Folegandros Things to Do

Chora is the capital of Folegandros and the biggest village on the island. Built during the Middle Ages, it is one of the oldest Cycladic town and definitely one of the most photogenic ones; its location on a high point above an impressive cliff offers amazing views of the Aegean Sea.The landscape is especially beautiful during the sunset hour, when all the whitewashed houses turn golden. Chora is full of traditional Cycladic houses, with blue shutters, paved alleys and pots with colorful flowers scattered around. One of the village’s picturesque squares (piazzas) is Pounta Square, which is used as a cultural center by the locals, since many events and traditional fairs take place there. Nearby you will find a few traditional taverns and coffee shops, with tables set in the shade of trees and have a truly inviting atmosphere.

With its crystal clear waters and impressive rocks, it is no wonder that the golden bay of Agali beach is one of the most popular places on the island. This small unorganized beach is a great place for a summer dive, while from there you can visit some other secluded beaches on foot or by boat. Agali can be approached by car or bus but it is also totally possible to get there on foot in about one hour, starting from Chora. Near the beach there aren't many facilities, except for a few taverns, cafes, rooms and apartments. It is one of the best settings for tranquil and private vacation.

The oldest quarter in Chora is Kastro, the Castle. In this area, a castle was built during the Medieval Ages to protect the town from pirate attacks. Later, the walls of the fortress were used as foundations in order to build the cycladic houses that are still there to this day, right on the edge of the cliff and facing the sea. This is the most picturesque neighborhood in Chora, with tiny whitewashed houses and stairs -an image straight out of a postcard!

Are you looking for a place to stay in Folegandros? We offer a wide selection of the best hotels, apartments, rooms and other accommodation options on the island, all of them located in the best areas to stay: Chora, Karavostasi, Ano Meria and Agali. With sea views, pools and Cycladic architecture, in picturesque villages or seafront locations, Folegandros offers an adequate amount of options to choose from. Consult our list for more accommodation-related information.
Some of our recommended hotels are:
- Blue Sand Boutique Hotel: Overlooking the turquoise waters of Agali beach, Blue Sand Boutique Hotel and Suites is a hotel with a truly elegant design. In its carefully decorated suites, you will see a mixture of modern and classical Cycladic elements that enhance the atmosphere.
- Onar Suites and Villas: Onar Suites and Villas offer luxurious accommodation with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. Each suite has a fascinating design, where traditional features are blended with hints of modern luxury to create a stylish and relaxing environment for your accommodation.
- Kallisti Hotel: Experience the authentic Greek summer at the charming Kallisti Hotel, in the heart of the picturesque Chora. The hotel’s impressive architecture is purely Cycladic and the rooms offered are spacious, bright and traditionally decorated, with a warm and calming ambience.

The secluded beach of Katergo is one of the most famous places on the island thanks to its unspoilt beauty. The sea waters are crystal clear and warm, with a few sea currents flowing. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and large rocks and the only ways to approach it require either taking a hiking path starting at Livadi village or by a boat leaving from the port. The boat trips are regular and last approximately 10 minutes. Because of the fact that the beach is unorganized, without any kind of facilities nearby, it is advised to carry water, snacks and other necessities, as well as some snorkelling equipment so you can explore the rocky bottom around Georgitsi cave. On the way to Ketergo, the boat may pass by another cave, Chrysospilia. Although the cave is currently inaccessible and remains unexplored for the most part, many precious archeological findings have been discovered in there.
By the time you reach Katergo beach, you will be mesmerized by the impressive rock formations surrounding the beach that is covered with pebbles. Nearby there are a few tiny islets you can swim to. One of them, Pelagia, has soil rich in sulfur and offers a few nice jumping and diving spots. In the past, the locals used to exploit the volcanic ground around Katergo beach by sourcing mineral pigment from red hematite.

Located in Chora, Blue Cuisine restaurant is one of the most interesting places on the island where you can taste one-of-a-kind delicacies. The restaurant offers a creative twist on traditional recipes, with a modern approach to the widely known and loved Greek gastronomy, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It has a lovely garden with a warm atmosphere and a nice view of Panagia church. To keep your taste buds happy, don’t miss the chance of having a romantic dinner at Blue Cuisine!

