Polikandia Hotel
Chora Folegandros - Chora Folegandros
Centrally located in Folegandros Town, the Cycladic-style Polikandia Hotel features a 21-metre heatedpool with separate children’s section and hot tub.
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The island of Folegandros (Polycandros) in the Cyclades archipelago is a rugged land battered by the meltemi, yet it manages to enchant tourists.
Perhaps it is because of that main town built on the edge of a cliff, which the land seems to jealously guard from the grip of the sea, or because of that one road that runs along the ridge through simple landscapes that remain in the heart?
Folegandros does not have the chic veneer of other more or less famous islands, for example Mykonos or Hydra. It is a simple beauty, made up of sheer cliffs overlooking a blue sea, friendly donkeys that are still a valid means of transport, and delightful taverns where you can enjoy cuisine with a taste of home.
Folegandros enjoys the typical climate of the Greek islands, i.e. mild winters and very hot summers, mitigated by the blowing meltemi.
In July and August it can be crowded. If you have a choice, the best months to go to Folegandros are June and September.
The beaches of Folegandros are not equipped: forget umbrella and deckchair hire, banana boats and often bars and restaurants. Many can only be reached on foot, and although the island is small, to get to the most remote ones you have to allow up to 60-90 minutes of walking. Best to leave early in the morning when it is still cool!
These minor inconveniences are more than compensated for by the beauty of the landscape. The beaches on Folegandros are much wilder than those on other Greek islands and are therefore recommended for nature lovers.
The most beautiful beach of Folegandros is undoubtedly Katergó, at the southern end of the island. It is a picturesque beach of black sand, bathed by a blue sea, and can be crowded during high season.
Less picturesque and windier, but much quieter, is Ágios Geórgios beach, located at the opposite end of the island.
The most easily accessible beaches are those in the Karavostasi area: you will find four in a row (Pountaki, Vitsentios, Latinaki and Livadi), but if you move a little further over the hill, you can reach the beautiful and uncrowded Vardia.
Other beaches not to be missed in Folegandros are Angali, Fira, Ambéli and Ágios Nikólaos; Balsamo and Ampeli are recommended for snorkelling enthusiasts.
Built on the edge of a cliff, Chora (Folegandros Town) is one of the most picturesque towns in the Cyclades: it seems almost suspended in the wind, stretching out towards the sea but at the same time protected.
Closed to traffic, the town is built with narrow streets around a fortress, evidence of Venetian rule on the island, and is characterised by three pretty squares in a row, surrounded by shady trees and the inevitable taverns with outdoor tables. On your walk through the centre, look for the beautiful little church of the Panagía.
Also visit the charming village of Ano Meria in the hinterland, which extends over a large cultivated area bordered by characteristic stone walls. If you are interested in local customs, check out the Ethnographic and Folklore Museum.
Folegandros boasts one of the clearest seas in Greece and its rocky seabed makes it an ideal destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
Due to its small size and the amount of dirt roads and paths, it is also suitable for walkers. The routes are generally easy, within everyone’s reach, but be careful of the sun: protect yourself with sun cream and a hat, avoid the hottest hours and take plenty of water with you.
The evening is all about relaxation. Try the genuine local cuisine, not yet bent to the strains of mass tourism, in the delightful taverns of the Chora or the villages and continue the evening with a glass of ouzo in one of the island’s many small bars. One does not come here for the nightlife, but it is possible to find a few music bars.
The number of holiday accommodations in Folegandros is not very large, so it is a good idea to book in advance to avoid the risk of a sell-out, especially if you are travelling during the high season.
Most of the accommodations are room rentals and cheap family-run hotels, but there are also a couple of luxurious 4-star hotels. If you do not suffer from vertigo, and if your wallet allows, stay in one of the hotels overlooking the cliff.
The main centres are the capital Chora, the port of Karavostasi and the village of Ano Merià. Chora is the best choice for having all the convenient facilities and an abundance of bars, shops and restaurants, Karavostasi is a small seaside village while Ano Meria is a little inconvenient so it is only recommended for those seeking absolute peace.
Tourism is highly developed, so it is possible to find local hoteliers and tour operators who speak several languages.
We offer a selection of hotels at Folegandros to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Folegandros, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Folegandros. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Folegandros are in high demand.
There is no airport on the island of Folegandros so it is not possible to get there by direct flight.
The advice is to fly to Santorini and from there take a hydrofoil that takes you to Folegandros in just 40 minutes, without intermediate stops; if you want to spend a little less, take the ferry, which is slower and makes intermediate stops at Ios and Sikinos.
Another option is to fly to Athens, for which there are generally more cheap flights available, and take a hydrofoil or ferry from Piraeus. This could be cheap, but be careful because the time takes a lot longer: about 3½ hours by hydrofoil and 8-9 by ferry.
Folegandros is connected by boat to many other islands, including Kitnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Naxos, Ios and even remote Anafi.
Find out more about ferry routes and timetables from Santorini and Athens.
All the ferries to FolegandrosWhat's the weather at Folegandros? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Folegandros for the next few days.
Folegandros is part of the Cyclades archipelago, between the islands of Milos and Ios, a few kilometres from Santorini as the crow flies.
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