Folegandros Travel Guide: Beaches, Tips & More

Folegandros, Greece stole our hearts and quickly became our favorite island of our entire Greece trip.

When we started planning our time in the Cyclades, we kept seeing the same islands recommended over and over again. As much as we love the famous Greek islands, we wanted to find somewhere a little different, somewhere quieter, less crowded, and a little more off the beaten path.

That’s how we found Folegandros.

We spent five days exploring the island, from its dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches to the charming streets of Chora and the little port town where we stayed. By the end of our trip, we were already talking about when we could come back.

In this Folegandros travel guide, we’ll share everything we learned during our five days on the island, including how to get there, where to stay, the best beaches, how to get around, and why we think Folegandros deserves a spot on your Greece itinerary.

Why Folegandros Was Our Favorite Greek Island

Where do we even start to answer this question? There were so many things that made Folegandros our favorite so let’s just list out a few of them.

• It’s small: Folegandros is tiny, with essentially one main road connecting much of the island. Instead of feeling limited, we loved it. Getting around was simple, and we never felt like we had to rush from attraction to attraction just to feel like we’d “seen” the island. 
• The towns feel cozy: From the whitewashed streets and lively squares of Chora to the sleepy port of Karavostasis, everything felt small and welcoming. There weren’t endless lists of attractions to check off—we could wander, grab something to eat, and just enjoy where we were.

We’ll dive deeper into all of these throughout this guide. We also visited Paros and Naxos but Folegandros created something we didn’t quite find anywhere else during our Greece trip.

Getting to Folegandros

Getting to Folegandros takes a little more planning than some of the more popular Cyclades islands. There is no airport on Folegandros, so you’ll need to arrive by ferry. Since it’s a smaller and less-visited island, ferry options can also be more limited depending on the season.

During our trip in July 2026, we took Fast Ferries from Piraeus Port in Athens. Our journey took around 8 hours and cost about $60 USD per person.

SeaJets also had a faster option from Piraeus that took around four hours and cost roughly $40 more per person. After eight hours on the ferry, we won’t lie, the extra $40 started sounding pretty good. 😂

We used FerryHopper.com to compare ferry routes and schedules, but once we decided which ferry we wanted, we booked directly with the ferry company.

All ferries arrive in Karavostasis, Folegandros’ port town. Since we stayed in Karavostasis, we were able to walk straight from the ferry to our accommodation. If you’re staying in Chora, buses and other transportation are available from the port.

Where to Stay in Folegandros

There are two main areas to consider when deciding where to stay in Folegandros: Chora, the island’s main town, and Karavostasis, the port. While most visitors choose Chora, we stayed in Karavostasis and honestly, we loved our decision.

Karavostasis: The Port Town

Karavostasis is the small port town where all ferries arrive and depart from Folegandros. Don’t expect a bustling town; there are a couple of small markets, a handful of restaurants, and beautiful views across the bay.

And honestly, the fact that there wasn’t much going on was part of why we loved it.

We chose Karavostasis for two main reasons. First, we didn’t want to rely on transportation right after a long ferry ride, so we were able to walk directly from the port to our hotel. Second, we wanted to be close to the water. Karavostasis has its own pebble beach where you can watch the ferries come in, plus a few more within walking distance. Since Chora sits up on a cliff, staying in Karavostasis gave us much easier access to the sea.

We stayed at Eleni’s Studios and loved having a spacious room, balcony, and small kitchenette. Being able to walk there directly from the ferry made arrival day especially easy.

Chora: The Main Town

Chora sits on top of a cliff, with whitewashed buildings, plenty of restaurants, and beautiful views. It’s where most visitors choose to stay, and you’ll find no shortage of boutique hotels there.

If you want a more lively town to spend your time with lots of restaurants and shops, Chora is the town for you. Chora is compact and extremely walkable, making it easy to wander without much of a plan.

Since Chora isn’t at the port, you’ll need to think a little more about transportation. Public buses connect Chora with Karavostasis and other parts of the island, or you can rent a car or ATV for more flexibility.

Karavostasis or Chora: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Karavostasis if: you want a quiet stay, easy ferry access, and to be within walking distance of the water.

Choose Chora if: you want more restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the classic whitewashed Cycladic town experience.

