Folegandros

Folegandros is a beautiful untamed island in the Cyclades archipelago. It’s located in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is a popular destination throughout the year.

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find useful tips for your holidays in Folegandros, as well as information about the best beaches, activities, sights, and food on the island. Find all ferry schedules to Folegandros and book ferry tickets to Folegandros with no hidden fees.

Beautiful sunset over the white houses of Chora in Folegandros

Vacation in Folegandros

Folegandros is a small charming island in the Aegean Sea. The Cycladic island is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and easy-going atmosphere. It dazzles visitors with its wild nature, traditional architecture, secluded beaches, and exceptional food.

Chora, the capital of Folegandros, is one of the most impressive villages in the Greek islands and the view from the hillside to the blue sea is simply captivating!

How to get to Folegandros

The most convenient way to travel to Folegandros is by ferry from Athens. There are frequent ferry routes from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrion in Athens to Folegandros all year round. The closest airport to the island of Folegandros is in Santorini. You can fly to Santorini and catch a ferry to Folegandros.

Have a look below for more details on how to travel by ferry to Folegandros.

What to do in Folegandros

During your holidays in Folegandros, you can swim in amazing remote beaches, go hiking in stunning landscapes, gather wild herbs, explore religious and cultural sights, enjoy lounge nights at cozy bars, and go island hopping. Get ready for vacation experiences off the beaten path in Folegandros, that will amaze you with its unspoilt lifestyle.

Beaches in Folegandros

The wild rocky landscape of Folegandros and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea create a marvelous scenery. Most beaches in Folegandros are remote and virgin, so you may need to hike or catch a boat to explore them.

Here are some of the top beaches on the island:

• Karavostasi (Chochlidia): the beach is by the port of the island. There are no visitor amenities, but the tamarisk trees are great for shade. Chochlidia is popular with locals and families. There are bars, cafés, restaurants, and hotels nearby.
• Katergo: it is a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters. There are no visitor amenities or shade, so make sure you bring all beach essentials. You can get to the beach either by boat from the port or via a 30-minute challenging hike.
• Livadi: the beach of Livadi is sandy and wind-protected. There are tamarisk trees for shade and you can easily get there by car or motorcycle. There are no visitor amenities, so make sure you bring water and snacks.
• Livadaki: it’s a secluded beach of exceptional wild beauty. It’s sandy and rocky with crystal-clear turquoise waters. You can either reach the beach by boat or via a 50-minute hike.
• Agkali: it’s a beach with thick sand and clear waters. There’s no natural shade or visitor amenities, but you can enjoy a meal or drink at one of the cafés and tavernas.
• Abbeli: this is a small cove with sand and rocks. It’s famous for the amazing sunset view. You can get to the beach via a dirt road or by boat.
• Agios Nikolaos: Agios Nikolaos is a sandy beach with emerald green waters and tamarisk trees. You can reach the beach either by boat or via a short hike from Agkali beach. There’s a small taverna for coffee and food.
• Agios Georgios: it is a picturesque sandy cove with pebbles and natural shade. There are no visitor amenities and it often gets windy.
• Galifos: Galifos is a peaceful little cove with thick sand, pebbles and clear blue waters. Access to the beach is via a hiking trail from Agkali or by boat.

Inviting crystal-clear waters at a beach in Folegandros

Activities and sightseeing in Folegandros

Sightseeing in Folegandros is all about outdoor exploration and getting in touch with the local traditions. By visiting the villages and remote natural and cultural sites of the island, you have the chance to enjoy perfect views, learn about the island’s history and take amazing photos.

During your stay in Folegandros, we recommend that you:

• Hike to the Church of Panagia in Chora to enjoy the view.
• Explore the Castle of Folegandros for a fairytale-like experience.
• Visit the Aspropounta Lighthouse built in 1919.
• Get acquainted with the traditional way of living at the Ecological-Folklore Museum of Folegandros in Ano Meria.
• Go on a boat trip to see the wild coast and the Cave of Chrisospilia.
• Follow hillside hiking trails leading to remote coves and cute chapels.
• Attend local festivals and traditional celebrations, such as the Folegandros Feasts in July.

The impressive church of Panagia in Chora

Nightlife in Folegandros

Most bars and restaurants in Folegandros are located in Chora and Karavostasis. There are many traditional restaurants and take-away street food places to choose from. You can grab a bite and enjoy the clear night sky, or climb to the top of the hill in Chora and enjoy the view with a glass of wine.

The bar scene of Folegandros is relaxed and cozy. There are only a few bars and clubs with loud music, but most travelers visit for the relaxed atmosphere.

Tip: one of the best nightlife experiences in Folegandros is to attend a music festival. Every year, there are jazz nights, live concerts and traditional Greek music festivals that guarantee a fun night!

