Hi everyone, this is the Santorini Dave guide to Where To Stay in Folegandros, Greece.
In this video we offer a broad overview of this rustic island that is far less touristy
than many others in the Cyclades, though it is gaining in popularity.
Folegandros is a great alternative to the more traveled and crowded islands of Santorini
and Mykonos, and is known for its dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and great walking
and hiking trails in the countryside.
For such a small island, there’s tons of great food, too.
A stop in quiet Folegandros can make an excellent complement to a tour of other, more popular
Greek islands.
Visitors to Folegandros usually stay in one of the island’s two main areas, Chora, and
Karavostasis, in a small bay at Agali Beach, or the quaint village of Ano Meria.
Before we take a deeper look at each of these areas, know that you can find more detailed
information about Folegandros at SantoriniDave.com – and subscribe to this channel to follow
our other helpful Greek travel videos.
Karovastasis is home to Folegandros’s small ferry port, as well as the island’s best
luxury hotels.
There are a few excellent tavernas and cafes here, and a lovely beach right in town.
This is also where boat tours to more far flung beaches, sea caves, and dive spots leave
from.
Following the coastline south from the port, there is a series of nice, quiet beaches you
can walk to, that see very few visitors.
Chora is the heart of the island and its commercial center, perched on a high cliff top with sweeping
views out over the water.
This is where you’ll find most of the island’s hotels, a collection of great restaurants,
centuries old churches, and a surprising number of funky, boutique shops selling local crafts
and handmade products.
This charming village is centered around 3 leafy plazas, connected by a series of winding
alleyways.
Overlooking the town from the adjacent hilltop is the iconic Church of Panagia.
From Chora, it’s visible around every corner, with its zigzagging white staircase leading
up.
It’s a short walk, great for a visit at any time of day, and is the island’s most
popular sunset-viewing spot.
At night, Chora comes alive with a vibrant dining scene and a little nightlife, shops
stay open late, and couples and families stroll through the village.
Agali Is the most popular beach on the island, and very family-friendly, with a variety of
small hotels and places to eat, and local vendors selling handmade jewelry.
There are a couple of great little beaches in successive bays heading west along the
coast from Agali.
Visitors can walk the dusty trail up and over to reach them or take the water taxi that
departs frequently from Agali Beach, making stops along the way.
Agios Nikolaos Beach has shady trees to protect from the sun, and 2 great tavernas.
Livadaki Beach is a remote and beautiful, pebbly stretch, that people often get dropped
at for the day, though there are no services available here.
It’s possible to hike down to Livadaki from Ano Meria, but the water taxi route is quite
pleasant, and fun.
The water taxi makes a great boat ride even if you don’t disembark at Livadaki, passing
the century old Aspropounda Lighthouse, one of the largest in the Cyclades.
Ano Meria is a tiny inland village that consists mostly of a scattered group of farms surrounded
by terraced hillsides with a small handful of rustic accommodation options.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Folegandros include the excellent Blue Cuisine with modern
interpretations of Greek dishes and Chic Restaurant, a classic taverna on one of the main plazas
in Chora with plenty of vegetarian options.
Papalagi on Agios Nikolas beach has great food and a superb location.
The patio at Anemomilos Hotel in Chora also has terrific food and absolutely stunning
clifftop views, great for a meal OR afternoon cocktails, and the Sea Sense restaurant at
Anemi Hotel in Karavostasis is our top choice for romantic, fine dining.
Our favorite hotels in Folegandros include Anemi hotel near the port, with a gorgeous
infinity pool and a variety of luxurious accommodation options.
Onar Suites and Villas, just over the hill from the port is a small boutique hotel that’s
a great choice for honeymooners, perched on a cliff with its own private path to a secluded
beach.
Blue Sand Hotel on the hillside above Agali Beach overlooks the charming cove here.
In town, Chora Resort is great for families, with a huge pool, and multi-room suites.
And Anemomilos Boutique hotel just below the Church of Panagia has dramatic breathtaking
views, a great pool and excellent hospitality.
Getting around the island is quite easy, and renting a car here really isn’t necessary,
though it does make it easier if you enjoy exploring the limited areas there are.
The only 3 settlements on the island, the port town of Karovastasis, Chora, and Ano
Meria as well as Agali beach are linked by public bus that runs hourly.
There are also a few taxis.
If you do choose to rent a car, a representative may deliver it to your arriving ferry, and
pick it up there as you depart.
As always, you can find lots more detailed information about Folegandros and the rest
of Greece’s most popular destinations across the pages of our website SantoriniDave.com.
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Thanks for watching.