to pack its seats with comfortable patrons because of recent components and the culinary chops of chef Konstantinos Dalianis. You may’t go fallacious with the calamari, grilled fish of the day, and lobster pasta.

Stylish Restaurant

With inexperienced tables that spill out from the patio to the road and a location within the heart of Chora, it’s laborious to overlook Stylish Restaurant. Snagging a last-minute reservation in the summertime? That’s a bit harder (although not not possible). The pork souvlaki and native lamb with prunes have earned it many repeat diners.

Irini’s Tavern & Grocery Retailer

Irini’s Tavern & Grocery Retailer in Ano Meria looks like sitting down for lunch at your grandma’s home — if her cabinets have been stocked with canned items and sundries. As an alternative of a menu, diners are greeted with “at the moment now we have X, Y, and Z.” That often contains conventional pasta (matsata), meatballs, slow-cooked pork, Greek salad, and fried potatoes. Every little thing is scrumptious.

Piatsa Restaurant

The sun-bleached blue tables at Piatsa Restaurant are located in a central courtyard and facet terrace. Within the late afternoon and properly into the night, diners come from all around the island come to share baked chickpeas, home made pasta with goat in a lemon sauce, and roasted pork.

Greatest Time to Go to

Folegandros reaches its tourism peak in the summertime. And although it by no means reads significantly busy, there’s a bit extra occurring in June, July, and August. It tends to be quiet and stress-free within the late spring and early fall. The gentle Mediterranean local weather makes for nice climate, too. Keep away from the winter as it may be very windy and most issues shut for the low season.

How one can Get There

Most vacationers join by means of Athens and fly into Santorini because it’s the closest airport to Folegandros. From there, it’s a 50-minute Seajets ferry. It’s additionally potential (albeit pricier) to constitution a non-public boat from one of many close by islands and switch it right into a sightseeing day. Desire to skip the typically rocky seas? Hoper operates scheduled helicopter flights to varied Aegean locations.

How one can Get Round

Folegandros is a comparatively small island, however the rocky, mountainous terrain makes it powerful to navigate totally on foot (although some folks do try to hoof it). Your finest wager? Hire a automobile or quad. Simply have in mind it’s hilly and among the extra distant roads aren’t paved, so driving right here isn’t for the faint of the center.