Folegandros is a small island in southern Cyclades with many natural beauties, nice and virgin beaches with crystal waters and hospitable inhabitants. During the last years it has become fashionable but it keeps its traditional color. It is a popular summer resort ideal for calm holidays.
The tiny capital, FOLEGANDROS or CHORA, is almost in the middle of the east side of the island, on a small height with a superb view over the sea. It is built at an altitude of around 200 meters from sea level, and 3.4 kilometers away from the port.
Chora is one of the most picturesque and attractive traditional villages you will find in Cyclades.
The upper part of the settlement is the Old Kastro district, with its defense-houses and the Venetian castle at the top.
Panagia is the largest church on Folegandros and it is distinguished for its special architecture. The church is built on a rock above Chora and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
In Chora you will find hotels, apartments and rooms to let, travel agencies, car and motorbikes rentals, taverns, restaurants, various shops, cafes and bars.
A short distance from Chora, at the bottom of Paliokastro, is an unexplored cave called Chryssospilia, which archaeological finds suggest was a place of cult. It is located 10 meters above the sea level and its interior decoration is plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. You can visit it by small boat from Karavostasis.
The road south from Chora ends at KARAVOSTASIS, the safe natural port of Folegandros. In the last years Karavostasis has a big tourist development. Daily tourist boats set off daily from Karavostassis, taking visitors on swimming excursions to various beaches. Near the port you will find hotels and rooms to let, taverns, cafes, and bars.
To the north of Chora is ANO MERIA, a small settlement almost in the center of the island, where there is an interesting Ecological and Folklore Museum. It is an authentic island village, where the style of life is still mainly agricultural. The architectural peculiarity of the village, the preservation of ancient traditions by its inhabitants and the simplicity of their lifestyles, make Ano Meria one of the most authentic villages in the Cyclades.
In the village you will find rooms to let, taverns, cafes and traditional pasteli work shops.
BEACHES
The nice beaches of the island are easy to reach by tourist boat, car or coach.
The main beach in the Karavostassis area is Hohlidia, a family beach, but there are also several small secluded beaches all around.
Very close is Vardia a small beach and Livadi with grey sand and crystal clear waters where there is a camping site.
Other fine beaches are:
KATERGO: You can reach it by boat from Karavostasis or by foot from the footpath from Livadi.
AGALI: The sandy beach of Agali with its crystal clear waters is considered the most beautiful of the island. Near the beach you will find rooms to let and taverns serving fresh fish and traditional local recipes. There is road access by coach or by car. Nearby beaches: Agios Nikolaos, Fira, Galifos where there are rooms to let.
LIVADAKI can be reached by boat from Karavostassis and Agali or by foot from Ano Meria
AGIOS GEORGIOS beach can be reached by car or by foot.
TRADITION – EVENTS
Every summer the Folegandros Cultural Association hosts painting, pottery and photography exhibitions. In the Folklore Museum at Ano Meria are organized musical evenings.
LOCAL CUISINE
In the taverns of the island you can taste fresh fish, the local recipe of Folegandros called “martsata” (handmade pasta with rabbit in red sauce) and of course rakomelo drink (raki with honey shots).
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