Folegandros is located between Santorini and Milos in the southern part of Aegean Sea. Although Folegandros becomes more and more popular remains authentic, pure and chic, offering to the visitors a relaxful holidays.

Folegandros was inhabited by various people in ancient times and took several names from them.
Polikandros (many men) was the first name given by the first inhabitants who were only men, Phelekgundary (iron land) was named by the Phoenicians who lived on the island for trade reasons and realized how hard the land is and the current name was given by the son of King Minos of Crete, Folegandros.
Folegandros was ruled by the Venetians until the 1566, then the Turks plundered it until they had ravaged it with their pirate raids, then ruled it again until 1821 and last, the period 1928-1971 Folegandros was an exile of communists.

KASTRO
It is the most ancient settlement of the island. It was built in 1212 by Marco Sanudo, Duke of the Aegean, to protect the inhabitants from pirate attacks. Paraporti and Loggia are called the two unique entrances. Its shape is triangular, with one side in the northern part of the island over the cliff to watch the pirates’ movements in the sea and protect themselves in time. Most of the houses are small and one-roomed buildings with small courtyards separated by small walls. Everything is protected by the wind even during the winter.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM

Ιn Ano Meria is located the Folegandros Folklore Museum which opened in 1988. It’s a “themonia” like all houses in Ano Meria that reconstructs life in a traditional rural house. The main residence, the cellar, the stone-built oven, the stable, the barn and the library consist the whole complex. In the open there are the threshing-floor, cistern, grape press and olive press. A nice sightseeing to visit with your car.

FAROS (LIGHTHOUSE)

It is called Faros Aspropountas because it was planned to be located in Aspropounta bay. Plans changed but the name remained the same. In 1921 the lighthouse was first operated. First functioning on wick then changed to gas-oil mechanism and the lighthouse keepers used to live in a small house built in the base of the lighthouse. Since 1986 it runs on automatic solar-energy mechanism.

You can reach Faros by a footpath starting from Ano Meria or from Livadaki beach.

Rent your car and explore the little villages of the island independent of public transport, waiting and crowding.

Folegandros has three main villages:

KARAVOSTASI VILLAGE (PORT)
Karavostasis is the island’s port and one of two seaside settlements.

A good choice to those who prefer the quiet and relaxed life of a traditional small port village with easy access to some small beaches around (2-3 minutes car drive). From Karavostasis you can admire the sunrise, nearby Sikinos and several rocky islets. Also, the boat excursions for the island’s tour and Katergo beach depart from the port.

HORA VILLAGE
Going up the main road from the port, at a 3 km distance and easy drive, you meet Hora, the biggest settlement and capital of the island. Consecutive squares, the Kastro, and well-preserved stone paved streets rank Hora among the best of Cyclades. Many shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and rooms can be found here, giving to visitors many options of stay and night life.

ANO MERIA VILLAGE
After Hora, heading West for 7 km easy drive by car, you find the second big settlement, Ano Meria. It is the agricultural settlement of the island. Its characteristic buildings, referred as “themonies”, were built on the windy and arid zone of the island and are self-sufficient units, scattered on both sides of the main road. A different village than others, worth to visit.

…one summer village…

AGALI VILLAGE
Agali is the newest settlement of the island between Hora and Ano Meria. Agali Beach is the easiest to access by car, and being on the South side it is protected from Northern winds. The visitor can find restaurants, cafés, rooms to let and hotels. On both sides of Agali there are a few other beaches: Fira, to the left hand side, Galyfos, Aghios Nikolaos and Livadaki, to the right. Leave the car in the parking of Agali and walk to the beaches or take the little boats.

…and two little rural villages…

PETOUSIS AND LIVADI VILLAGES
Livadi is just a 5-minute drive from Karavostasis (port). There are some farmhouses and a good deal of cultivated land since the area is among the most fertile ones. Livadi has one of the nicest and easy accessible beaches.
Petousis can be reached from Hora in 15 minutes by car. It consists of a few farmhouses and it’s very interested to visit especially if you’re lucky and meet any farmer.