Folegandros

Folegandros

Folegandros is a charming Greek island located in the southern cluster of the Cyclades, known for its traditional Cycladic architecture, stunning beaches, and serene atmosphere. A mountainous and rocky island, it possesses a wild beauty that enchants those who visit. Through the booktickets platform, you can purchase cheap ferry tickets. Here, you will find all available ferry routes with all the discounts for passengers and vehicles.

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History of Folegandros

The first evidence of human presence in Folegandros dates back to the Early Cycladic II period in the 3rd millennium BCE. In Chrysospilia, the walls and ceilings of the chambers are filled with names and phrases dating back to the 4th century BCE, along with earlier and later samples. During the Roman Empire, despite the fact that many barren islands in the Cyclades were used as places of exile, Folegandros experienced some prosperity. In Paleokastro, the island's acropolis in historical times, there are few traces of habitation from the classical era to more recent times.

During the period of Venetian occupation, Folegandros was subordinated to the Duchy of Naxos, with the Gozadini family being the local rulers. Later, the island fell under the complete control of the Ottomans and experienced several desertions during the period of Ottoman rule, particularly due to pirate raids. In 1828, Folegandros became part of the newly established Greek state.

Beaches in Folegandros

  • Livadaki is a remote beach nestled in a cove, featuring small pebbles, white stones, and refreshing azure waters. The beach is surrounded by spacious cliffs that are perfect for exploration. Its natural beauty attracts many visitors, who arrive here by boat from Agali. The more adventurous ones can follow the two hiking trails that start from Panagia.
  • Agali is the largest beach in Folegandros, located around the picturesque bay of Vathi. It is surrounded by steep rocky hills and offers soft golden sand and crystal-clear deep green waters. This beach is ideal for endless swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the seabed. It is an unorganized beach that provides a sense of tranquility. In the nearby villages of Agali, there are seaside taverns that offer options for food and drinks.
  • Livadi Beach is located near the villages of Karavostasis and Livadi, and it is a stunning beach with golden sand, tamarisk trees, and crystalline waters. It is particularly popular among the youth as it offers opportunities for water sports and beach games. Especially during strong meltemi winds, it becomes a paradise for windsurfing. Close to the shore, there is a camping site with a restaurant and a bar for necessary provisions. The beach is accessible by boat from Agali or Karavostasis, as well as through a rugged trail from Ano Meria.

Sights in Folegandros

  • Visit the Aspropounta Lighthouse, a building that was constructed in 1919. This majestic lighthouse stands at an altitude of 58 meters above the sea and operates today with solar energy. The best time to visit is shortly before sunset. During this time, you can enjoy the enchanting view. You can reach there on foot from Livadaki or Ano Meria.
  • Discover the mountainous Ano Meria, an open-air museum of rural life with dry stone walls, footpaths, and scattered restored "themones" - self-sufficient traditional farmsteads with stables, ovens, threshing floors, chicken coops, and olive presses. Here, you can explore the way of life of the locals.
  • Enjoy a walk on the old cobblestone paths of the island, which form a network of trails spanning 20 kilometers. By traversing these paths, you can discover the history and tradition of the island.

Activities in Folegandros

  • In the imposing church of Panagia, located on a high rock above Chora, you can enjoy the stunning sunset. The courtyard of the temple and its interior are adorned with ancient inscriptions, sculptures, and statue bases, while the marble altar from the 19th century is impressive. You can reach there by following the uphill cobblestone path from Pounta Square.
  • Visit the amazing Folklore Museum of Folegandros in Ano Meria, an authentic museum that represents the way of life in 19th-century Folegandros through a traditional "themonea" - an autonomous rural dwelling. Here, you can discover the architecture, arts, and objects that represent the island's tradition and culture.
  • Don't miss the sunrise from the church of Panagia in Kastro, an exquisite example of island church architecture from the 18th century. The view embraces the horizon, reaching as far as Milos, Sifnos, and Kimolos.

How to travel to / from Folegandros?

Folegandros is an island in the Cyclades and is connected by ferry to mainland Greece via Lavrio and Piraeus.

  • Ferry Routes from Piraeus to Folegandros: The route takes less than 4 hours with high-speed catamaran ships operated by Seajets and conventional ships by Zante Ferries with a travel time of approximately 10 hours. The cost of the journey ranges from €48 to €84. The Seajets route makes intermediate stops at the islands of Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, while the Zante Ferries ship "Dionisios Solomos" stops at the islands of Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, and Kimolos.
  • Ferry Routes from Lavrio to Folegandros: Seajets, with the conventional ship "Sporades Star" operates this route in less than 13 hours, making intermediate stops at the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Sikinos. The passenger ticket cost is €28, and the cost for a car ticket is €71.
  • Ferry Routes from Mykonos to Folegandros: The route from Mykonos to Folegandros is serviced by high-speed catamaran ships operated by Seajets, covering the distance in approximately 4 hours with intermediate stops at the islands of Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. The ticket cost is €106.
  • Ferry Routes from Naxos to Folegandros: Seajets operates the route from Naxos to Folegandros with catamaran ships, offering ticket options for both passengers and vehicles. The duration of the journey is 2 hours, and the passenger ticket cost is €24, while the cost for a car ticket is €49.5. The route includes intermediate stops at the islands of Ios and Sikinos.


Additionally, Folegandros has ferry connections to Anafi, Amorgos (Katapola), Kea, Kimolos, Koufonisia, Kythnos, Milos, and other islands in the Cyclades. After selecting the appropriate ferry route, you can easily and quickly book your ferry ticket online through booktickets. Complete your reservation and secure your spot on the ship in advance.

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