The Best Beaches in Folegandros
The best beaches in Folegandros range from convenient swimming spots beside Karavostasis to remote coves reached by footpath or seasonal boat.
Agali offers an accessible introduction, with places to eat nearby. Katergo provides dramatic scenery, while Livadaki rewards visitors prepared to travel farther. Around the port, Chochlidia, Vardia and Livadi make swimming easier to fit around other activities.
Access is an important part of choosing a beach here. Folegandros has steep terrain, and several beaches require a proper walk rather than a short stroll from a parking space. Shade and refreshments can also be limited.
This guide explains where to go, how to get there and what to consider before setting out.
Folegandros Beaches at a Glance
| Beach | Best for | Access | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agali | A straightforward beach day | Road, seasonal bus or walking route | Popular during summer |
| Agios Nikolaos | Swimming followed by lunch | Coastal footpath or seasonal boat from Agali | Check the return journey |
| Galyfos | A small cove near Agali | Coastal footpath | Pebbles and limited facilities |
| Katergo | Dramatic coastal scenery | Seasonal boat or demanding footpath | Little shade and no dependable supplies |
| Livadaki | A remote beach outing | Seasonal boat or walking routes | Bring everything needed |
| Chochlidia | Convenience near the port | Direct access in Karavostasis | Pebbly shore beside the settlement |
| Vardia | Swimming near Karavostasis | Walk followed by steps | Steps affect accessibility |
| Livadi | A longer beach near the port | Coastal road or walk | Check seasonal services |
| Ampeli | A small pebble cove | Walking route or rough-road approach | No food or water at the beach |
1. Agali Beach
Best for an Easy First Beach Day
Agali, also written Angali or Agkali, lies in Vathi Bay, approximately four kilometres from Chora.
Its sandy shoreline and nearby tavernas make it one of the most practical choices for visitors who want a swim followed by lunch. Accommodation and other seasonal services are also available in the settlement.
Unlike the more remote beaches, Agali can be reached by road. Seasonal buses provide another option, although the timetable should be checked for the actual travel dates.
Walkers can approach from Chora using an established route, but the hills and uneven ground make this a different undertaking from a gentle promenade walk.
Agali also serves as a starting point for coastal walks and boat connections to other beaches.
Worth knowing: Arrive earlier during busy periods for a wider choice of places to settle.
2. Agios Nikolaos Beach
Best for Combining Swimming with a Seaside Meal
Agios Nikolaos lies beyond Agali and can be reached by a coastal footpath or a seasonal boat connection.
The beach combines a sandy shoreline with patches of tree shade. Nearby tavernas make it an appealing place to spend several hours rather than arriving only for a quick swim.
The walk from Agali passes through a rugged coastal setting. Published walking estimates vary, so allow extra time for the terrain, heat and stops along the way.
For visitors arriving by boat, the journey is short when services are operating. Confirm the last return departure and whether changing sea conditions could affect collection.
Worth knowing: Natural shade is limited. Bring sun protection even when planning to sit beneath the trees.
3. Galyfos Beach
Best for a Small Cove Close to Agali
Galyfos, also spelled Galifos, sits along the coastal walking route between Agali and Agios Nikolaos.
It is a small pebble beach with clear water, offering an alternative to the broader shoreline at Agali. The municipality places it approximately half a kilometre from Agali.
Its size is part of its appeal, but also means that a relatively small number of visitors can make it feel occupied.
Galyfos works well as a swimming stop during a coastal walk. Visitors can assess conditions on arrival and decide whether to stay or continue towards Agios Nikolaos.
There are no dependable food or water supplies at the beach itself.
Worth knowing: Wear suitable footwear for the approach rather than relying on beach sandals.
4. Katergo Beach
Best for Dramatic Scenery
Katergo is one of Folegandros’ most recognisable beaches, set beneath bare hills with an undeveloped shoreline and striking blue water.
Seasonal boats from Karavostasis provide a convenient approach when conditions permit. There is also a footpath from the Livadi area, but this should be treated as a proper walk with uneven ground and exposure to the sun.
Visitors should not expect a serviced beach. Carry enough water, food and sun protection for the entire outing.
The scenery makes Katergo particularly appealing, but the day’s conditions should determine whether to visit. A boat cancellation is a reason to reconsider the plan rather than automatically attempting an unfamiliar walk.
Worth knowing: Confirm the collection arrangements before leaving a boat, and allow sufficient daylight for any return on foot.
5. Livadaki Beach
Best for a Remote Coastal Outing
Livadaki lies on the southwestern side of Folegandros, surrounded by a rugged landscape.
The beach combines sand with rocky areas and clear water. Its setting makes it worth considering for visitors who enjoy a destination that feels removed from the main settlements.
