Folegandros: The Peaceful Island

Stepping off the ferry from the busyness of Santorini and onto the relaxed and unique eccentric character of Folegandros was a welcoming change. The pace was mellow and the tourists were few. I imagine most of them come to this island to escape and get away from it all.

The rather desolate port

There were very little roads and vehicles here, only a single ATM on the whole island and not even in town, but on the dock. We took the one public bus that operates every hour from the main”hora” to the beach.

The main empty road that ends at the Hora

The “wedding cake” church sits atop

Hora or Chora was super unique as no cars/motorbikes were able to pass. Instead, there were three main squares lined with trees and all tied together distinctively charmed with outdoor restaurants with hanging string lights makes the town utterly romantic. Drinking local wine and eating the local delicacy matsata, tagliatelle pasta with rabbit or goat and for a dessert some cheese pies, we were among local families and the local beach cats found everywhere, Folegandros felt like an undiscovered place and I felt special to be here.

Entrance into the Hora

The charming squares

The squares are crazy romantic at night, strings of light, moonlight, and gentle sea breeze

Lazy island cats

We were also lucky sorting out our accommodation. Our Santorini hotel recommended a friend’s hotel that was super reasonable but we were able to enjoy the privileges of the luxury sister hotel across the street, outfitted with a gorgeous pool, bar and breathtaking views. But our place, was not so shabby with a huge room and balcony in which we had a great view of the island’s signature wedding cake church, which we hiked up for a beautiful sunset.

Our balcony view

Looking out on to the luxury hotel

The cool views from the sister hotel

Hotel at sunset

Loving the pool!

The life

At the church for sunset

Amazing views, overlooking islands

Scarlett skies

There were many hiking options as it was a steep rocky island. Beaches mostly require some work and time walking. The pay off is seeing the clear green waters from the top and jumping in the secluded cold water at the bottom.

The hike to the beach

The clear bright turquoise water

Beaches to ourselves

Complete escapism

I’m not going to say Folegandros was my favorite island, as they are too different to compare but it’s unparalleled charm and peaceful beauty had won me over. I was sad to leave and out of all the islands this one is the one I’d be most excited to return to. But I hope at my return, my little secret has not gotten out.