Another secluded beach worth visiting if you want to go for a swim is Agios Nikolaos. In order to get there you can either take a boat from Agali or hike for about 20 minutes. The sand and shingle beach is unorganized but there are trees offering natural shelter from the sun, while the waters of the small bay are transparent and blue. By the beach you will see the tiny whitewashed chapel of Agios Nikolaos and two taverns where you can have a coffee or lunch.

The calm and clear waters of Folegandros offer amazing opportunities to anyone who loves scuba diving. Sea U Dive Center is located in Chora and organizes professional scuba diving sessions that will introduce you to the deep blue sea and underwater mysteries of Folegandros. This unique diving experience will certainly help you connect with the world under the surface of the sea!

The church of Panagia is the jewel of Chora and the most important landmark of Folegandros. It is located on a hill very close to the town and a zigzag-shaped path defined by whitewashed rocks will take you there. Right by the church will find some of the best spots to watch the Cycladic sunset, with a panoramic view of Chora and the sea, as far as the eye can see.
The church was most likely constructed on top of the ruins of an ancient marble temple many years ago. The remnants of the ancient temple were used to construct the temple and decorate its interior. We don’t know much about it, except the fact that the church was reconstructed in 1867 and it was renovated again much later, between the years 1816-1821. An image of the Virgin Mary kept inside the church is said to be miraculous. Next to the church, there is a very tall and impressive bell tower. On the occasion of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, local celebrations are organized here every year on August 15th.

Folegandros might be a small island but the large variety of local recipes won’t disappoint you. Most of the taverns and restaurants are family-owned, have a cozy atmosphere and serve homemade food, using only fresh and tasty ingredients. We recommend eating in Chora, Ano Meria, Agios Nikolaos or Karavostasi. Don’t forget to try some of the island’s traditional dishes, such as Matsata and Kalasouna, as well as local fish or meat.

Rakentia bar is one of the most popular meeting points on the island because of its exceptional location that offers panoramic views of the Aegean sea. You can go there to have breakfast, coffee and snacks or to drink an evening cocktail while gazing at the spectacular sunset sky from the bar’s terrace.

At a short walking distance from Agali (about 10 minutes on a coastal path), after passing by a twin chapel, you will find the tranquil beach of Galifos. It is a tiny beach with pebbles and bright blue waters, good for swimming and snorkelling. Near the beach you will find a few old boat garages.The isolated and private location make this place an ideal spot for nudists. Apart from some rooms, there are no other facilities nearby.

If you want to take a part of Folegandros back home with you, don’t forget to stop by Folegandros T Shirts for some souvenirs. This is not an ordinary souvenir shop; you will find T-shirts and tote bags with unique prints that represent the island, as well as pillows, handmade ceramics, lucky charms and other ornaments that capture the Cycladic essence.

In order to immerse yourself in the local way of life and the Cycladic countryside, it is a good idea to visit Ano Meria. The small traditional village is located only a few kilometres away from Chora and has an atmosphere much different from any other Cycladic villages you have seen. It appears as if time has stopped and the rural lifestyle of the locals will take you back to the past by decades. Despite the settlement’s small size, the residents live a mostly self-sufficient lifestyle and have their own kitchen gardens and lemon groves. Small whitewashed houses have been scattered around and are box-shaped so that they can offer protection from the wind. In the village you will also find some old abandoned windmills, dry stones and the Folklore Museum that will introduce you to the local heritage. You will have the opportunity to see the facilities of a traditional farmhouse unit, including a bakery, cellar, stable, threshing floor, well, wine press and olive press - a truly amazing insight into the local life!

Addicted to yoga? Curated Life Retreats will help you make the most of the tranquility of the Cycladic wilderness. They offer outdoor yoga sessions and hiking trips that will make you relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Curated Life Retreats don’t encourage strict time schedules and pressure of any kind. Each day is taken as a unique opportunity to discover something new and have fun, sunbathe by the sea and linger in local shops. Embrace a slow way of living, take this path of serenity and see where it leads you!