The Best Things To Do In Folegandros

Folegandros is the sleepy Greek Island where time stands still and authentic traditional culture reigns true over the more common touristic luxuries one might find on other islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos. Put simply, Folegandros is where you go to relax! Better yet, it’s where the Greek population goes to relax! There is no glistening nightlife. There are no crowded tourist shopping streets. There is no cruise-ship port. There is no coastline that is jammed-packed with sun-beds and loud music. It’s just, perfect in every way.

So what does Folegandros have to offer then? Peace and quiet, pristine scenery and natural terrain, tonnes of amazing Greek cuisine, a picture-perfect traditional village that hasn’t changed in decades, perfect weather, and some of the most amazing beaches you will ever see – all without the crowds you will find on other Greek Islands! Get in quick though, this hidden-gem won’t stay this way forever!

In this blog I want to take you through some of the most amazing things to do on the island of Folegandros. Having been to more than 10 different Greek Islands over my lifetime, I would have to say that Folegandros is up there towards the top of my list, and is possibly even my favourite! I hope to go back there again soon, but for now, I guess I’ll have to imagine myself there in your shoes, experiencing the things I once experienced for myself – falling in love with the island once more, as if for the first time!

Here is my ultimate 3-day itinerary which includes the very best things to do in Folegandros!

DAY 1

EXPLORE THE WINDING STREETS OF CHORA VILLAGE

On the day that you arrive on Folegandros, I could only imagine that you would want to take it a little bit easy. The ferry from Athens is quite a distance and can be very draining, and even if you are coming from nearby Santorini, by the time you have checked into your hotel, you probably won’t have an entire day to make the most of the island anyway. So, on the first day, we will keep it pretty simple!

Chora is the main central town of the Greek Island, Folegandros, and it truly is a magical little village! The village is lined with beautiful cobblestoned streets than run through and endless maze of picture-perfect white painted homes, stores and restaurants. You won’t find big crowds here, as this island is best known for not being known at all – it is actually where the Greek people go to get away from the international tourists that invade the more popular island destinations!

What you will find though, is amazing authentic traditional Greek cuisine, a nice selection of boutique stores, and gorgeous flowers throughout the town – it really is divine!

TAKE IN THE MAGICAL SUNSET FROM THE CHURCH OF PANAGIA (VIRGIN MARY)

If you’re lucky enough to be travelling to the Greek Island of Folegandros, then the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) is the place you are going to want to watch the sunset from! By far the most famous church on the island, it rests atop a mountain overlooking the beautiful village of Chora. While there is a short up-hill walk involved – a zig-zagging cobblestone pathway leading up the mountain – once you get to the top and see the magnificent views, you will be glad you made the journey!

DINE IN THE COURTYARDS OF THE FABULOUS RESTAURANT CHIC (TO SIK)

Restaurant Chic (To Sik) is yet another fantastic restaurant to indulge your senses while staying on the magical Greek Island of Folegandros. The traditional authentic Greek cuisine ranges to serve all appetites and tastes, and also has many options for both Vegans and Vegetarian customers too. Located in the vibrant centre of the Piazza Square in Chora Village, the atmosphere is perfectly relaxed and gives way to a fabulous dining experience for all. So, come on down and experience Folegandros the way the true people of Greece experience it – we know you’ll love it!

DAY 2

SPEND THE DAY RELAXING ON FIRA BEACH – A PICTURE-PERFECT HIDDEN WONDERLAND

Located on the sleepy and untouched Greek Island of Folegandros, Fira Beach is something out of a dream! Folegandros is an island which is largely unknown to the millions of tourists who travel to the Aegean each year, and further-more, Fira Beach is largely unknown to those who do travel here – it is literally a hidden beach on a hidden island, and it is quite possibly one of the most relaxing beaches you will ever visit.

Surprisingly, Fira Beach is only a very short walk from the neighbouring Agali Beach – one of the most popular locations on Folegandros – but for some reason people aren’t willing to make the relatively easy hike to get there. Bath in the crystal-clear water and look back at the stunning natural terrain of the island – but beware – this beach is so peaceful that you may not want to leave!

