Discover Folegandros

The Capital of Folegandros

The Settlement of Hora is the capital of Folegandros located on the east side of the island. The beautiful settlement is a true sample of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Scattered whitewashed houses with colourful windows, purple bougainvillea hanging amongst the successive charming squares and labyrinthine alleys perching on the edge of the vertical cliff. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful and oldest medieval villages of the Cyclades. However, one of the most intriguing parts of Hora is Kastro, the oldest part of the village. Kastro is a medieval fortified settlement that was built at the edge of a sheer cliff with the intention of protecting the inhabitants of the island from pirate invasions. Some of the houses are aged one thousands years old and they are still inhabited and maintained in a good condition. Kastro has been declared under historical preservation and it is under purview from the local department of the Archaeological Service.

The Beach of Katergo

The Beach of Katergo is the most beautiful beach of the island located on the south side of the island. It is a sandy and pebbled beach with sapphire waters with sceneries of extreme wild beauty. The easiest way of access is by boat.

The Cave of Chrisospilia

The Cave of Chrisospilia is a unique natural monument with a significant speleological interest located on the northeastern side of the island. The cave consists from two main chambers with rich stalactite formations and has a length of three hundred meters. The upper part of the cave is accessible through the ancient steps known as Hellenic steps. Access to the cave is difficult and dangerous from the land. However, excursion boats operate during the summer months.

The Church of Panagia

The Church of Panagia is the largest church of the island dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary. The church is built on a rocky hill above Hora on the foundations of an ancient temple. It is an impressive whitewashed church that displays an ancient inscription, sculpture and statue bases in the charming courtyard of the interior of the church. The marble epigraph inside the church refers to the renovation of the temple that took its present form after the reconstruction that was completed in 1821. The icon of Virgin Mary is linked with the pirate legends of Folegandros and it is carried to all the homes of Folegandros during the Easter. The church is accessible through a cobblestone street starting from the square of Pounda in Hora.

The Ancient Town of Paleokastro lies on the mountain slopes above the churchyard of Panagia. In 1840, archaeological investigations discovered the remnants of an ancient wall and a medieval tower. Paleokastro is accessible from the narrow street close to the church. Here, one can admire panoramic views to the Aegean Sea.

Kastro is the oldest part of the village. Kastro is a medieval fortified settlement that was built at the edge of a sheer cliff with the intention of protecting the inhabitants of the island from pirate invasions. Some of the houses are aged one thousands years old and they are still inhabited and maintained in a good condition. Kastro has been declared under historical preservation and it is under purview from the local department of the Archaeological Service.

The Church of Pantanassa lies on the western side of Kastro in Hora. The church was built in 1830 at the expense of Georgios Staes, a notable person from Crete. It is the most beautiful church of the village. The church offers panoramic views to the islands of Milos, Kimolos and Sifnos.

The Church of Panagia is the largest church of the island dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary. The church is built on a rocky hill above Hora on the foundations of an ancient temple. It is an impressive whitewashed church that displays an ancient inscription, sculpture and statue bases in the charming courtyard of the interior of the church. The marble epigraph inside the church refers to the renovation of the temple that took its present form after the reconstruction that was completed in 1821. The icon of Virgin Mary is linked with the pirate legends of Folegandros and it is carried to all the homes of Folegandros during the Easter. The church is accessible through a cobblestone street starting from the square of Pounda in Hora.

The Folk Art Museum of Folegandros is located in the village of Ano Mera. The museum is a reproduction of typical agricultural residential unit, known as themonia, of the nineteenth century.

The Lighthouse of Aspropounta is an impressive lighthouse that was built in 1919. The lighthouse lies in an altitude of 59meters above the sea level.  The lighthouse is accessible through a hiking trail from the beach of Livadaki or the village of Ano Mera.

The Cave of Chrisospilia is a unique natural monument with a significant speleological interest located on the northeastern side of the island. The cave consists from two main chambers with rich stalactite formations and has a length of three hundred meters. The upper part of the cave is accessible through the ancient steps known as Hellenic steps. Access to the cave is difficult and dangerous from the land. However, excursion boats operate during the summer months.

