Guide of Folegandros

The island of Folegandros was once a tourist destination for young Greeks but it has now become a chic holiday destination for those looking for an alternative to mass tourism. The weather here is perfect and the few fishermen and farmers who permanently live on this island still live on sheep farming so much so that they just walk onto the fields to find themselves among goats, mules and sheep. The island is mountainous like the other Cyclades, but Folegandros is barren, dry and windy and much of its steep coastline is without moorings for boats and there are few tourist facilities. Its beauty is still intact and the island is a perfect holiday destination for those looking for tranquillity and relaxation.

History

The story of Folegandros is still shrouded in mystery in fact according to Greek mythology the name derives from the word 'poliandros' which means many men because in ancient times it was inhabited exclusively by shepherds. What is known is that it was occupied by many populations such as the Cretesi, Cari, Dori and Athenians. Centuries later, like the other islands of the Cycladic archipelago, it was occupied by the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks.

Places to visit

The most characteristic place to visit is the island Chora located on a peninsula that has the little white houses leaning on each other, the narrow streets and tiny squares.  The Kastro, an ancient medieval fortress, is worth noting it is of Venetian origins dating back to the 13th century.

Beaches

The natural landscape, the island's coasts, its sea and villages are the real protagonists of this island, that has only recently experienced a slight increase in tourism. Folegandros is the perfect destination for holidaymakers looking for relaxation and tranquillity. There are white sandy beaches, coves and bays to be discovered. Agali, Agios Nikolaos and Livadaki are the most famous beaches along with those near Karavostasis which are the only ones accessible by car.