DINE IN THE BREATHTAKING PASITHEA RESTAURANT OVERLOOKING AGALI BEACH

Perched at the top of the cliffs which surround Agali Beach, and only a short walk back from Fira Beach, the traditional Greek restaurant of Pasithea is one that really should not be missed! With uninterrupted views of the entire bay, sit back and experience some of the best authentic Greek cuisine on the island of Folegandros.

It is the perfect way to finish a relaxing day at the beach, and with so many different beaches in the area, you can have an excuse to dine here almost every day! While the restaurant is rarely filled, we recommend making a reservation in advance, to secure one of the highly sought after tables with amazing views of the surrounding waters and cliff faces.

AGALIA BEACH IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FIRA BEACH – IT’S EASIER TO GET TO, BUT it’s MORE CROWDED…

Agali Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Greek Island of Folegandros, and for good reason – it is the jumping point to some of the most spectacular deserted coastlines on the southern-side of the island! The bus will travel to Agali Beach from Chora Village, and from here you can enjoy the pristine waters, picturesque sweeping views, traditional gourmet restaurants and cafes, or take a short water-taxi, or hike, to some of the most beautiful untouched beaches you have ever seen!

DAY 3

TAKE THE ANO MERIA TO LIVADAKI BEACH HIKE & EXPERIENCE THE RUGGED ISLAND TERRAIN

As I’ve said so many time already, Folegandros is one of the most beautiful untouched islands of Greece; a paradise where you can experience sprawling and rugged terrains, as well as endless hidden beaches scattered along the coastline. Folegandros is a place which is truly wonderful and authentic, and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the island is to take one of the many hikes on offer! While there are many trails one could take, the hike from the town of Ano Meria down to the pristine wonderland of Livadaki Beach is at the top of the list, and is something that traveller to Folegandros should experience if they can!

Take a short bus ride from Chora Village to Ano Meria, departing at end of the line, and follow the signed pathway down to the crystal-clear waters that glisten on the edge of the cliffs… you will not regret it! The added benefit of this journey is that you don’t even have to hike back! Once you have finished relaxing by the water, catch the hourly water-taxi back to Agali Beach and then the bus home to Chora Village – BRILLIANT!

Of course, if you would prefer to hike back, there is also a trail that leads from Livadaki Beach all the way back to Agali Beach, or even right back to Chora Village for the hard-core hikers out there!

SPEND A LAZY AFTERNOON LAYING BY THE CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS OF LIVADAKI BEACH

Livadaki Beach is yet another diamond to be found on the magical island of Folegandros. Hidden away from the large crowds that one would normally imagine on a typical Greek Island, Folegandros is largely uninhabited and certainly unnoticed by most tourists. Livadaki Beach goes one step further; it is a largely unknown beach, out of sight, even from those people who made the effort to research, discover, and travel to this largely unknown paradise. A hidden gem inside a hidden gem, if you will!

Livadaki Beach Is only accessible by water-taxi or hiking trail, and for this reason is one of the most pristine destinations you might find on Folegandros. The towering cliff faces are parted by the picture-perfect crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, which wash up on the beautiful and uninhabited sands of Livadaki Beach. Make the effort to find this beach and you will be rewarded with one of the most relaxing experiences on offer.

Once you have finished on the beach, look out for the local water-taxi which will arrive every hour to take you back to Agali Beach, where you can catch a bus back to Chora Village.

DINE IN THE FIRST RESTAURANT ESTABLISHED ON FOLEGANDROS – RESTAURANT ‘O’ KRITIKOS

Of course, we have saved the best for last, at least in terms of cuisine! Restaurant ‘o’ Kritikos is located on the Greek Island of Folegandros, in the Piazza Square of Chora Village, and is famously known as the first restaurant to come to this magnificent island.

Much like the rest of Folegandros, Restaurant ‘o’ Kritikos is steeped in tradition, and boasts a relaxed vibe and authentic Greek atmosphere. Serving exceptional cuisine and fantastic Greek wines – in what might be the most charming Plaza in Chora Village – has made this delightful tavern extremely popular among both residents and tourists alike, and as such, you may be required to wait for a short period during peak times!