The Cave of Georgitsis is an impressive sea cave with blue waters located in the southern side of the island. The cave is accessible through a boat trip.

The Mount of Agios Eleftherios is the highest mountain of Folegandros with an altitude of 455 metres. The mountain is accessible through a hiking trail.  The highest point of the mountain offers panoramic views over the surrounding islands especially during the sunset.

Ano Meria is an agricultural village located on the northwest side of the island. The houses of the village are agricultural and animal breeding units called themonies surrounded from arid landscapes. The village has preserved its authentic character and it is endowed from the beautiful landscapes of lush vegetation. The surrounding areas are ideal for hiking lovers.

Hora is the capital of Folegandros located on the east side of the island. The beautiful settlement is a true sample of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Scattered whitewashed houses with colourful windows, purple bougainvillea hanging amongst the successive charming squares and labyrinthine alleys perching on the edge of the vertical cliff. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful and oldest medieval villages of the Cyclades. However, one of the most intriguing parts of Hora is Kastro, the oldest part of the village. Kastro is a medieval fortified settlement that was built at the edge of a sheer cliff with the intention of protecting the inhabitants of the island from pirate invasions. Some of the houses are aged one thousands years old and they are still inhabited and maintained in a good condition. Kastro has been declared under historical preservation and it is under purview from the local department of the Archaeological Service.

Karavostasis is the harbour of Folegandros located on the east side of the island. The main beach of the area is Hohlidia while the central bus station is found on the harbour. One can visit numerous beautiful beaches in a close proximity from Karavostasis.

Spot: Beach of Abeli, Northwest Folegandros

Spot: Church of Panagia, East Folegandros

Spot: Lighthouse of Aspropounta, Southwest Folegandros

Spot: Square of Pounda, East Folegandros

Boat Tour: The tour of the island of Folegandros is a beautiful experience. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Karavostasis.

Boat Tour: The Cave of Chrisospilia is a unique natural monument with a significant speleological interest located on the northeastern side of the island. The cave consists from two main chambers with rich stalactite formations and has a length of three hundred meters. The upper part of the cave is accessible through the ancient steps known as Hellenic steps. Access to the cave is difficult and dangerous from the land. However, excursion boats operate during the summer months.

Boat Trip: The Island of Ios is an island of history since the depths of centuries alleged as the home of Homer. An island embellished with magnificent beaches, beautiful landscapes of natural beauty and a lively nightlife. The island hides inexhaustible mysterious beauties that will fascinate you with the spirit of Homer wandering around the island under the sun of the Aegean. Charming chapels and archaeological treasures, dreamy beaches and cultural attractions, Ios has managed to tie everything. It is an island of diversionary, which gives you the opportunity to meet the other, unseen side of it, embellished from natural beauty sceneries, an ideal place for exploration. When you arrive at the harbor of Gialos, the whitewashed church of Agia Irini will salute you while looking higher, your eye will be charmed from the beautiful village of Hora surrounded from the windmills and the churches composing a landscape of unique beauty worthy to see before you disembark. A mountainous island is waiting for you to discover it, an island with a rugged coastline and scattered whitewashed churches embellished from the special touch of the grey mountains of Ios, overflown from olive trees and vineyards. Hora is the charming capital of Ios boasting one of the finest villages of Cycladic architecture with whitewashed cubic houses, stone windmills and light blue domes amongst the charming labyrinthine alleys spreading amphitheatrically on the slope of a hill dominated from the Medieval Castle. One can say that Ios knows that the secret to remain forever young is at your heart.

