FOLEGANDROS

(Pocket Guide )
FOLEGANDROS

Folegandros is an island of moderation. The gradual development of tourism over the last two decades has allowed the island to retain its traditional
features while introducing modern amenities and organized tourist services.

Folegandros is just 104 nautical miles from Piraeus. During the peak season there are four sailings per week, and the journey lasts nine hours on the
Western Cyclades ferry route (twice weekly) and eleven hours on the Eastern Cyclades ferry routes (twice weekly).

The island's main settlements are Hora, Ano Meria, the port village of Karavostasis, and the resort of Agali. There are secondary settlements at Livadi and
Petousi. Administratively the island comes under the Thira Eparchy of the Cyclades prefecture.

Following arrival at Karavostasis, visitors are immediately drawn to the narrow lanes of Hora and from there to exploring the passages of Kastro, the old
fortified settlement, and the Panayia Promontory with its panoramic view over the Aegean. Next on the itinerary is swimming at either the island's secluded
beaches or its more popular ones and exploring the island via a network of footpaths. Home cooking offered in all tavernas is also considered an attraction.

Hora, built on a plateau about 200 meters above sea level and about 3.5 kilometers from Karavostasis, preserves its vernacular architecture. Stone-paved
lanes, a number of neighborhood squares, and the old fortified settlement of Kastro are themselves attractions. Taking in the view from Kastro's northern
side on Pounta square, lazy afternoons in the shaded Dounavis square, and the lively night-time atmosphere in Piazza comprise the memorable
experiences of a holiday on Folegandros.

Karavostasis, the port, is a tranquil settlement, ideal for swimming and relaxation.

HISTORY

The Phoenician word "phelekgundari" means rocky land and is one of the possible roots of Folegandros's name. By another account, the island is named
after its first inhabitant, Folegandros, a son of the King Minos of Crete. Under Venetian rule, the island's official name became "Polykandros".

After the fall of Constantinople in 1204 and the emergence of Venice as the supreme power in the Aegean, Venetians and Turks sought to seize control of
the island.

In 1715, Folegandros fell to the Turks. It was united with Greece in 1828.

During the Metaxas dictatorship, Folegandros became a place of internal exile, much as it had been during Roman rule.

SIGHTS

Panayia: Panayia, the island's most important church, is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. It perches on a rocky face over Hora and was built on the
site of an ancient temple; ancient epigraphs and statue bases can be seen in the court and inside the church. Panayia is a single-aisle, multiple-domed
church basilica with a tall steeple. It was renovated in 1687, according to a marble inscription, and took its present form during restorations conducted from
1816 to 1821. A marble iconostasis, the bishop's throne, and the pulpit are the works of the noted Tinos sculptor Kaparias. A Byzantine-era icon of the
Virgin, said to be endowed with miraculous powers, is housed within the church and is mentioned in island lore and pirate tales. Panayia is reached via a
cobblestone path from Pounta square after a roughly 15-minute walk.

Kastro: Hora's old town comprises a medieval fortified settlement. The northern side is built at the edge of a sheer cliff, 210 meters above the sea. The
homes, many more than ten centuries old, are all inhabited and in good condition. Kastro has been declared under historical preservation and is under the
purview of the local department of the Archaeological Service.

Ethnographic Museum: The island's Ethnographic Museum is housed in a 19th-century farmhouse, or themonia, in Ano Meria. Exhibits recreate a typical
farm household such as those that existed on the island through the mid-20th century. The museum is run by the Folegandros Cultural Society and is open
during the summer from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

Chrysospilia: Chrysospilia, an unexplored cave, is an impressive natural monument located on the island's northeastern coast, about 10 meters over the
sea. Human remains, shards, and a Roman reservoir have been uncovered inside. The cave was used for cult worship and coming-of-age rituals in the
fourth century B.C. It's accessible by sea only in calm seas, and special permission is required to visit the site.

Aspropounta Lighthouse: The lighthouse was built in 1919, about 58 meters above the sea; it stands 11 meters high. Aspropounta's beam is visible at a
distance of 17 nautical miles. When first built, it was lit by wick and later by a mechanism powered by oil and steam. Since 1986 it has been solar-powered.
The lighthouse can be reached on foot from Livadaki, about 15 minutes, or from Pano Meria.