Seasonal boats connect it with Agali. Walking routes also approach from Ano Meria, with the municipality giving estimates of roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on the route.
These are exposed walks, so choose footwear and departure time accordingly. Bring water and food, as there are no supplies at the beach.
Aspropountas Lighthouse can be incorporated into a longer walking outing nearby, but the complete route should be planned before setting off.
Worth knowing: Livadaki and Livadi are different beaches in separate parts of the island.
6. Chochlidia Beach
Best for Convenience in Karavostasis
Chochlidia is the main beach within Karavostasis, facing the port area.
Its pebble shoreline is surrounded by the settlement, with cafés, tavernas and shops nearby. This makes it useful for visitors who want easy access to refreshments and accommodation.
It is particularly convenient for those staying near the port. A swim can be fitted into the day without organising a dedicated excursion.
The setting includes harbour activity, so visitors should use the established swimming area and remain clear of boats and operating areas.
Chochlidia may lack the secluded atmosphere of Katergo or Livadaki, but its accessibility is a substantial advantage.
Worth knowing: Allow a generous margin before ferry departures rather than planning a swim immediately before boarding.
7. Vardia Beach
Best for Another Swimming Option Near the Port
Vardia lies on the eastern side of Karavostasis, close to accommodation in the port settlement.
The sandy beach is reached by steps, which distinguish it from the more direct access at Chochlidia. Visitors carrying children, bulky beach equipment or luggage should account for the climb back.
Its position makes it a useful choice for travellers who want to stay near Karavostasis while trying a different shoreline.
Check conditions on arrival. Beaches close together can experience different waves and exposure, so the sea at Chochlidia does not necessarily indicate what Vardia will be like.
Worth knowing: Visitors requiring step-free access should choose another beach or confirm arrangements locally.
8. Livadi Beach
Best for a Longer Shoreline Near Karavostasis
Livadi lies approximately 1.2 kilometres from Karavostasis and can be reached along the coastal road.
Its longer sandy shoreline provides more room to spread out than some of the island’s small coves. It suits visitors who want to explore beyond the immediate port without committing to a remote beach.
The area has been associated with camping and seasonal refreshments, but visitors should check what is operating rather than assuming services will be available.
Livadi is also a starting area for the walk towards Katergo. Anyone considering continuing should assess the route separately and carry the equipment needed for the longer outing.
Worth knowing: Bring drinking water even when expecting to find refreshments nearby.
9. Ampeli Beach
Best for a Small Pebble Cove
Ampeli, also written Ambeli, is a small beach approached from the Ano Meria area.
Its pebble shoreline and rocky surroundings make it appealing for visitors who prefer a compact cove. In calm conditions, the clear water can also suit snorkelling.
Access is by a walking route or a rough-road approach. Drivers should check current conditions and confirm that their rental agreement permits the route.
The municipality lists no access to food or water at the beach, so arrive prepared. Its small size also means that visitors should not assume it will be empty simply because reaching it takes effort.
Worth knowing: Check the approach locally before setting out, especially after poor weather.
Which Beaches Can You Reach Without a Car?
Visitors staying in Karavostasis can walk to Chochlidia and Vardia, with Livadi farther along the coast.
From Chora, seasonal buses can make Agali and Karavostasis practical starting points. Agali then provides access to coastal paths and seasonal boats towards Agios Nikolaos and Livadaki.
A car increases flexibility but does not remove the walking involved at every beach. Some of the island’s most memorable swimming spots remain accessible primarily by path or boat.
Choosing a Beach in Windy Weather
Wind direction, swell and local conditions matter more than a fixed ranking of beaches.
Ask accommodation staff or boat operators which bays are suitable that day. A beach described as sheltered should never be assumed calm in every weather pattern.
Keep plans flexible. Agali and the Karavostasis beaches offer practical alternatives when a remote outing is unsuitable.
What Should You Bring?
For beaches away from the settlements, carry:
- Sufficient drinking water and food
- Sun protection and portable shade where practical
- Suitable footwear for the approach
- An offline map for walking routes
- A charged phone
- A bag for taking rubbish away
Boat passengers should confirm return arrangements before departure. Walkers should allow for the uphill journey back, which can take more effort than the descent.
Which Folegandros Beach Should You Visit First?
Agali is a useful starting point for a first visit, combining road access, swimming and nearby places to eat.
Chochlidia is the simplest choice for visitors based in Karavostasis. Agios Nikolaos offers a rewarding combination of a coastal journey and lunch, while Katergo and Livadaki are better planned as dedicated outings.
With several days available, choose a mixture of convenient beaches and one or two more remote trips, adjusting the order to the weather.