Boat Trip: The Island of Sikinos is a hidden treasure lying in the Aegean. From the time of legends, Sikinos appears as a mysterious refugee and nothing seems to have changed up until now, as it remains a haven for those who are looking the beauty of simplicity. In Sikinos, you might remember what seems forgotten from the gentle rhythms of a different lifestyle. The warmth of the local people and the unspoilt hospitality of the island will make you appreciate the simple moments in life. Hearing narrations for the ancient wines of Sikinos, the wild bees of Sikinos and the traditional custom of Panigirades from the local people of the island attest moments of a forgotten era. The local people are the true soul of Sikinos. You might feel like that they gave you a piece of their heart. As for its natural beauty, the pristine landscapes and sceneries of the small lady of the Cyclades are stunning, just with one word. Undoubtedly, the main village of Sikinos is one of the most authentic traditional settlements in the Aegean. Standing like a balcony to the open sea, the colours are even more intense in the early morning. Only then, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning clarity of the atmosphere. Discover the beautiful trails and the charming chapels, enjoy the crystal clear waters and wander around the labyrinthine alleys to enjoy the endless beauty of this pristine paradise. Shining in its simplicity, Sikinos is a hidden treasure!

Camping: Are you a camping lover? You will find a campsite at the beach of Livadi.

Diving: The varied coastline of Folegandros offers numerous exciting explorations for diving enthusiasts. The cave of Georgitsis, the reefs of Agios Ioannis and Serfiotiko and the the beautiful seabed of Agios Georgios, Livadi and Vorina are some of the most interesting diving spots. One will find a diving center in Hora of Folegandros.

Hiking: Folegandros hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes is the route that starts from the area of Kastro in Hora, passes below the chapel of Pantanassa and the chapel of Agios Savvas, and continues to the church of Stavros and Christos. From there, the path becomes tougher descending to the charming bay of Fira and then to the bay of Agali. (2) Another interesting trail includes the one that starts from the area of Agios Ioannis Eleimonas on the eastern side of the settlement of Ano Mera. The route continues towards a paved path that leads to the Folk Art Museum and the chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos. Descending to the abandoned village of Marmaro, the path passes above the bay of Agios Nikolas and descends to the beach of Galyfos. (3) It is also worth following the long route that starts from Taxiarhis and moves in a circular direction towards the area of Myloi in the settlement of Ano Mera. When you get to a fork that leads to Livadaki, a well-preserved path starts passing though the old agricultural settlement of Armiros and the chapel of Agioi Anargyri with panoramic views of the surrounding area. After passing the beach of Livadaki, the path continues uphill until the lighthouse of Aspropounta. At the end of the route, the trail passes from the area of Petalakia and above the gorge of Tzanis and ends to the area of Myloi in the settlement of Ano Meria. Discover more information from the Official Website of Folegandros.

Abeli is a pebbled beach with turquoise waters located on the northwest side of the island. The beach is rather secluded is ideal for those seeking for peacefulness. It is accessible through a path starting from the area of Agios Panteleimonas at Ano Meria. The easiest way to get to the beach is by boat.

Agali is a sandy beach with azure waters and sheer cliffs located on the western side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Folegandros and it has easy access. The beach of Agios Nikolaos is located close to Agali. Here, you will also find a small tavern with amazing views. Moreover, you can head to the small sandy cove of Fira from the same trail.

Agios Georgios is a sandy and pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the northern side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity and isolation. The beach is accessible either through a car dirt road from Ano Meria or through a path starting from the village of Ano Meria.

Agios Nikolaos is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the western side of the island. The beach is ideal for those looking for seclusion. Access to the beach is possible through a trail starting from the beach of Agali or by boat.

Hohlidia is a sandy and pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located in front of the houses of the settlement of Karavostasis. The beach has amenities on the surrounding areas.

Katergo is the most beautiful beach of the island located on the south side of the island. It is a sandy and pebbled beach with sapphire waters with sceneries of extreme wild beauty. The easiest way of access is by boat.

Latinaki– Vincenzo- Poundaki are three successive sandy beaches with turquoise waters located on the southeast side of the island. All of the beaches are secluded ideal for those looking for tranquillity.  The beaches are accessible through a path starting from the harbour of Karavostasis.