Our pick: Karavostasis. We loved being able to walk from the ferry to our accommodation, spend mornings by the water, and return to a quiet town at the end of the day.

Getting Around Folegandros

Another thing we loved about Folegandros was how easy it was to get around without renting a car. Despite being a small island, there are several transportation options connecting the main towns, beaches, and port.

Public Bus

Private Buses and Water Taxis

Public buses aren’t your only option. We also found private transportation services that made reaching some of Folegandros’ beaches surprisingly easy.

During our visit, Agkali Travel offered transportation between Chora and Agkali Beach for €4 each way.

From Karavostasis, Folegandros Travel offered a boat service to Katergo Beach for €15 round trip per person.

These services were one of the reasons we never felt like we were missing out by not having our own vehicle. 

Prices are from our visit in July 2026 and may change.

Renting a Car or ATV

If you want complete flexibility, you can also rent a car, ATV, or scooter. Having your own transportation makes it easier to explore quieter parts of the island and reach places that aren’t served as frequently by buses.

Just don’t make the mistake we did! We decided we wanted to rent an ATV the day of, only to discover they were completely sold out. If renting a vehicle is important to your plans, we’d recommend booking ahead, especially during July and August.

Best Beaches on Folegandros

We still dream about the beaches on Folegandros. Compared to some of the other Greek islands we visited, the beaches here felt a little wilder and less manicured. Some required a hike or boat ride to reach, but that was part of what made them so memorable.

Katergo Beach: Best for Adventure

Katergo Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on Folegandros, but getting there requires a little adventure. There is no road access, so you’ll need to reach the beach either by hiking or taking a boat from Karavostasis.

Getting to Katergo Beach: You have a few options depending on how adventurous you want to be. You can take a round-trip water taxi from Karavostasis, hike all the way from the port like we did, or drive closer to the trail and park before completing the shorter hike down to the beach.

We decided to hike from Karavostasis to Katergo Beach, which took us around one hour. The hike itself became part of the experience, with beautiful views along the way and our first glimpse of Katergo from high above the beach before making the final descent. 

Katergo is mostly pebbly with a few sandier areas, and the water was incredibly clear. There are no facilities, restaurants, or shops at the beach, so we brought plenty of water, snacks, and our own umbrella.

After spending the day swimming and relaxing, we gave our legs a break and took the Folegandros Travel water taxi back to Karavostasis. During our visit in July 2026, the one-way ride cost €8 per person.

Agkali Beach: Best for an Easy Beach Day

Agkali Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach from Chora, making it a great choice if you want a simple, relaxing beach day. 

The beach is mostly sandy, and unlike some of Folegandros’ more remote beaches, you’ll find restaurants and a few shops nearby. That makes Agkali an easy place to spend several hours without needing to pack everything with you. 

There aren’t any large beach clubs or rows of sunbeds, though, so the beach still has a laid-back, natural feel.

We took the public bus from Karavostasis to Chora and then the private Agkali Travel bus, which dropped us off right near the beach. During our visit in July 2026, the Agkali Travel bus cost €4 each way.

Agkali is also a great starting point if you want a little more adventure. Hiking trails connect the area with several smaller beaches that are only accessible by foot or boat.

Agios Nikolaos Beach: Best for a Short Hike from Agkali

Agios Nikolaos Beach is a quieter beach that you can reach by hiking from Agkali. The beach has a natural, undeveloped feel with no sunbeds or paid umbrellas, although there is a small taverna where you can grab drinks and food.

There are also several trees along the beach that provide some natural shade.

We hiked over from Agkali and spent the afternoon here, and we loved it! The trail was relatively easy and took us around 20 minutes. You’ll also get some beautiful coastal views along the way.

The beach itself was sandy, but the water had quite a few rocks. Be careful getting in and out since the rocks can be surprisingly slippery!

Livadi Beach: Best Near Karavostasis

Livadi Beach is a large, undeveloped beach near Karavostasis. You won’t find sunbeds, beach clubs, or restaurants here, which gives it a much quieter and more natural feel.

The beach is mostly rocky and pebbly, but it’s quite large, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. When we visited, it was easily the least crowded beach we experienced on Folegandros.

We visited Livadi shortly after arriving on the island and enjoyed having such a peaceful beach nearby. It wasn’t our favorite beach on Folegandros, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds and don’t mind a rockier shoreline, it’s a great option.

