Folegandros is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday away from the tourist crowds. Its capital, Chora (also called Hora) is one of the most impressive medieval villages in the Cyclades with enchanting streets and romantic squares.
A visit to the village of Ano Meria with its cultivated fields and traditional taverns is also highly recommended. Don’t miss the chance to see the local Folk Museum.
1. Visit Chrysopigi Church
If you’re looking for a holiday that will give you peace and quiet and some of the most amazing views in all of Greece then Folegandros is the perfect destination. The island has stunning natural terrain, small picturesque settlements that look like they haven’t changed in decades and a lot of amazing Greek cuisine. Plus, the beaches on this little-known Cycladic gem are unlike any other in the world! You’ll find secluded coves, epic beaches, and picture-perfect paved paths all without the crowds that you’re used to seeing on other islands in the Aegean Sea.
A visit to the Chrysopigi Church is one of the top things to do in Folegandros. Located at the northeastern tip of the island, this tiny church seems to be straight out of an old book. The white building stands on a hill that inspires with its heavenly view of the Chora and the west coast. It’s a great place to spend some time and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.
The church is easy to reach from the main road by car or public bus. It’s worth to take a look inside because there are some interesting artifacts such as stone and mud houses, tools, traditional clothing, and of course the amazing views.
There are several epic beaches on the island that you can swim at and sunbathe on. Some of them are well-developed and fringed with cafes and tavernas, while others are more secluded and hard to reach. The most popular ones are Katergo and Livadaki.
You can also visit Agali Beach if you’re looking for a nice sandy beach with a few facilities. It’s a very popular spot during the day and especially at night when it’s a good place to watch the beautiful sunset and enjoy a glass of local wine.
2. Go Diving
The island of Folegandros is the perfect place to take a dive into the sea and see its beautiful underwater scenery. It has a lot of pristine natural areas and underwater sea caves to explore, plus it’s also home to some really beautiful fish!
If you’re planning to go diving in Folegandros, then it’s best to book a diving trip through your hotel or local travel agency. This will help you get the best diving experience and also ensure that your safety is covered. The island is very safe and there are many experienced divers around who can help you with your adventure!
One of the most popular activities on the island of Folegandros is swimming at the beaches. There are several beaches to choose from, but one of the most popular is Agali beach. This is a great beach for anyone looking to enjoy some sun and sand without too much crowding. There are also some great restaurants on the beach where you can relax and enjoy a drink or meal while taking in the amazing views.
Another must-visit beach on the island of Folegandros is Katergo beach. This is a very secluded beach and is only accessible by boat or through a short hiking trail. It’s a beautiful beach with stunning views and is a great spot to spend the day.
If you want to explore the coastline of Folegandros, then it’s a good idea to book a boat tour. This will allow you to visit a number of different beaches and also explore some of the amazing rocky cliffs that are found on the island. You can also take this boat tour during the peak season of July and August, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
If you’re looking for a place to dine in Folegandros, then be sure to check out the traditional Greek restaurant of Pasithea. This restaurant is located on the cliffs that surround Agali beach and offers some of the best food on the island. Be sure to make a reservation in advance if you’re visiting during the peak season of July and August, as there will be competition for the best tables with incredible ocean and cliff views!
3. Explore the Small City of Chora
One of the highlights of Folegandros is the town of Chora. The whole town is pedestrian only (no motorised vehicles) so you can walk the streets and enjoy a quiet, tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
You’ll find neo-classical mansions that were once the homes of the ship owners and now house various cultural and administrative organisations. Also, there’s a church that was built directly on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary. The Church of Panagia, as it is called, commands the highest point in the town and offers panoramic views of the sea. It is an impressive sight to see and a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.
The town of Chora consists of two parts: Kato and Pano Chora. Both are very interesting to explore as they are both steeped in history. The town is closed to cars, so you can wander around the lanes and alleys, poke your head into shops selling local produce, visit a traditional bakery and see small Greek Orthodox churches. You might even catch a glimpse of a local family eating at their outdoor summer dining table.
While exploring the town, don’t miss the chance to visit the Archaeology Museum. It isn’t a large museum, but it does have some incredible artifacts from the site of Skarkos.
Also, make sure to visit the open-air theatre. It is a beautiful building that was built to represent the style of ancient Greek theatre and can hold up to 1100 people.
In addition to these attractions, you should definitely check out the old port and the aristocratic palace of the Captains. The old port is very quaint with narrow winding streets, and there are many cafes and restaurants to choose from.
You can also visit the famous Katergo beach. It is a wonderful beach to swim in and you can enjoy the beautiful view of the bay from above. You can access the beach by a boat that leaves the port every hour.
Folegandros has a wildness to it that you won’t find on the other more busy islands in the Cyclades. It is a great island to visit any time of year but the best times are between Jun to Sep and Apr to May.
4. Take a Boat Trip
Folegandros is a hidden gem with irresistible charms. It’s become increasingly popular as it offers a refreshing alternative to the crowded islands of the Cyclades like Santorini and Milos. It has everything you could want from a Greek island: amazing food, beautiful beaches and a picture-perfect village.
Folegandros’ biggest settlement is Chora, which some consider to be the most attractive village in the entire Cyclades. It’s perched on a cliff 300m above sea level and has white-lined steps that zigzag up to the Church of Panagia. The sunset view from here is spectacular and it’s definitely worth the effort of climbing to the top.
One of the best things to do in Folegandros is a boat trip that lets you visit some of its secret spots. There are many remote coves with crystal clear waters and impressive stalagmites that aren’t easily reachable by foot. You can also explore the underwater cave of Panagia with its countless ancient names engraved on the walls.
Another great way to see the island is by bike. You can rent bikes at Baja Bikes in the center of town. E-bikes are also available so you don’t have to be super fit to use them. They are also much faster and more fun than walking.
If you’re a wine lover, be sure to stop at Wine Bar Merkouri. It’s a short walk from the center of Chora and it has an outdoor terrace with a gorgeous view of the highest point on the island. The staff is also very friendly and they have some great wines on offer.
The best time to visit Folegandros is in the summer from May to September. The weather is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the beach. The shoulder seasons from Sep to Nov and Apr to Jun are also pretty good but you might experience some rain.
Visiting the Kastro is a must when you’re in Folegandros. It’s a medieval castle that used to protect the island’s inhabitants from pirate raids. It’s now one of the most interesting sights on the island as it hasn’t changed much over the centuries. It’s well worth taking a tour of the castle so you can appreciate its architecture and learn about the island’s history.