Folegandros is a wonderful quiet island in the South part of Cyclades. It is small (13km long, 3.5km wide with a surface of 35 sq. km) island with steep cliffs and beautiful beaches. There is a ferry from Piraeus almost every day in the summer and the trip takes 9 hours (depending on the stops it makes). Nearby islands are Sikinos, Milos, Kimolos, Santorini, Ios.

There are 3 villages: Karavostasis (port), Chora (pronounced Hora) and Ano Meria. Chora follows the traditional Cyclades style of white houses with soft rounded curves and whitewashed churches. This community has a castle (Kastro) built according to the local white houses' style at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean. It features houses stacked one next to the other having their entrances looking inwards. Ano Meria is further up from Chora, a quiet village on the top of the hill. It has a folklore museum.

There are two possible explanations about its name: a) it was named after the Minoan prince Folegandro (Minoans were adventurous seamen living in North Crete) b) it derives from the Phoenician word for dry place: "phelekgundari".

Ancient ruins (mainly of Roman origin) as well as Middle Ages' artifacts were found around the island, evidence to the many nationalities that occupied it in the past. The island was occupied by Dorians, Ionians, Athenians, Romans, Venetians and finally Russians before it was passed on to the Turks in 1617. It was deserted in 1715 after the Turkish admiral Tzanoum Hotza attacked and pillaged the island. It was re-occupied around 1770.

There are 2 caves on the island, Faraggi and Chryssospilia (Golden Cave). According to the locals they are interconnected and one can visit both on foot although Chryssospilia is easier to access by small boats.

Accomodation is limited and booking should be made in advance (especially during high season: 15 July - 20 August). Click here for a list of hotels and rooms to let in Folegandros. There is one camping next to the port in Livadi. 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, Vardia, Pountaki, Latinaki, Katergo, Agios Nikolaos etc. Sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and spearfishing can be fascinating in the blue waters surrounding Folegandros.

There are no cars for rent on the island, only motorbikes or scooters, however there is a regular bus connection between Chora and Karavostasis, Angali and Ano Meria.

If you are departing from Athens we suggest Attica Express Ltd travel agency (105 Aiolou & Panepistimiou str - downtown Athens - Phone: 210 3242170 , 210 3242106, Fax: 210 3248909). You can telephone them and book boat or plane tickets and they'll deliver them to your hotel.