There’s also parking very close to the beach, making Livadi an easy stop if you’re exploring Folegandros by car or ATV.

Chochlidia Beach: Best for Easy Access

Chochlidia Beach sits right next to the port in Karavostasis, making it one of the easiest beaches to reach on Folegandros. We found the water to be calm during our visits, making it a great spot for an easy swim.

You’re also just steps away from the small markets and restaurants around the port, so you don’t need to pack much for a day here.

This is a rocky beach, so don’t expect soft sand but hey, at least your feet stay clean! 😂

If you’re staying in Karavostasis, Chochlidia is perfect for a quick swim or an easy evening by the water. We were less than a five-minute walk away and loved being able to spontaneously grab our swimsuits and head to the sea. What a dream!!

We wouldn’t call Chochlidia the most beautiful beach on Folegandros, but somehow it still became one of our favorites. Sometimes convenience wins!

Things to Know Before Visiting Folegandros

Most beaches are natural and undeveloped

You won’t find big beach clubs or rows of sunbeds lining the beaches of Folegandros. That’s what makes this island special. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and an umbrella if you want shade.

Don’t be surprised by nudity at secluded beaches

We encountered nude sunbathers at some of Folegandros’ quieter beaches, so don’t be surprised if you see some buns in the sun! 😂 We also saw signs at Chochlidia and Agkali stating that nudity wasn’t allowed. Keep an eye out for posted rules at individual beaches.

Folegandros is made for hiking

Bring a good pair of walking shoes! Trails crisscross the island and lead to viewpoints, coastal areas, and secluded beaches that you can’t simply drive up to. Our hike to Katergo Beach ended up being one of our favorite experiences on the island.

Folegandros FAQ

Is Folegandros worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a Greek island that’s quieter, less commercialized, and filled with beautiful natural scenery, Folegandros is worth visiting. However, if you’re looking for beach clubs, nightlife, and a more energetic atmosphere, Folegandros probably isn’t the island for you.

How do you get to Folegandros?

Folegandros does not have an airport, so you’ll need to arrive by ferry. Ferries connect Folegandros with Athens and other Cyclades islands, although schedules vary by season. We traveled from Piraeus Port in Athens, and we’d recommend checking ferry schedules before booking your accommodation.

Where should you stay in Folegandros: Chora or Karavostasis?

Choose Karavostasis if you want easy access to the ferry port, nearby beaches, and a quieter atmosphere. Choose Chora if you want to be surrounded by more restaurants, shops, whitewashed streets, and those dramatic Folegandros cliff views. We stayed in Karavostasis and loved having the water just steps away.

Do you need a car in Folegandros?

No, you don’t need a car in Folegandros. We spent five days without one and were able to see everything we wanted using public buses, private shuttles, water taxis, and walking. However, renting a car or ATV can be worthwhile if you want complete flexibility or plan to explore more remote parts of the island.

What is Folegandros known for?

Folegandros is known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed Chora, hiking trails, natural beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Compared to some of the more famous Cyclades islands, Folegandros feels quieter and less developed, which is a huge part of its charm.

Is Folegandros expensive?

We found Folegandros to be slightly more expensive than some of the larger Greek islands. However, it’s still possible to visit on a budget by staying in a studio with a kitchenette, bringing some groceries from the mainland, and taking advantage of the affordable public transportation. 

How many days do you need in Folegandros?

2-3 days will give you a good feel of Folegandros. However we recommend 4-5 days. You’ll have more time to hike, visit some of the harder-to-reach beaches, and enjoy the slower pace that makes Folegandros so special.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the islands we visited in Greece, Folegandros is the one that stole our hearts the most. Maybe it was the natural beaches, the adventures it took to reach them, or simply how easy it was to slow down and enjoy where we were.

Folegandros isn’t an island packed with attractions or places you need to check off a list. Our days were spent hiking to beaches, swimming in the sea, wandering through Chora, and enjoying the slower pace of island life. That’s what we loved about it.

We came to Folegandros hoping to find a quieter corner of the Cyclades, and we left already dreaming about when we could come back.

If you’re looking for a Greek island with beautiful beaches, a little adventure, and plenty of room to slow down, Folegandros might just steal your heart too. ❤️