Folegandros is a hidden gem of a Greek island. This picturesque destination is home to gorgeous beaches, stunning cliffs, and charming villages with plenty of authentic charm.
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations, a beachfront hotel, or a family-run boutique hotel, there’s something for everyone on Folegandros. Check out our guide for the Best Places to Stay in Folegandros!
Chora
Folegandros may not be as well-known as other Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, but it has an equally beautiful and authentic character. Rustic and charming, this stunning island is an excellent alternative for travelers seeking to escape the crowds of other awe-inspiring islands. With a handful of incredible restaurants, a picturesque Church of Panagia, and a low-key nightlife scene, Folegandros is the ideal spot for travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation in the Aegean.
The main town of the island is Chora, a quaint and charming village nestled on a cliffside with stunning views over the Aegean Sea. The village is home to a wide variety of family-friendly accommodations, as well as a number of taverns and cafes that serve food and drinks throughout the day. The central part of the village has a compact, pedestrian-only core and is easily walkable for families. It also boasts a few great beaches, including a lovely beach at the port and a pebbly beach that is the most popular among tourists.
Families will find a decent selection of hotels in Chora, including the no-frills but well-priced Hotel Panorama. The hotel has a number of basic rooms and one villa that feature tiled floors, mini-fridges, and multiple balconies. All rooms serve a simple breakfast and are located within walking distance to the center of the village, which has all the amenities travelers need.
Other good options include the elegant and romantic Boutique Villa Anemi, a beautiful boutique property that offers an array of minimalist, design accommodation, including a suite with its own hot tub and a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking sunset views. Guests can also enjoy a daily continental breakfast and lounge in rooms with beamed ceilings, vibrant accents, and free toiletries.
The more budget-friendly yet still charming and comfortable option is the small, rustic village of Ano Meria. The village is a true insider tip, as it entices visitors to enjoy a more authentic side of Folegandros, away from the tourist crowds. It’s a small, tranquil setting that is ideal for families with children who are looking to relax in the idyll of the island. The village has a limited number of hotels and vacation rentals but there are several excellent taverns, including Irini’s, which serves delicious local dishes such as the island favorite matsata.
Ano Meria
The interior village of Ano Meria is a real insider tip for connoisseurs, couples and those who want to stay away from the buzz of modern life. It has really good vacation homes and hotels with a pool, all of which are also very reasonably priced. Moreover, the village is very authentic and very quiet even in high season.
Ano Meria is located north of Chora and lies about 280 meters above sea level, so it offers an excellent view of the Aegean Sea and a very relaxing environment. It has a few restaurants and cafés, but it is not a very touristy place, which makes it ideal for a quiet, relaxed and truly authentic holiday. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming, and they still work on their small farms and use a traditional farming methods. You can still find donkeys here, and you will often hear the sound of crowing cocks in the morning!
There are some very nice vacation rentals in the area of Ano Meria, such as the Lemon Tree Houses or Kipari Apartments. The owners are very friendly and the accommodation is of a high standard. Both have a very nice pool, and the apartments are well equipped. The hotels in the area of Ano Meria are also very nice, such as the Polikandia Hotel or the Astarti Bar.
Folegandros is a beautiful and peaceful island with an abundance of natural beauty, including spectacular beaches. It is an island that is not as popular as Santorini or Mykonos, so you will be able to enjoy your holidays without the crowds. The accommodations on the island are very good, from luxurious boutique hotels to family-friendly resort-type hotels with swimming pools. The majority of the hotels on the island are found in the villages of Chora and Karavostasis. However, you can also find some hotels and villas in the other two villages. Most of these hotels have a swimming pool, which is useful on days when the Meltemi wind is too strong to go out to the beach. These hotels also tend to be a bit more affordable than those in Chora.
Karavostasis
The main port of Folegandros, Karavostasis, is home to some of the island’s best hotels and a few charming tavernas and cafes. It’s also the primary departure point for several boat tours that explore secluded beaches and sea caves on the island’s southern coast. It’s a great option for those looking for beach vacations with the convenience of staying close to a central town where all tourist amenities are easily accessible.
Most of the accommodation options in Karavostasis are boutique hotels and cozy villas that offer a unique local flair. The area is particularly popular among couples and families who prefer an authentic Greek experience away from the throngs of tourists in the other villages on the island. Staying in this part of the island is also a good choice for those wanting to be within easy reach of one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Chochlidia Beach.
Located east of the port, Chochlidia is a pebbly beach with crystal-clear water. There are some tavernas nearby, and the beach is protected from strong meltemi winds by dramatic cliffs. Other beach options nearby include Vardia Beach, Latinaki Beach, Vetsentzou Beach, Pountaki Beach, and Livadi Beach.
Another great option for beach vacations in Karavostasis is Vrahos Boutique Hotel, a lovely hotel that stands on a rocky slope overlooking the bay. The hotel’s rooms have open-air hot tubs and spectacular sea views. The hotel offers some of the best luxury accommodation on Folegandros, including elegant suites with private balconies.
The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant and bar that serve delicious dishes with a traditional touch. It’s a perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner while gazing at the sea and taking in the incredible view.
Agali Beach
The village of Agali offers a handful of boutique hotels and vacation apartments. Guests love this area for its peaceful location and amazing view over the beach and the sea. There are also a few excellent restaurants in the area. The hotel rooms and apartments are modern with beautiful furniture. They usually have a balcony or terrace. The bathrooms are modern with a shower or bathtub. Some even have a hot tub!
This area is especially popular for connoisseurs and romantic couples. It’s also ideal for families with kids as there are many activities in the area for them to do. In addition to the beaches, there are hiking trails and a variety of taverns in the area. The accommodation in this area is not as luxurious as the other areas of the island, but it’s very comfortable and affordable!
Located on the edge of the main village, this hotel is ideal for people who want to explore Folegandros’s historic center without having to drive. It’s also very close to the most beautiful beach on the island. The room sizes are large and the hotel has a fantastic pool. The property is very well maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. The hotel is very reasonably priced and has a nice restaurant.
Another option is the Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites, which has a spectacular view of the beach and the sea. The hotel’s rooms and suites are spacious and air conditioned. They have a balcony or terrace and offer amenities like TVs, espresso coffee machines, and fridges. The hotel is family-friendly and has a separate children’s section.
Guests can find accommodation throughout the island, but most of it is concentrated in Chora and Karavostasis. The main town, Chora, is a stunningly beautiful village that’s inaccessible to cars and full of charming squares dotted with centuries-old churches. It’s home to several top-rated restaurants and taverns, and it’s also the site of the iconic Church of Panagia. The port town of Karavostasis is a bit quieter than the main village, but it’s home to a number of great restaurants and tavernas. It’s also within walking distance of a few secluded beaches.