Islands from Piraeus · Greek Islands
Folegandros
The cliff-top escape
About Folegandros
A small, rugged island with one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, perched on the edge of a cliff high above the sea, with quiet squares, a church on the hilltop and coves reached by boat or on foot.
The back story
Folegandros is small, steep and dry, and for most of its history it was poor and isolated, which kept it unspoilt. Its medieval Kastro, the fortified heart of Chora, dates from the Venetian era, when the island was part of the Duchy of the Archipelago, and its houses still form a defensive wall along the edge of a sheer cliff.
Above the village, a zigzag path climbs to the church of the Panagia, the island’s main church, which stands on a high ridge above the sea where an ancient settlement once stood. Its feast is celebrated with a procession that carries the icon around the island.
Its feast is celebrated with a procession that carries the icon around the island.
Chora
Chora is the reason to come. Its houses line the very edge of a cliff some 200 metres above the sea, and inside the village a string of small squares, shaded by trees and bougainvillea, are filled with tavernas and cafés. In the evening everyone walks up the path to the Panagia for the sunset, then comes back down for dinner under the trees.
Beaches and walks
Folegandros has no big resorts. Katergo, a beautiful pebble beach with turquoise water, is reached by boat from the port of Karavostasis or by a walk, and Agali, Agios Nikolaos and Livadaki are lovely coves. Ano Meria, a scattered village of farms in the north, is the place to try matsata, the island’s handmade pasta, and paths lead down to quiet bays. Bring good shoes, water and sun protection.
Getting there
Folegandros has no airport; the nearest are on Santorini and Milos. Ferries from Piraeus take about four to five hours on high-speed boats and up to ten hours on conventional ferries that stop at several islands, arriving at Karavostasis. Folegandros is easily combined with Milos, Sifnos, Santorini and Ios.
Why it's on our list
- Chora on the cliff edge
- Sunset at the church of the Panagia
- Katergo and other boat-access coves
- Quiet, unhurried island life
Folegandros at a glance
Ferry times are typical and change with the season, the boat and the number of stops; check current timetables with the ferry companies or Ferryhopper before you travel.
Getting there · 4
High-speed ferry from Piraeus: about 4 to 5 hours, Conventional ferry: up to about 10 hours, Port: Karavostasis, Airport: no, nearest airports Santorini and Milos
Highlights · 4
Chora and its squares, The walk to the Panagia, Katergo by boat, Matsata in Ano Meria
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Folegandros before you go.