Food in Folegandros

The capital of Folegandros is the place to go if you’re after traditional recipes and quaint tavernas. There are many local restaurants serving amazing food and they’re all family-friendly and relaxed. You can also find tavernas in Ano Meria and Karavostasis.

Here are some delicious products and dishes of Folegandros to try during your vacation:

• matsata: fresh pasta
• kalasouna: onions and cheese pie
• souroto: spicy soft cheese
• karpouzenia: watermelon tray bake pie with cinnamon and sesame seeds
• pasteli: honey and sesame bar
• green beans
• capers

Villages in Folegandros

There are not many villages in Folegandros as the terrain of the island is quite rocky and steep. Most visitor amenities and entertainment options are located in Chora and there are 5 main villages on the island: Chora, Agkali, Ano Meria, Karavostasis, and Livadi.

Although Chora is the heart of the action, you can visit the rest of the villages to discover hidden chapels, hike on impressive trails, swim in heavenly beaches, and dine at quaint tavernas.

Beautiful white-and-blue chapel at the village of Ano Meria

Useful information for Folegandros

Most traveler amenities and services in Folegandros are in Chora and Karavostasis. In the capital of Folegandros, there are grocery stores, gas stations, car rentals, ATMs, a pharmacy, and a regional medical center. There’s also an ATM and a car rental shop at the port.

As for accommodation, most hotels, suites and vacation rentals are in Chora and Karavostasis. You can also stay at the camping site in Livadi or choose a villa for a luxury vacation.

Tip: we recommend booking your accommodation in Folegandros the soonest, as there are not many vacation accommodation options on the island.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Folegandros

Find some useful phone numbers for your trip to Folegandros below:

• Port Authority of Folegandros: +302286041530
• Multipurpose Regional Medical Center of Folegandros: +302286041470
• Citizen Service Center of Folegandros (KEP): +302286027171
• Pharmacy: +302286041540
• Police Station: +302286041249
• Gas stations: +302286041432, +302286041475

Transportation in Folegandros

Getting around Folegandros can be challenging due to the wild terrain of the island and the mountainous landscape. The road network connecting the port with the villages is easy to follow, but there are a lot of dirt roads and hiking trails leading to major beaches and attractions on the island.

If you prefer to use public transport, there are public buses serving the following routes: Chora - Karavostasis, Chora - Agkali and Chora - Ano Meria. Although many travelers prefer to explore Folegandros by bus or on foot, we recommend bringing your own vehicle for more flexibility. Alternatively, you can rent a car or motorcycle on the island.

Good to know: many beaches and attractions in Folegandros are only accessible on foot or by boat, meaning it is not possible to get there by any type of road vehicle.

Ports in Folegandros

The port of Folegandros is in Karavostasis on the southern coast of the island, 5 minutes to Chora by car. There are cafés, restaurants, an ATM, car rentals, and accommodation options in the port area. You can also find some parking spots.

Island hopping from Folegandros

Folegandros is located close to Milos, Sifnos, Sikinos, and Kimolos in the Cyclades. There are frequent ferry routes from Folegandros to more islands in the archipelago, making it a great starting point for island hopping in Greece!

You can reach Sikinos and Santorini from Folegandros in just 45 minutes. One of the most popular connections is the ferry from Folegandros to Amorgos, as, normally, there are daily crossings.

You can travel directly by ferry from Folegandros to the following islands:

• Amorgos
• Anafi
• Thirassia
• Ios
• Kea
• Kimolos
• Koufonisia
• Kythnos
• Milos
• Mykonos
• Naxos
• Paros
• Santorini
• Serifos
• Sikinos
• Sifnos
• Syros

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries you can see all available ferry routes and schedules from Folegandros to the islands of the Cyclades. Choose your destinations and easily plan the island-hopping trip of your dreams!

Traditional taverna at a quaint village in Folegandros

Folegandros ferry: schedules and tickets

There are ferries to Folegandros from Athens throughout the year. Most ferries depart from the port of Piraeus, while there are also sailings from Lavrion.

• From Piraeus to Folegandros: ferries from Piraeus to Folegandros are available 1-2 times daily in the summer months. The journey duration is around 4 hours with a high-speed ferry and 9 hours with standard vessels. The route is operated by Seajets and Zante Ferries.
• From Lavrion to Folegandros: you can catch a ferry from Lavrion to Folegandros once a week in the winter and spring months (until May). It takes around 7.5 hours to arrive in Folegandros. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Tip: as the Athens - Folegandros sailing duration can be quite long, we recommend that you book a cabin or numbered seat for maximum privacy and comfort during the trip.

Book your ferry tickets to Folegandros online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry schedules and book cheap ferry tickets to Folegandros in just a few steps. Check available routes, compare prices and companies, and find the ferry that suits you best. The wild charm of Folegandros is waiting for you!

Tip: to keep your ferry tickets in one place and track your ferry in real time, download the Ferryhopper App for free!