It was once discovered by the ones who were searching for something more alternative, more isolated and more mysterious. Today trend setters and followers refer to it as the most up and coming Cyclades island.
Folegandros, of merely 32 square kilometres, retains the Cycladic architecture (and landscape as it is quite dry), creating a vivid island feel. Its deserted beaches, the rocky cliffs, and the best Chora in the entire Aegean make one fall in love with the island and create a desire to return. Beautiful, romantic and serene…
Stay
Anemi: comfortable and minimalistic, with a Cycladic traditional design. Their fantastic a-la-carte breakfast with local delicacies is worth it. Tel 2286041610, from 200€
Chora resort and spa: each of its 24 exceptional rooms and suites capture the traditional style of Folegandros, decorated in a way that creates a balance of Cycladic architectural features and contemporary aesthetics. Tel 2286041590, from 120€
Aria Boutique Hotel: traditional style with the white colour prevailing. Its quirky and flair décor is unique. Tel 2286041276, from 75€
Themonies Luxury Suites: set in an agricultural stone complex of the late 19th century. All residences have a separate orientation, layout and design to form a harmonious blend of the traditional and the new. Tel 2286041517, from 145€
Eat and Drink
Pounta: hidden in a secret garden, where one has the chance of tasting some of the best local dishes. Must-try is the “souroto” (local cheese) and their dessert, “karpouzenia”. Tel 2286041063
Piatsa: small traditional tavern with grandma’s dishes and tables outside in the Kontarini square. It serves the best “matsata” in Folegandros (home made pasta with rooster and tomato sauce). Tel 2286041274
Goupi: a small jewel of Folegandros. The food is mostly “meze” and it is truly fantastic, while the staff is very courteous. One must try the “goupaki”. Tel 2286041057
Mimis: this is a fantastic, no-frills establishment. You won’t miss it as it is in two-levels with outdoor
and inside seating and (hopefully) lots of octopi drying on the clothes lines. These are delicious served grilled, and it’s fun to watch the staff come out and pull them in, as more and more eaters arrive. Αno Meria, tel 2286041377
Eva’s Garden: situated in a beautiful courtyard, offering Greek dishes with an international touch. Must-try is the “kritharoto”. Demetriou Lidi, Chora, tel 228604111
Sik: innovative cuisine with Greek ingredients. I didn’t have the pleasure of trying it but if you have extra days one should try it as it is quite famous. Maraki square, Chora, tel 2286041515
Αstarti: one of the most famous bars with the fantastic local music accompanied by “rakomelo”
Beaches
Αgali: it is a very popular, nice, long beach, with fine sand and clear waters
Agios Georgios: beautiful beach with shade coming only from a few tamarisks
Κatergo: The best beach on the island with crystal clear waters. You can reach it only by boat. Take it from Karavostasi and you will be there in 15 minutes
Ligaria: Small and beautiful pebble beach. It is is pretty secluded and ideal for isolation
Note: there are no organized beaches so make sure you take your umbrella and a mat to lie on
Highlights
– Walking around Chora for the most romantic and poetic scenery. Get lost in the small streets and enjoy the authentic 
architecture
– The bakery in Ano Meria for the best «koulouri»
– As hard as it may be, leave Chora for a day and wander around Ano Meria to pretend you are in a different era
– The fantastic “rakomelo” (alcohoolic drink made from “raki” and honey) and local “pastelli”
Getting there
You can take the ferry from Pireus port directly to Folegandros. As the island is quite small it can be combined with Sifnos, Sikinos, Milos or Serifos (I could also say Ios but I wouldn’t really recommend it).
