Written by Santorini Dave
Folegandros Hotels – Tips & Recommendations
- Unlike its neighboring islands of Santorini and Mykonos that have become very well populated tourist hubs, Folegandros has managed to retain its rustic charm and genuineness. Its rugged landscape includes steep cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and traditional farms arranged in levels descending down the hillsides. Folegandros is small with one paved road connecting the island’s port to its two villages and beach settlement. Dirt roads and trails branch off from the main road to arrive at the more remote beaches; some beaches are only reachable by boat. Most families pick to stay in the capital, Chora, for its variety of lodging, dining, shops, and sights, such as the iconic Church of Panagia and the old Kastro neighborhood. Most of the village is shut off to cars, creating it safe and fun to stroll through it’s narrow, cobbled lanes and leafy squares. There is regular bus help connecting all the main towns, but families with children will find it easier to drive to explore the more distant outposts of the island.
- There are no banks on the island of Folegandros and only three ATMs (one in the port town of Karavostasis and the other two in the capital of Chora). Despite this, many businesses only accept cash, so it`s wise to plan accordingly.
- The finest restaurants on Folegandros are located at Blue Cuisine (Chora), To Zimaraki (Chora), Pounta (Chora), O Psaromiligkas (Agali), Pasithea (Agali), Sea Sense (Karavostasis), Dal Capo del Porto (Karavostasis), Sinadisi (Ano Meria), Irini’s (Ano Meria), and Folegandros Bakery (Ano Meria).
- Folegandros is encircled by beaches, but only three of them provide semi-organized facilities including restaurants operating seasonally alongside sunbeds and umbrellas available for rental. Agali Beach is the most popular resort area accommodating a scattering of tavernas, cafes and small hotels. Agali connects via a cliffside walking path or boat taxi to Agios Nikolaos Beach home to another pair of casual eateries. Chochlidia Beach located beside the port in Karavostasis features a smattering of tavernas cafes and disproportionately numerous luxury resorts.
- Most Folegandros beaches are undeveloped, with no shops, dining, or even shade, so plan to bring your own supplies – particularly water. Some beaches and sea caves can only be reached by boat, and most boat tours depart from Karavostasis. Visiting these wild beaches and swimming areas is highly advised. Katergo Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, while the sea cave Chrysospilia is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient graffiti – over 400 names are scribbled inside the cave, most dating back to the 4th century BC.
- Most Popular Areas on Folegandros: The majority of hotels, restaurants, shops, and pharmacies in Folegandros are situated in Chora, the principal town and largest village. This pedestrian-friendly town overflows with scenic squares, centuries-old places of worship, and relaxed dining establishments. Kastro is the oldest section located here, with the tightly packed houses forming the previous castle`s walls. The Church of Panagia, located above the town, is the island`s most visited sunset spot. Karavostasis is the port community, where you`ll discover some outstanding luxury resorts, a few restaurants, boat excursions to remote beaches, and five beaches within a 3 to 20-minute walk. Chochlidia Beach is the busiest, but it has the most calm waters, great for beginning swimmers. Agali Beach is the most popular beach destination – surrounded by tall cliffs, protected from the wind, and with gentle water for easy swimming and play. Two other beaches (Fira and Galifos) are connected to Agali by coastal hiking trails; as mentioned earlier, Agios Nikolaos is connected by hike or water taxi. Ano Meria is the second largest village. Unlike Chora it has no village center. Family farms, restaurants, places of worship, the Folklore Museum, and small hotels are strung along the roadway and branching off down smaller footpaths. Though idyllic, it may be too tranquil and remote for families with very young children, though energetic families may enjoy hiking through the hills and down to the nearby beaches.
The 8 Best Family Hotels in Folegandros
1. Anemi – Karavostasis
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41610
The sole five-star accommodation on Folegandros Island, the Anemi welcomes families with amenities such as an oceanfront infinity pool available for all ages as well as a smaller children`s pool (both filled with saltwater), an outdoor play area, and an indoor playroom. Spacious rooms and suites accommodate between three to six guests, each including bathtubs, wet bars, and private balconies or terraces overlooking the surroundings. Suites additionally feature sitting rooms and convertible sofa beds, some with private swimming pools. The on-site Mediterranean restaurant serves kid-friendly menus throughout the day from 8:30am until midnight and breakfast is provided daily with all bookings while room service is an option during operating hours. Guests can enjoy amenities like tennis courts and a basketball area plus stunning vineyard views. Babysitting can be arranged upon request. Excellent location just a short three-minute walk from the sandy Chochlidia Beach and access to additional beaches, casual eateries, and the harbor.