BEACHES

Hohlidia - Vardia - Katergo - Livadi - Agali - Ayios Nikolaos - Livadaki - Ampeli - Ayios Georgios - Voreina - Serfiotiko: At Folegandros's beaches, the scene
is set by clear waters, green shingle seabed, secluded sandy coves shaded by tamarisks, and tavernas serving fresh fish by the water. Beaches are
accessible by fishing boat, car, or bus, while the more secluded beaches are best reached on foot. Folegandros is an ideal destination for walks and hikes
thanks to an extensive network of footpaths framed by dry stone walls leading past old mills, abandoned haystacks, canyons, and remote chapels.

Karavostasis (Hohlidia): Located just off the harbor at Karavostasis, this beach extends off the settlement along the shore. Recommended for families, the
beach is shaded by tamarisks and lined with bars, tavernas, and hotels. In summer, children can take swimming and sailing lessons organized by the
Folegandros Nautical Club. The beach is sand and pebble, with a sand seabed. It's ideal for children as one end is quite shallow and the cove is sheltered
from winds so the water is rarely choppy.

Livadi: Located on the island southeastern shore, the beach is next to a sparsely populated resort. It's reached by car from Karavostasis. Tamarisks offer
shade, and there's a restaurant within the grounds of the organized camping site. The beach has fine belles and a sand seabed.

Agali: Located on the southern shore, the beach extends from a resort settlement. It's reached by bus, private vehicle, or boat from Karavostasis. Agali is a
good choice for families. There are tavernas and a handful of rental rooms. The beach is fine sand with a sand seabed. Nearby is the small, sandy cove of
Fyra, reachable by footpath (about 10 mins). Also nearby is Yalifos, also accessible by the footpath leading to Ayios Nikolaos; rental rooms are available
but these do not have electricity.

Ayios Nikolaos: Beach on the southern shore, close to Agali in an uninhabited part of the island. It's accessible by boat from Agali or on foot - 20 minutes
from Agali and 45 minutes from Ano Meria. There is no road. Tamarisks along the shore offer shade, and there's a small restaurant. The beach and
seabed are sand with small pebbles.

Livadaki: Located near the Aspropounta lighthouse in an unpopulated area. It's reached by boat from Karavostasis and Agali, or on foot from Pano Meria
(about 1 hour); it is not accessible by road. The beach offers little natural shade; swimmers should bring drinking water as the beach is quite remote and
there has no taverna. The beach and seabed are smooth white pebble. The water is crystal clear.

Ampeli: Located on the island's northwestern shore in an uninhabited area. Access is on foot or by private boat. The footpath sets off from the Ayios
Pandeleimon chapel in Pano Meria (about 30 minutes). Orchards slightly off the shore offer thick shade. Swimmers should bring drinking water. The beach
and seabed are pebble and shingle.

Ayios Georgios: Located on the northeastern shore in an uninhabited area. Access is by a good dirt road, about 10 minutes from Ano Meria or by foot,
after an hour's walk. Tamarisks offer shade. Swimmers should bring drinking water. The beach and seabed are sand and pebble. Nearby, there's a good
beach at Lygaria.

Voreina: Located on the island's northern coast in an uninhabited area. The beach is accesible only on foot, about 20 minutes, via a footpath that sets off
from the windmills off the left-hand side of the Hora - Ano Meria road. There's no natural shade and swimmers should bring drinking water. The beach and
seabed are green shingle.

Serfiotiko: Located on the island's northern coast in an uninhabited area. The beach is accesible only on foot from Ano Meria, about 40 minutes. Sparse
tamarisks offer a little shade. The beach and seabed are sand, pebble, and shingle.

EVENTS

The Folegandros Cultural Society organizes art, ceramics, and photography exhibits every summer. On nights with a full moon, concerts and poetry
readings are held at the Ethnographic Museum in Ano Meria.

The Maritime Society organizes swimming and sailing races every August at Karavostasis and Agali.

In July, the Folegandros Festival hosts a number of events in Kastro, Karavostasis, and Ano Meria, including screenings, theater, and concerts featuring
Greek or classical museum. Thematic exhibits are organized in the neoclassical Elementary School building throughout the summer.

The island's Easter celebrations are unique as the Panayia's icon removed from the monastery and taken in procession from home to home in a
celebratory mood marked by songs and fireworks; the icon is welcomed with wine, raki, and sweets. On Easter Sunday, the icon is taken in procession
around Hora and Kastro, where it's welcomed with fireworks. On Easter Monday, the icon is then taken to Ano Meria and farmhouses, while at
Karavostasis it is also taken to bless fishing boats and any yachts docked there. That night, it's returned to the monastery, where it remains until the
following Easter.

