Second stop on our Greece Honeymoon Adventure: Folegandros!
After 5 days on the very popular island of Santorini, Folegandros felt completely different—like finding a hidden gem that few have yet to discover. We met no Americans on the island, only other Greek tourists and visitors from other places in Europe: France, Italy, and so on. Our time in Folegandros was relaxing and utterly charming, everything you imagine an idyllic Greek island to be: beautiful quiet beaches, breathtaking sunset views, and the most picturesque Chora set high atop a sheer cliffside overlooking the Aegean sea.
Agali Bay
We stayed our first two nights at the beautiful Blue Sand Hotel located at Agali Bay. After arriving by ferry from Santorini at 9:00am, we spent a full day relaxing and lounging on the beach. Agali is one of the best and most accessible beaches in Folegandros, with beautiful crystal clear water and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay. There are a few restaurants located at the beach, including the delicious restaurant at Blue Sands—a perfect spot for a nice leisurely lunch break. Just off the main beach area is a smaller cove that’s nice for a little more privacy. From the small port, you can take a boat ride to nearby Agios Nikolas beach, which can also be reached by foot in about 20 mins.
Small cove just off the main beach^^
Delicious greek breakfast from Blue Sands Hotel^^
Karavostasis Beach just off the port of Folegandros^^
Katergo Beach
On our second day in Folegandros, we made our way to Katergo beach. Considered one of the best beaches on Folegandros, it’s located at the southeastern end of the island, in a completely uninhabited area. The beach feels almost like being on another planet, with fine white pebble sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Large slabs of solid marble dot the beach, and a big rock just a few meters from the beach provides the perfect platform for cliff diving into the sea.
We took a bus to the main port from Agali Bay, and from there, caught a ride on the Stella Express to Katergo Beach. The ride costs 9 Euros round trip and leaves about every hour, making a trip from the port to the beach and back. The ride is quick—only about 10 mins or so. The boat is small, so if you’re prone to sea sickness, you may want to take some meds. On the ride there, we made a stop at a beautiful cave as well. Make sure and bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no restaurants nearby.
Giant slabs of beautiful marble^^
First dinner in the Chora at Chic Restaurant^^
On our third night, we stayed at the beautiful Mar Inn in the Chora. The hotel was very conveniently located just a few minutes from the main square. The grounds have a fabulous double decker pool and wonderful views of Panagia Church.
Chora
The Chora of Folegandros is completely charming and picturesque, what you would imagine the ultimate Greek village to look like. We spent every evening in the Chora, which usually consisted of exploring and winding through new streets, viewing the sunset, a stop for some espresso and people watching, a late dinner—and on a good night—some delicious gelato. The main square you will find lined with beautiful trees, bustling with visitors, locals, and children running around playing. The ambiance is magical.
Castro
The area of the Chora know as the “Castro” feels like going back in time. With small streets and very few entrances, the Castro was built as a stronghold against the pirates in the Middle Ages. We spent some time exploring and wandering the streets, finding a perfect private location to view the sunset. Walking around the streets is like being in a fairytale.
The beautiful backstreets of the Castro^^
Hike to Panagia Church
On our last night on the island, we hiked to Panagia Church to watch the sunset. The hike is steep but took less time than expected, about 30 mins from bottom to top. The path zig zags it way up the cliff, with breathtaking views at every turn. Once at the top, the view of the sunrise is spectacular, looking down over the magical Chora. The small church is open to the public, with a beautifully classic Greek Orthodox interior. Considered the most important church on the island and one of the most iconic symbols of Folegandros, the hike is not to be missed.
View from the pathway leading up to Panagia Church. You can see just how high up the Chora sits on the cliffside^^
Unbelievably beautiful sunset over the island^^
TRAVEL TIPS:
There is only one taxi on the entire island and it can take anywhere from 30 mins to an hour for pickup during busy times (dinner time, late night, etc.) Buses run from the port to the Chora, and from the Chora to Agali Bay and Ano Meria, but are limited to the schedule (we used the buses and our hotels taxi service exclusively). If you want full freedom, I would suggest renting a car or scooter.
The most central and bustling location on the island is the main Chora. Agali bay is beautiful and secluded, as is Ano Meria. Karavostasis has easy access to the Chora and main port, as well as a nice family friendly beach. Most restaurants are located in the Chora.
Many restaurants don’t even have websites, so reservations are not needed.
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHORA:
Restaurants: Mama’s Pitas, Chic, Eva’s Garden, Olive, Blue Cuisine
Hotels: Mar Inn, Anemomilos Apartments, Kallisti Hotel
AGALI BAY:
KARAVOSTASIS:
Blue Dress | Faithfull (similar here)
Straw Hat | Lack of Color
Beach Bag | Monserat de Lucca (similar here)
Navy and White Striped Dress | Faithfull (similar here)
White Top | ZARA
Denim Cutoff Shorts | RE/DONE (similar here)
White Sneakers | Converse
Purse | Chloe
Round Sunglasses | Ray-ban
Wishbone Necklace | Jennifer Zeuner
