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| Folegandros HOME | Folegandros Hotels | Folegandros Beaches | Folegandros Map | Folegandros Travel | Folegandros Car Rental |
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 The island of Folegandros in Greece Folegandros is one of the more remote Cycladic islands and situated northwest of the island of Santorini. It is 32 km2 large and has around 650 inhabitants. It is concidered romantic and an "up-market" island for people with a bit of money to spend. Because of its remote position in the islandgroup it is still relatively quiet and has retained most of its traditional character. Especially in the high season it can be hard to find a place to stay because of the limited number of accommodations. Hotels, apartments and studios can be found in Karavostasi (the port) and in Chora, but as these are both only small villages accommodations quickly fill up in Juli and August. The first impression you will get when you arrive in Folegandros by ferry is that it is barren and rocky. The port of Karavastasis is mostly modern and built for the tourism industry. In the bay lay the colourful kaiks (traditional wooden boats) and fishermen are mending their nets on the quay. In the village there are two beaches that can be reached by stairs. From Karavostasi the road goes north and south. The road southwards leads to Livadi Beach where there is also a camping site. To the north is the main road of the island that leads towards the capital Chora, the village of Ano Meria and the beach of Agios Georgios, which is all way up in the north. Between the port and the village of Chora there is a regular bus service and in between the port and the camping site in Livadi there is a shuttle bus (to pick up guests that arrive on the ferry). Chora, sometimes called Folegandros Town, lies at 3 km distance of the port. This village is the only large settlement on the island. It is an attractive typical Cycladic town with white cubic houses and it is set on the top of a 200 meter high cliff. Chora is a cosy mix of old white houses and small churches that are set around a couple of squares. Lots of trees take care of the shade and pots with flowers brighten up the streets. On the northeast side of Chora on a cliff hill stands the beautiful 19th century white Panagia Church on the foundations of an ancient city wall. From Chora there are paths leading down but you have to be careful because people have been reported as fallen off these cliffs never to be found again. The part with the main attraction, the best preserved medieval "Kastro" of the Cyclades (the other well preserved one can be found in Antiparos) is the prettiest part of the village. The ancient kastro that dates from 1212 AD consists of a number of houses built around a square and some streets in such a way that they make a fortress together. They were built this way so the inhabitants could protect themselves against pirate attacks. The old whitewashed houses, brightly coloured balconies and pretty flower filled streets make this the most picturesque part of the village. Most of the (up-market) hotels and apartments can be found along the main road leading towards the village. After Chora the road goes on to the smaller village of Ano Meria (sometimes connected by bus). The village of Ano Meria holds nothing spectacular but the road leading towards it is interesting. There are many windmills and there are great views over the sea to the islands of Serifos and Crete. In Ano Meria you can find the only museum of the island, a Folk Museum. |
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Beaches on the island of Folegandros Besides the village pebble beaches in the port of Karavostasi and the beach near the camping at Livadi (plus small beaches in between), there are several other beaches on the island of Folegandros. At a little under an hours walk from Chora there is the very good sand beach of Agali (sometimes called "Vathi", sometimes written as Agkali or Ankali - you know the Greek ways of clearly giving a place or a beach a name). At this beach there are a couple of tavernas that also offer rooms for rent. From Agali beach leads a path to another good beach, the beach of Agios Nikolaos. In high season kaiks from Karavostasi also make excursions from the port to these two beaches. Further away in the north of Folegandros you can visit the beach of Agios Georgios (45 minutes walk from Ano Meria). |
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Hotels on the island of Folegandros - Vardia Bay Studios Overlooking the sea and Karavostasi Village, Vardia Bay provides comfortable self-catering studios and beautiful sea and village views, along with free internet access and free private parking. Vardia Bay Studios are situated along 3 different levels, allowing for beautiful views, close to the sandy beach. Relax in your comfortable and fully equipped studio and admire the stunning views of the sea. Start the day with a tasty continental breakfast in the privacy of your room. Check your emails using Vardia Bay’s free internet access. Take a stroll through Karavostasi and visit the local shops, bakeries and cosy taverns. Walk along the private sandy beach. With its superb views and modern comforts, Vardia Bay Studios is an ideal base for exploring Folegandros. Check availability and prices & book Vardia Bay Studios in Folegandros CLICK HERE |
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Travel to Folegandros in Greece - the ferries to FolegandrosFolegandros has regular connections with the mainland (Piraeus - one of the ports of Athens). Sea Jets Consortium has a fast catamaran (passengers only) leaving in the morning and arriving in Folegandros (after a stop in Milos) some 4 hours later - you can check their website. Also check the websites of "Aegean Speedlines" (with a car ferry - route picture on the right, after Milos the ferry goes on to Folegandros) and "Zante Ferries" that have a connection with Folegandros and that makes stops at several other islands. All this said, it is wise to check the initiaries of the ferries on the internet in advance because they often change, and also from year to year things and routes can change. The nearest airport to Folegandros is situated on Milos island, but it is only for domestic flights since this is not an international airport. It is also possible to fly to Athens and than take a plane to Milos and from there take the ferry. |
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Rent A Bike At Folegandros Island - Scooterland Venetia in ChoraIf you are going to visit an island in Greece I say it is always a good idea to rent a car or a motor cycle (even if it is only for one or two days). I haven't found a car rental on the island, but I did find this one, Scooterland, where you can rent bikes and quads. If you want you can call them or e-mail them and reserve ahead. Telephone +30 2286 041316 / Mobile +30 6972 184814 - e-mail: Send an e-mail to Scooterland Venetia in Folegandros. |
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Hans Huisman, Colombo Francesco Luigi, Vardia Bay Studios, Scooterland Venetia, www.angelfire.com/super2/greece 2009