Folegandros

These are the piccies I took in Folegandros island (in Cyclades, see map) in the summer of 2001. It's a beautiful small island that has resisted touristic transformations that have altered the face of many other islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Kos). Expect strong winds (windsurfer's paradise) and it is best to check the wind direction at the cafes in Chora before going to certain beaches.

Folegandros 2004 festivities have been announced. Click here for festivities program.

There are 3 main villages: Karavostasis (port), Chora (pronounced "Hora" - capital) and Ano Meria. Accomodation is limited and booking should be made in advance (especially during high season: 15 July - 20 August). There is one camping next to the port in Livadi. Although it is a small and rather out-of-the-way island room prices are not so cheap as it is regarded as a high-class destination. There are 2 caves on the island, Faraggi and Chryssospilia (Golden Cave). According to the locals they are interconnected. They can be both visited on foot although Chryssospilia is easier to access by small boat.

After many e-mails asking me for accomodation, I have compiled this small list. It is in no way an endorsement or a complete listing, it's just hotels / rooms for rent that I found here and there on the internet (you can find more here - click on the accomodation list link at the top of the page).

Some useful phones are:
Port Authority: 22860 41530, Police: 22860 41249, Doctor's Office: 22860 41222
Travel agencies:
Diaplous Tel: 22860 41158, Fax: 22860 41159, e-mail: holiday-@otenet.gr
Sottovento Tel: 22860 41444, Fax: 22860 41430, e-mail: sottovento94@hotmail.com
Motorbike Rentals:
Jimmy: 22860 41448
Venetia: 22860 41316
Taxi: 6944 693957

Be aware that there are no banks on the island and postal money orders are the only ones to go through (or an account at the post office). There is only one gas station that was built recently, and one can rent only motorbikes, not cars. I call this heaven.

The road that connects Karavostasis with Chora and Ano Meria is paved and in good condition although some remote beaches are only accessible either by 4x4 or on foot, or even only by boat. There are quite a few beaches to choose from: Angali, Ampeli, Livadaki, Vardia, Pountaki, Latinaki, Katergo, Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos (next to Angali) etc. (see map)

Surprisingly, for such a small and remote island, there is quite some nightlife: Patitiri, Rakentia, Astarti, Laoumi, Cabajo, Avissos (ex "Avli") (all these are in Chora).

During summer there's at least one boat per day, it takes 9 hours, and it usually follows two routes: a) Folegandros - Sikinos - Ios - Santorini - Koufonissia - Naxos - Paros - Piraeus (Athens port) b) Folegandros - Kimolos - Milos - Sifnos - Serifos - Kythnos - Piraeus. There was also a hydrofoil (called "flying dolphin" in Greece) connection from Paros but was discontinued in 2000. Other island destinations in the area are: Sikinos (even smaller and quieter but beautiful as well), Santorini (volcanic and interesting but extremely crowded and expensive - I wouldn't spend more than 2 days there!), Kimolos (small and very quiet islet), Milos (rather a family destination but featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean - there are 52 and all of them magnificent!), Ios (the party island of the Aegean with more than 50 bars in its capital - this island never sleeps).

Click on the pictures for a bigger view.