10 best things to do in Folegandros

The Chora of Folegandros is considered by many to be the most beautiful main town in the Cyclades – and it’s not hard to see why. Built on the edge of a cliff, it creates a magical setting of cobblestone lanes leading to small squares, whitewashed houses with blue shutters, bougainvillea climbing the walls and little cafes with chairs spilling into the open air. The central square, known as Piatsa, is where locals and visitors gather on summer evenings. From there, you can lose yourself in the alleyways, passing through the medieval Kastro quarter, where every turn reveals a little secret – a traditional coffee house, a home with brightly painted shutters or a quiet spot overlooking the sea. As the sun sets, lanterns and shop lights give Chora a dreamlike quality. This is where you’ll try local dishes in quaint tavernas, enjoy a drink in atmospheric bars and experience summer in the Cyclades at its most authentic. A wander through Chora is something no holiday in Folegandros is complete without.

A walking tour of Folegandros’ main town

Next on your list of things to do in Folegandros is to visit the Church of Panagia, perched above Chora on a rocky outcrop in a way that makes it seem like it is floating over the Aegean. Its whitewashed walls gleam in the sun, while the zigzagging stone path leading there is an experience in itself. The walk takes around 15-20 minutes at a relaxed pace, with each step rewarded by ever-expanding views – Chora spreading below, cliffs dropping dramatically into the sea, and the endless blue beyond.

The best time to go is just before sunset. As you climb, the sky shifts from gold to orange, then pink and violet, painting the whole landscape in colour. By the time you reach the church, the scene peaks in beauty: the sun sinking behind the horizon and Chora glowing at your feet. It’s one of the most romantic sunsets in the Cyclades, so don’t rush back down. Sit on the stone steps or in the courtyard and take it all in. More than a religious symbol, the Church of Panagia is a place where travellers connect with the wild beauty of Folegandros.

Agios Nikolaos is one of the best beaches in Folegandros, combining easy access with a feeling of complete tranquillity. Nestled in a small, sheltered bay, it greets you with tamarisk trees that cast generous shade over the sand – nature’s own umbrellas. You can get there either by boat from Agali (a short but scenic trip) or by following a footpath from the same beach, a walk of around 15-20 minutes. However you arrive, you’re rewarded with crystal-clear waters that shift from turquoise to deep blue as the day goes on. Spread out your towel in the shade of the tamarisk trees and let your body and mind dive into the blue.

A small taverna by the beach serves simple but delicious meals – fresh fish and crisp salads are the highlights. Agios Nikolaos captures everything people love about beaches in Folegandros. The unspoiled beauty and laid-back atmosphere are perfect for losing yourself in a book, falling asleep in the shade or swimming as often as you like.

If you’re looking for what to do in Folegandros beyond enjoying the beaches and the sights of Chora, the short trail from Agali to Galifos is a perfect introduction. Hugging the hillside, the path takes just 15 minutes to complete, but it showcases the wild beauty of the Cycladic landscape. It starts at Agali beach and climbs gently along the slope. Wear trainers or comfortable shoes, as parts are rocky. Each turn opens up a new perspective of the coastline, with the cliffs plunging towards the sea.

Your reward is Galifos, a small pebble beach with crystal-clear waters that are made for snorkelling and a feeling that you are hidden from the world. It’s usually much quieter than Agali, with no umbrellas or tavernas here – only the sound of the waves and the chance to swim in peace. It’s a reminder that Folegandros is an island made for walkers, where even a short walk can offer unforgettable views.

Discover Greece tip: See below for safety tips on hiking in Greece

Discover the hiking paths of Folegandros

Katergo is perhaps the most iconic beach in Folegandros – a strip of fine pebbles framed by stark cliffs and some of the clearest waters you’ll ever swim in. Reaching it is part of the adventure: either a 30-minute hike from Livadi or, even more memorably, a short boat ride from Karavostasis, the island’s port.

As the boat approaches, the scene unfolds dramatically – a bare, untamed shoreline with no shade or facilities. This is Folegandros at its wildest and most untouched. The sea is deep and dazzlingly clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you visit Katergo for the day, come prepared. Bring water, snacks and an umbrella if you want shade, because here nature provides the setting and nothing else. Most people happily spend hours diving into the turquoise waters – an undoubted highlight of any holidays in Folegandros.

Spreading across the rural landscape north of Chora, Ano Meria is the second-largest village on Folegandros. With dry-stone walls, small fields and scattered whitewashed houses, the feeling here is different – more rural, more tranquil – with a rhythm of life that hasn’t changed for decades. It is best in late afternoon, when the heat of the day fades and the light turns golden. As you wander the few lanes, you’ll see locals tending gardens, children playing and elderly residents chatting on doorsteps – Folegandros at its most authentic.

A highlight is the Folklore Museum, housed in a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll discover how rural life once revolved around ovens, stables, storerooms and handmade tools. Afterwards, settle into one of the village tavernas and order local specialities such as matsata (handmade pasta) with rooster or goat, accompanied by a salad and house wine. Ano Meria may not have bright lights or nightlife, but it offers something far rarer – a taste of the traditional character of Folegandros.

For anyone who loves hiking and the wild beauty of the Cyclades, the trail to the Aspropounta Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse is one of the most distinctive things to see in Folegandros, perched proudly on the southeastern tip where it has stood watch over the Aegean since 1919. The walk begins in Ano Meria and takes around 30-40 minutes. It’s not especially difficult, but you’ll want sturdy shoes, a hat and plenty of water.  Along the way, the views are spectacular – sheer cliffs, rock formations carved by the wind and panoramas that capture the raw essence of Folegandros.

When you reach the lighthouse, the reward is the endless blue stretching to the horizon, with Milos and Polyegos often visible in the distance. At sunset, the sea and sky turn crimson, and the atmosphere is one of pure serenity. It’s Folegandros at its most untamed – a reminder that your list of things to do in Folegandros is as much about discovery as it is about relaxation.

Discover Greece tip: See below for safety tips on hiking in Greece

Within Chora, there’s a spot known as Pounda where the views are breathtaking. Close to Kastro and the old town walls, the cliff opens dramatically towards the sea, offering a panorama that perfectly captures the essence of Folegandros and the Cyclades. From here, you look down on Chora clinging to the rock, the Aegean stretching endlessly beyond and the gentle hills of the island framing the horizon. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or just before sunset, when the light turns golden and the whitewashed houses glow against the sea.

Sitting on the rocks or strolling along the old wall, you feel both the power and the calm of the Aegean in perfect harmony with the human scale of Chora and Folegandros in general. It’s a view you’ll want to capture – the village in the foreground, the sea beneath and distant islands adding depth to the horizon. It’s one of those moments that will stay with you long after your holidays in Folegandros have ended.

Folegandros, one of the most charming small islands in the Cyclades, is connected to mainland Greece via Piraeus Port.

From Piraeus:

• High-speed and conventional ferries: ~4 hr to ~10 hr to Karavostasis Port (Folegandros)

From Santorini (seasonal, summer months only):

• High-speed ferry: ~50 min to ~1 hr 30 min to Folegandros Port

Ferries usually offer vehicle decks, numbered seats, and basic onboard services.

Luggage is typically included in the ticket, with storage spaces available on board.

In summer, you can also find direct ferry routes between Folegandros and nearby islands like Milos, Sifnos, Ios, and Santorini.