2. Chora Resort – Chora
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41590
A relaxed yet upscale resort featuring numerous child-friendly amenities, such as the island`s largest swimming pool and miniature golf course. Junior suites and two-bedroom suites accommodate up to four guests and include a jacuzzi tub and private patio or terrace (the two-bedroom offers a second balcony). Popular options are served at the hotel`s Greek restaurant, poolside bar, and pastry shop/cafe. A complimentary American buffet breakfast is provided daily from 8-10:30am. Conveniently situated less than a five-minute walk from the village squares and picturesque old town neighborhood housing many excellent local restaurants.
3. Polikandia Hotel – Chora
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41322
A family-owned humble abode with a swimming pool, verdant gardens, and a cafe/snack shop located at the heart of the village of Chora. Junior suites sleep up to four persons and incorporate a bathtub, mini-kitchen, and a balcony or terrace; one-bedroom suites provide an extra balcony and second lavatory including a hydrotherapy shower. Convenient positioning merely a brief walk to dining, shopping, and the hiking path ascending to the Church of Panagia.
4. Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites – Agali Beach
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41042
An upscale boutique hotel located on a seaside hillside overlooking Agali Beach. Accommodations include suites accommodating parties of three to four people, each with walk-through showers, furnished balconies granting ocean views, and king-sized beds supplemented by sofa beds or twin beds. An all-day Greek restaurant and lounge remains open until 10:30 p.m., while breakfast is covered in the nightly rate. The property sits along the trail to Galifos and Agios Nikolaos Beach, near water transportation and a handful of casual eateries.
5. Folegandros Apartments – Chora
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41239
Ideal for those wishing to stay near a cultural landmark, this hotel is situated at the north end of Chora town, just a brief walk from the picturesque Kastro district and an array of dining, shopping, retail hubs, and lively plazas. Surrounding the large swimming pool and attached hot tub – with refreshments available throughout daylight hours at the poolside bar – are open layout studios accommodating up to three guests as well as one and two-bedroom suites for families of four to six people. Every room incorporates kitchenettes and private verandas, such as the split-level Family Suite divided across two floors and including a second bathroom.
6. Fata Morgana Studios – Chora
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41237
Situated along a cliffside in Chora, Fata Morgana offers fourteen individually decorated accommodations with small kitchen areas, open air bathing facilities, and private balcony spaces—all featuring spectacular sunset views of the surrounding sea. Amenities include a sizable swimming pool ideal for diving along with adjacent sun loungers and umbrellas beneath the rays. Throughout the day until shortly after dusk, the poolside bar provides breakfast (included), light fare, and beverages. In-room dining is available concurrently with the bar`s operating hours. Despite a tranquil location at the south end of the village, it remains merely a brief five-minute walk to superb dining, shopping, and attractions. Pets also welcome.
7. Lemon Tree Houses – Ano Meria
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 43481
Welcoming children and pets, this collection of five country-style homes accommodating five to seven guests surrounds an infinity swimming pool and Greek-Mediterranean all-day eatery. Breakfast is complimentary with lodging. The whitewashed houses feature small kitchen areas, open-air showers and two private terraces each, furnished in a modern aesthetic mixed with traditional Cycladic architecture. Nestled in the picturesque farming village of Ano Meria near local-style tavernas and cultural museums, guests can explore the natural scenery on foot to remote beaches or explore farther via vehicle, though the nearby bus provides rides into town and the harbor as well. Renting a car is highly advisable.
8. Perigiali Rooms & Apartments – Agali Beach
Hotel phone: + 30 22860 41105
A cheerful budget hotel a stone`s throw from a sandy beach, studio rooms sleeping three comprise one queen and one twin bed adjoining a shared terrace. Two-bedroom family apartments sleeping five feature one queen and three twin beds plus a fully-equipped kitchen and two private furnished balconies. A simple but tasty breakfast at the on-site cafe comes with overnight stays. Throughout the day, the cafe additionally serves light fare, beverages and refreshments. A scattering of casual seaside restaurants lies within easy walking distance as does water transportation to a neighboring beach and hourly bus routes into the main town.