USEFUL PHONES

COMMUNITY OF FOLEGANDROS 2286041285

CITIZENS SERVICE BUREAU (KEP) 2286027180
MEDICAL CENTRE 2286041222
PORT STATION 2286041530
POLICE STATION 2286041249
TAXI STATION (ONLY ONE) 6944693957
BUS STATION (TWO BUSES) 6944906158
POST OFFICE-POSTAL SAVINGS 2286041299

ORGANIZATIONS CATALOGUE

ACCOMMODATION

LIGHT BLUE HOME CHORA RESORT PROVALMA STUDIOS

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041565,
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041590 ANO MERIA,2286041132, 6944813220
6984348067

ARTEMIS LAMPRINI NOTOS IN FOLEGANDROS

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041313, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041266, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,6932 437641,
6974803628 6936976030 6975706638

VARDIA BAY AMPELOS RESORT KYMANEMI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041544,
KARAVOSTASIS,2286041277, 6945398089 AGALI,2286041190, 6932297896
6947429557
AGIA MARINA PERIGIALI ELENI MARINAKI
AGALI,2286041116, 6981803263 AGALI,2286041105, 6988389030 AGALI,2286041086, 6943442574

ANEMOUSA HOTEL IRENE ALITANES

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041235,
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041077 ANO MERIA,2286041655, 6974874917
6974739016

EVGENIA ROMILOS LEMON TREE HOUSES BOUTIQUE

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041006, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041130, VILLAS
6944412849 6944754149 ANO MERIA,2286041646, 6972018928

RESTAURANTS

I LOTZIA EVA'S GARDEN WINE BAR MERKOURI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041506, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041110, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041540,
6972661004 6937321098 6977272373

I PIATSA SOUVLAKI CLUB

PSAROMILIGAS CHORA
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041002,
AGALI,2286041116, 6977401697 FOLEGANDROU,2286041274,
6981465712
6948042258

TO SIK AGALI OUZERI TO GOUPI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041515, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041057,
AGALI,2286041109, 6978813763
6974676441 6974069753

PANE VINO WINDMILLS RESTAURANT PANORAMA

ANO MERIA,6942244841, 6934032731 ANO MERIA,2286041655, 6974874917 AGALI,2286041546, 6949834258

POUNTA TO SPITIKO
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041063,
CHORA I SYNANTISI
FOLEGANDROU,2286041235, ANO MERIA,2286041208, 6945706164
6973492103
6974739016

POSTO ZEFYROS ANEMOS ARAXE

CHORA
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041270, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041495,
FOLEGANDROU,2286041556,
6977446589 6978613551
6932370180

O THEIOS TO ZYMARAKI MIMIS

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041561,
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041020 ANO MERIA,2286041377, 6938716652
6947192931

CHRYSOSPILIA PERIGIALI TO ASYGKRITO

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041117, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041266,
AGALI,2286041105
6945752726 6936976030

PASITHEA KANTINA LOUSTRIA MELISSA

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041067,
AGALI,2286041094, 6932453966 LIVADI,2286041195, 6976517626
6977919513

ENTERTAINMENT

RAKENTIA AQUARIUS ASTARTI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041581, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041319, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041389,
6945102288 6946470500 6972644183

BEEZ BAR BARAKI k

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041541, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041461,
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2107258339
6972252391 6972712287

SWEET CHORA LAOUMI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041596 CHORA FOLEGANDROU, , 6974677149

TRAVEL AGENCIES - RENTALS

FOLEGANDROS SNAILS - DONKEY

SOTTOVENTO DIAPLOUS
SCOOTERS CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041444, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041158,
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041628, 6939498972 6948117182
6977451650

THEMONIA EVO RENT A CAR SCOOTERLAND VENETIA

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041565, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041623, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041316,
6984348067 6986760676 6977513559

ACTIVITIES
LAOGRAFIKO MOUSEIO FOLEGANDROU SEA U
ANO MERIA,2286041370 FOLEGANDROS,2286041624

LOCAL PRODUCTS

ARTOS & GEUSI TA DYO ADELFIA ZAFIRO MARINAKI

CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041064, CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041565,
ANO MERIA,2286041003, 6937351505
6957507771 6984348067

BYRA FOLEGANDROU
CHORA FOLEGANDROU,2286041581,
6986487059