Livadi is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the east side of the island. The beach is ideal for water sports. Access is possible through the road starting from the harbour of Karavostasis.

Serfiotiko is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters and tamarisk trees located on the northeast side of the island. The beach is an ideal place for nature lovers. Access is possible i through a path starting from the village of Ano Meria.

Vorina is a pebbled beach with turquoise waters located on the eastern side of the island. The beach is an ideal place for nature lovers. Access is possible through a path starting from Hora to Ano Meria.

Coffee Corners

Anemomylos: Breakfast, Hora

Bakery of Nikos: Bakery, Ano Meria

Coffee Shops: Coffee, Square of Dounavis

Iliovasilema: Coffee, Ano Meria

Laoumi: Coffee, Hora

Pounda: Breakfast & Coffee, Hora

Rakendia: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora

O Theios: Ice Cream, Hora

Gastronomic Delights

Evas Garden: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Goupi: Greek Cuisine, Hora

I Sinantisi: Greek Cuisine, Ano Meria

Kafepantopoleion tis Kyrias Eirinis: Greek Cuisine, Ano Meria

Kyra Maria: Greek Cuisine, Ano Meria

Nicholas Michailidis: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Pane e Vino Pizzeria: Italian Cuisine, Ano Meria

Pounta: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Papalagi: Greek Cuisine, Agios Nikolaos beach

Pasithea: Seafood, Agali beach

Vegera: Mediterannean Cuisine, Karavostasis

Zefiros Anemos: Ouzo and Meze, Hora

Cocktails Inspirations

Anemomylos: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Astarti: Raki and Rakomelo, Hora

Ba Raki: Raki and Rakomelo, Hora

Laoumi: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Patitiri: Drinks, Hora

Pounda: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Rakendia: Drinks, Hora

The local products of the island include souroto, a white goat cheese, rakomelo, an alcoholic drink made with raki and honey, and the local wines.

The local specialties of the island include kalasouna, a cheese pie made with souroto cheese and onions, matsata, a dish made of handmade pasta with rabbit or rooster, melopita, a cheese pie with mizithra cheese, honey and cinnamon, and karpouzenia, a local sweet made of friend watermelon.

Every summer, the Cultural Society of Folegandros organizes art and photography exhibitions.

Every summer, concerts and poetry readings take place on nights with full moon in the Museum of Ano Meria.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place at the square of Hora. The feast hosts folklore dances and traditional food specialties.

Every August, the Maritime Society organizes Swimming and Sailing Races that take place in the bays of Agali and Karavostasis.

Every July, the Folegandros Festival takes place in Ano Meria, Karavostasis and Kastro. The festival hosts numerous special cultural and folklore events.

According to mythology, the creation of the Cyclades is attributed to God Poseidon. It is said that the god of the sea transformed the Cyclades nymphs into islands, when they angered him.
History

Archaeological findings show that the first inhabitants of Folegandros were the Carians from Asia Minor followed from the Cretans and the Dorians. The remains of the sanctuary of Artemis attest that the inhabitants worshipped goddess Artemis. During the 5^th century BC, the island was under the domination of the Athenians while it passed over the Macedonias after their defeat at Chaeronia in 338 B.C. Folegandros was also dominated from Ptolemy until the Roman occupation, the time when the island served as an island of exile. In 1204, the Folegandros was dominated from Venetian Marco Sanudo who established the Duchy of Naxos and offered independence to the inhabitants in terms of religious matters. The island, then, passed to the Byzantine occupation until the Ottoman Empire in 1617. In 1715, Folegandros was attached from Kapoudan Pasha who sold the inhabitants as slaves while the few ones who were not captured invited their island neighbours to settle in Folegandros and form a new community. The island was finally liberated during the Greek Revolution of 1821.

By Boat (101 Nautical Miles): Folegandros is accessible by boat from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts from four to six hours. Folegandros is also connected with the islands of Kimolos, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos and Thirassia amongst others. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !