Where to stay in Folegandros with comparison table
Folegandros Island is certainly not anymore one of the secret Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, but it has still maintained that lovely local character that is diminishing in the famous Santorini and Mykonos.
It is a relatively small island (around 13km long and max 2km wide) that you can comfortably explore by car or bus.
In this travel guide, you will find all the information you need to decide where to stay in Folegandros Island, including a practical table that compares in an easy and quick way the best towns and areas to stay in Folegandros.
Chora, the capital right in the centre of the island, is probably the best place to stay in Folegandros for an overall experience
However, there are other options that may work better for you if you prefer a secluded stay or a beach holiday or maybe just a practical base.
But let’s go into the juicy stuff.
Best places to stay in Folegandros Island – In a nutshell
The table below compares the major areas/destinations based on average cost ($-$$$$$), distance to the harbour, the beach (1-5 with 1 being the lowest score) and other factors. I added also links to suggested hotels in the area.
Click on the area name to read much more information about it, with all the pros and cons of booking there, besides tips on hotels, cafes, restaurants etc.
| Area Town | Best for | Avg. Cost | Suggested Hotel | Km from ferry | Beach | Character | Nightlife |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Chora) | Character, romantic couples | $$-$$$$ | Chora Resort | 3Km | NA | 5 | 3 |
| Agali | Beach, Chilled-out | $$-$$$$ | Pasithea | 8Km | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Karavostasis | Quiet, practical | $-$$$ | AMOsuites | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Ano Meria | Secluded, big houses, families | $$-$$$ | Alitanes | 8-10Km | NA | 3 | 1 |
The great thing about this island is that any place or beach is within a short bus ride.
There is an hourly bus that connects Karavostasis, where the ferry arrives, to the capital Chora through the stunning Agali Beach.
If you decide to stay in Karavostasis, you can also book one of the many boat services that will take you to a few unique coves and beaches.
Renting a scooter or car is another option which will allow you to see more of the north and south coast, where the bus does not arrive.
I usually book the car through DiscoverCars, a website that compares the rental prices of global and local car agencies providing the best value around.
Alternatively, contact a local rental agency. However, plan it well in advance in peak season because there are not as many available cars on the island.
Here below I have described the top 4 areas to stay in Folegandros Island, with pros and cons for each one, and a bunch of recommended accommodations
Chora
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Folegandros for an overall experience 🏩 Chora Resort Hotel is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: lovely old town, very characteristic with beautiful squares and a maze of tiny lanes, very romantic, plenty of restaurants and bars, pedestrian
- 👎 Cons: no beach (10 mins by bus), more expensive than any other area in Folegandros
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Restaurant Piatsa, Aquarius and Chic
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: Beez Cocktail Bar and Theo Bar
Chora is the main town of Folegandros, right in the centre of the island, where you will find most of the restaurants and bars, but do not think of any late-night clubs.
It is a lovely town with plenty of Cycladic features, from the whitewashed houses to the narrow lanes to finish on the panoramic views that you can get from Pounda Square.
I have seen many Greek islands in my life, and this Chora (Chora is usually the name of the main town of the islands) is really something else, full of tradition and not overly touristic.
This is the best place to stay for couples looking for a romantic and boutique breakaway with plenty of options in restaurants and late chilled-out drinking bars.
Indeed, you will not be at the beach, but both Agali Beach and Karavostasis Beach are within 10-15 minutes by car or bus, or less than an hour by foot.
Chora is the busiest town on the island, but far from any other busy places like Santorini, Mykonos, or Naxos.
It’s still very genuine and on a human scale. In fact, it is my suggested town to stay for an overall experience, even more so if it’s your first trip to Folegandros.
Chora is the place where you will find most of the accommodations of Folegandros. Here below 4 lovely hotels that are set apart for location, design and views.
Chora Resort Hotel
The resort is set in the scenic Chora, with views of the Aegean Sea.
Its quiet nature gives you a calm and relaxed stay.
When it comes to the rooms, they are air-conditioned, with satellite TV, and separate bathrooms. Hair dryer facilities are also provided.
Breakfast is available daily, with plenty of choices – and the premise is also close to restaurants and a local winery.
You can pamper yourself with a massage at the spa – and also with the hydro massage facilities at the outdoor swimming pool. There is free WiFi everywhere on the property.
Aria Boutique Hotel
Wake up to a daily continental breakfast, lounge back in rooms and suites that have beamed ceilings and lively accents, hit the pool or hot tub to relax those muscles, and chill on the sun terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea.
From the spa bath in the units guests check into, to the balcony that gives you views, and bathrooms complete with bathrobes and free toiletries – your stay at Aria Boutique Hotel will have you relaxed and pampered.
Sunsets from here are lovely, and the hotel is just a couple of minutes from Chora’s main restaurants.
Themonies Luxury Suites
This accommodation is in a building that traces its roots to the late 19th century – complete with fine touches like the fireplace and lounge bar in the sitting room.
Here you get spacious rooms, each with its balcony, sumptuous breakfast served in the rooms, and the town is just a 5-minute walk away.
Each of the residences has its unique layout and decor, right down to the art objects that have been set up – and they feature private courtyards. You get views of the Aegean, Chora and the Panagia Church from the balcony – where you can also take your meals as you soak in the sights.
Antheia
Located at the entrance of Folegandros Town and a 2-minute walk to Chora Centre, this hotel brings you comfort and convenience – even the bus station is right opposite it.
You can find Free parking available nearby as well.
With the accommodation, you get rooms with views of the Themonies and Agios Eleftherios – and they all come with the required air conditioning facilities, a TV, and extras like the electric kettle.
The bathrooms here have a hairdryer. The plants at the hotel add to the decor, and while at the Antheia you should be sure to catch the sunset and sunrise on the roof.
Agali
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Folegandros for beach time 🏩 Pasithea Folegandros is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: Amazing local beach and more boutique beaches within walking distance, quiet and chilled out
- 👎 Cons: 10 minutes by bus to Chora or a steep walk up (45 minutes), isolated (but that should be seen as a pro)
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Taverna Agali, O Psaromiligkas
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: go to Chora
This tiny village is the best place to stay in Folegandros if you are more of a beach person, that wants to relax by the sea, in a quiet environment
Agali Beach is surely one of the best on the island, with beautiful turquoise water and, great news, it’s mostly a sandy beach, with a few pebbles here and there, but nothing painful for the feet.
The great thing is that from Agali you can easily walk or take a boat to another 3 boutique beaches:
- Galgos Beach, direction west, in a little cove, less than 10 minutes by foot along the coast (around 500 metres)
- Agios Nikolaos Beach, keep walking direction west after Galgos Beach. As you approach it, you may think you are in heaven. It is a 20-minute walk, challenging in some points, but doable. You can also take a boat from Agali, very handy for those hot days.
- Fira Beach, direction east, and around 10-15 minutes walk from Agali. Take a beach towel, plenty of water and some food because you will be pretty much on your own.
Galgos and Agios Nikolaos Beach have both a restaurant and awesome local food in both cases.
In Agali, there are also a bunch of restaurants, mostly facing the Aegean Sea, with the usual lovely family service and home-cooked food.
Here below, I short-listed two possible accommodations. Book well in advance because there are not as many options around (usually cancellation is free of charge, within a set period)
Pasithea Folegandros
Here you have a guest house that puts the beach right at your feet – which also means you have panoramic views of the sea.
The hotel is located above the sandy bay of Agali and there’s a bus service available to the main town of Chora.
The property comes with a sun terrace, and each room has its own private bathroom with a bath or shower.
The rooms themselves are quite spacious, and the hotel’s staff are very friendly and welcoming – even helping you arrange boat trips while on your stay here.
Wine and dine at the balcony restaurant and enjoy the lovely panoramic views
Perigiali Rooms & Apartments
Get a wide-variety breakfast every morning at the eatery next to the Perigiali Rooms & Apartments Folegandros, relax on the common terrace and soak in the sun, and listen to the sea waves right from your bedroom.
This hotel is located right at Agali Beach, and from there you can easily explore Folegandros island.
The rooms have been well furnished; the beds are cosy, and there are also laundry services available, but at a fee.
There’s free Wi-Fi everywhere on the property.
Karavostasis
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Folegandros as a convenient base to explore the island 🏩 AMOsuites is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: convenient, a few lovely boutique beaches around, very quiet
- 👎 Cons: ferry coming and going on a regular basis, 10 minutes by bus to Chora
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Vegera Restaurant, Sea Sense and Meltemi
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: go to Chora
The port of Karavostasis is where you will arrive on the ferry, and that is why this little village is surely the most convenient base to stay to explore the island.
It works very well if you are planning a short stay of 1 or 2 nights, or you have an early departure or late arrival ferry.
There is not much of a village though, there are a few restaurants around the Karavostasis port area, a bakery, and a mini market and that is pretty much it.
I like to mention the Vegera Restaurant, on one of the back streets, for its yummy food and lovely balcony area.
There is a local beach, Chochlidia Beach, with super flat water, even on a windy day, but facing the port.
The water is as clear as in other places, but the ferry may come during your swim, which is probably not that ideal.
It’s a nice beach to spend a late afternoon or for an early swim, but there are better beaches on the island.
Alternatively, walk 5 minutes up and down to the back beach called Vardia. It’s small, however, so beautiful and idyllic.
For a better landscape and view, walk south to Vitsentzou Beach (10 minutes) or Livadi Beach (15-20 minutes)
Below are two great accommodations that you will surely love.
Anemi Hotel
Here it’s all about luxury, from the rooms with their stylish furnishings and decor to the poolside bar and restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine.
The hotel includes many amenities, including a fitness centre and a tennis court accessible by guests.
You can even get limousine and helicopter services arranged for you if you really want to feel like a VIP.
Waking up to the à la carte breakfast, relaxing in the well-maintained garden, and taking a dip in the large pool – these all contribute to making your stay here a pleasurable one.
AMOsuites
Picture taking in elegant views while soaking in a hot tub on the terrace at sunset time.
This and more await you at AMOSuitres, which is conveniently positioned close to 2 beaches and you can access nearby towns by bus.
The friendly host makes you feel at home, even giving guests lifts – picking you up from the port and escorting you back – and providing tips on the local sights and sounds.
The premises have been well maintained, with comfortable beds, beach towels and umbrellas also provided -you also receive a clean fresh set of towels regularly.
Ano Meria
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Folegandros for seclusion 🏩 Alitanes is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: isolated and secluded, amazing views and sunsets
- 👎 Cons: far from everything and everyone (if this is not what you are looking for)
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Sinadisi, Irini’s Tavern and Under the Palm Tree
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: go to Chora
You will find the settlement of Ano Meria north of Chora, also in the middle of the island.
This is the best place to stay in Folegandros if you are after seclusion and relaxation in a local community.
It is a rural area, without really a town centre, but there is a small selection of restaurants around, as well as a bakery and a cute cafe called Under the Palm Tree.
You will be within 1 hour of walking distance to Agali, a bit more to Chora.
There is a regular bus service covering this area, however, if you plan to explore the island, I personally suggest either renting a car or a scooter.
On this side of the island, you will also be able to find bigger houses at a great value price, ideal for a group of friends or families.
Alitanes (2BR)
This accommodation comes with a traditional look and feel, with all the modern amenities needed to make your stay comfortable.
You will find a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, 2 flat-screen TVs, stylish furnishings, and private bathrooms, complete with free Apivita toiletries.
The property is well positioned too, close to two mini markets, where you can buy the supplies for your meals.
A Greek breakfast is included and awaits you each morning in the patio area, with uninterrupted views of the Aegean.
It’s in a quiet setting and a quick drive to the main town.
Lemon Tree Houses (2BR)
Airy rooms that open to a terrace or balcony, elegant views of the landscape and sea, pleasant hosts, and a hearty breakfast – your stay at the Lemon Tree House will be relaxing.
The property overlooks the swimming pool – where you can also take your breakfast.
There’s also a restaurant just a 5-minute walk away with its packed Greek menu.
The hosts are on standby to give you recommendations for eateries, beach spots and activities, and local sights that you can check out while on your trip.
The staff can also pick you up at the port if needed. The quiet setting makes the accommodation great for those looking for an escape.
Check out my best 20 photos of Folegandros island
More accommodations and hotels in Folegandros
Chora has a good selection of double rooms and studios. Apartments and studios are hard to find, but not impossible.
The Pegados Apartments, for example, have an amazing value 1BR with a great view of the Aegean Sea.
The Folegandros Apartments provide also accommodation to host families (up to 4 people)
The Blue Sand Boutique Hotel in Agali is another option if you are planning to stay by the water. What takes the Blue Sand Hotel apart is the spectacular view over the bay, although it does not come cheap.
How to get to Folegandros Island
Folegandros does not have any international or even national airport.
It can only be reached by ferry from Athens or any nearby island, including Sikinos, Ios, Milos and Santorini.
If you are flying into Greece, the quickest route is to catch a flight to Santorini and from there, a ferry to Folegandros.
You can also make it to Athens and from there take a quick ferry, but the entire trip would be much longer.
Keep in mind that the ferries may not be scheduled on a daily basis and the timetable may vary based on the season.
The Omio website is usually where I check and book my ferries. With no pop-ups or push notifications, the interface is simple and intuitive. In terms of price, it’s the same as most other ticket providers.
Check the ferry schedule and price
