5 Reasons to Visit Folegandros

Eleftheria Alavanou | July 22nd, 2016

The Church of Panagia (Assumption of Mary) is built over the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Artemis

© www.iml.gr

Small but multi-faceted, Folegandros offers plenty of variety to travelers despite its size.

Folegandros, is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea between Sikinos and Milos, that has packed a lot of beauty into its small size. One of the most beautiful Cycladic islands, Folegandros is known for the magical charm of its white-washed Hora with its old Castle that has been occupied since Medieval times and of course, the settlement of Ano Meria with its famous “themonies” agricultural complexes that consisted of homes, ovens, cellars and cisterns.

“Kastro, a medieval-era district that makes up part of the main town and features old white houses joined wall-to-wall, is extremely impressive.”

1. The island has an old-world charm

Despite its small size and relatively long distance from the Greek capital’s Piraeus port, Folegandros has long stood as a favorite summertime destination. This is no surprise considering the quality of its main town, one of the most striking in Greece. Kastro, a medieval-era district that makes up part of the main town and features old white houses joined wall-to-wall, is extremely impressive. Its slightly aged look is livened up by the colored window and door frames and the young locals, who like to come here and play during the afternoon hours. Simply relax and absorb the Hora’s overall magic. The rugged rural areas at Ano Meria and the Aspropounta lighthouse, built nearly a century ago, provide additional interest to Folegandros’s unique Cycladic setting.

2. Delectable cuisine in a picturesque setting

Karavostasis port, part of a small, likable and simple village, serves as the first impression of the island for new arrivals. Apart from offering a selection of accommodation and food choices, Karavostasis essentially gives a hint of the beauty to be found at the main town. Hora’s quality may be seen at and around the squares, and along the small roads. The plane trees embellish the setting, while the experience is made even richer by the dinner tables, loaded with handmade pasta (matsata, often served with rooster), snails (karavoli), orange pies and almond-based sweets (amygdalota). Make the effort to walk to Panagia (Virgin Mary) church,15 minutes away from Hora’s Pounta Square. Although this is the shortest route, it can prove a little challenging for walkers not in good physical shape.

Livadaki bay is one of the many breathtaking places you can take a swim

© Clairy Moustafellou

The magical Hora of Folegandros at sunset

© Clairy Moustafellou

The whitewashed alleys of Hora are perfect to lose yourself in

© Clairy Moustafellou

Hora at night as locals and visitors gather to relax and watch the world go by

© Clairy Moustafellou

3. Visit the exquisite church

The Panagia church, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, is one of the island’s main tourism attractions. At Easter, a renowned icon, kept inside, is used to bless all the houses and boats of Folegandros over a three-day procession like no other.

4. Survey the rural area

Explore the rural area and farm houses of Ano Meria, located roughly five kilometers northwest of Hora. Ano Meria is the island’s second-largest settlement. Its landscape and architectural traits differ to those of the main town. The traditional farm houses – which, in the past, were equipped with threshing floors and cisterns, providing locals with means to make a living – are a distinctive Ano Meria feature. If in the mood for a little extra adventure, it is worth walking from Ano Meria to the Aspropounta lighthouse, a monument constructed 97 years ago.

5. Take a dip at one of the beaches

The island’s small size limits the number of accessible swimming choices, but they are worthwhile thanks to their emerald-green waters. Hohlidia and Vardia are conveniently placed for visitors based in the wider Karavostasis area. Hop on one of the boat rides to Katergo. Also head to Agali and the small beaches located nearby, including Galifos. The Abeli, Livadaki and Agios Nikolaos beaches should also be kept in mind for a visit.

GETTING THERE

Folegandros can be reached by ferryboat from Piraeus (8 hours/ €78per person, return) and flying dolphin (3½-4½ hours/€120 per person, return) and by ferryboat from Lavrio, about 60 kilometers southeast of central Athens (12 hours/€61 per person, return).

USEFUL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

At Anemomilos (Tel. +30 22860.41309, from €250 per night), guests may choose from the hotel’s Green Studios, Blue Studios, or Blue Suite, and enjoy its pleasant environment. Solaris Hotel (Tel. +30 22860. 41297, from €110) is located close to main town Hora, features a garden and rooms with balconies or terraces. Hotel Polikandia (Tel. +30 22860. 41322, from €100) offers rooms and suites featuring wood and stone fittings.

FOOD

The Agali taverna (Tel. +30 22860.41109), reached by heading towards the beach of the same name, serves fresh fish and meat dishes. Its atmosphere is warm and friendly. Zefiros Anemos (Tel. +30 22860.41556) offers various interesting dishes such as lobster (astakos) or slipper lobster (kolohtypa) with pasta, stuffed calamari with grilled vegetables, and, for dessert, cake with chocolate topping. The Pounta café-restaurant (Tel. +30 22860.41063) is a classic and very traditional choice.