Folegandros Car Hire

Guide of Folegandros

Geography

Folegandros is a small and narrow island, located between Sikinos and Milos in the south Cyclades. Unlike its neighbouring islands, the landscape here is still fairly wild and sparsely populated, without much greenery beyond vegetation. Most of the beaches in Folegandros are pebbly, with calm and clear waters. There are sea caves dotted along the south coast too.

Climate in Folegandros

Folegandros has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Generally speaking, Folgandros is one of the driest islands in Greece, with low levels of rainfall throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures average 25°C. However, the island is exposed to strong north winds throughout the year, which helps lower scorching temperatures in the summer. The coldest time of year to visit Folegandros is January, when temperatures average 14°C.

Culture

Folegandros was named after the son of King Minos, the King of Crete. Its history can be traced back to prehistoric times, though little remains from this period. It has a dark past too, from Roman times until the 20th century it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners. For years, its ruggedness and remoteness kept it off the radar, though tourists have just started to discover its unspoilt charms.

Things To Do in Folegandros

Meander around the hilltop Chora

Set on the top of a hill, Chora is a breathtaking village brimming with sights, cafes, tavernas and boutiques. The walled district, known as Kastro, is the oldest part and dates back to the Middle Ages. If you have the legs for it, step up onto the parapet at Pounta Square for sparkling views over the tiny whitewashed houses and fairytale chapels.

Beach hop

Folegandros is home to some spectacular beaches characterized by their tranquil settings and unspoilt landscapes. If you’re looking for a beach with excellent facilities, look no further than Agios Nikolaos and Agali. Both offer watersports, umbrellas and sunbeds. But, for the most part, the best beaches in Folegandros are more secluded. Try Katergos or Galifos for a more scenic swimming spot far from the crowds.

Take a hike

Generations of farmers and shepherds have carved out pathways that wind across the entire island, which makes it a paradise for ramblers. Many of these are now paved with flagstones for an easier time on the tootsies too. Treks range from hour-long loops to whole-day hikes, like the route between Ano Meria, Livadaki, Angali and Chora. You’ll be rewarded with some of the best sunsets in the Cyclades at the end of it.

Enjoy the views from the Cape Mihelo lighthouse

Take a hike up to the Cape Mihelo lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1912. At 11 metres tall, it offers sweeping views across the bay and out over the Aegan Sea. Since 1986, it has been powered by solar energy too.

Explore picture-perfect villages

Folegandros boasts a whole crop of villages built in a typical Cycladic style, with white-washed walls, bright blue door frames and flowers spilling onto the streets. Chora is the most famous, but there’s a whole string of villages worth visiting. Ano Meria, in the northwest of the island, is surrounded by lush green fields. Villagers still pride themselves on their age-old traditions and heritage.

Eating Out in Folegandros

It might be small, but there’s no shortage of excellent bars, cafes, restaurants and tavernas in Folegandros. Most eateries specialize in local greek cuisine and you’ll find some of the island’s most authentic dishes on most menus. Local culinary delicacies include Matsata (handmade noodles made with rooster or rabbit), kalassouna (a deliciously gooey cheese pie) and karpouzenia (sweets made from fried watermelon).

Most restaurants are concentrated around Chora, though there are local tavernas dotted around some of the most popular beaches on the island. For sparkling sea views, head to Papalagi on Nikolaos beach, where you can tuck into fresh vine leaves, spaghetti topped with clams, and greek salads. Zefros, with its lovely courtyard, is a favourite in Chora too. For the best souvlaki on the island, head to Mama’s Pita. This authentic grill restaurant serves the softest pittas, wrapped around quality grilled meat and topped with a refreshing tzatziki.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport in Folgandros, the nearest airport is on Santorini island. This airport is mostly served by domestic airlines though European airlines do fly here during the busier summer months. From here, you can hop on a 50-minute – 2-hour ferry, depending on the service.

Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines. From here, you’ll need to travel to Piraeus port and hop on a ferry. There is a regular ferry connection between the two destinations and trips take between 6-8 hours, depending on whether you choose the high-speed service.

Getting Around Folegandros

Local buses are regular, cheap and generally reliable, connecting most of the island’s most famous towns and tourist attractions to the port or Chora. During the summertime, there are dedicated sea buses to the island’s most popular beaches too.

However, if you’re hoping to get off the beaten track to explore some of the island’s lesser-visited spots, we recommend hiring a car. The roads are in good condition and driving will give you more flexibility.