English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Last Updated
The nation of over 6,000 islands, surrounded by the teal-colored waters of the Aegean Sea and boasting a wealthy historical heritage, Greece is one of the hottest locations to go to this 12 months, each actually and figuratively, with one (big) caveat:
Santorini, Mykonos and the like are all succumbing to mass tourism, and between the surging lodging costs and the unmanageable crowds, Greece’s most iconic island duo may not be the idyllic summer season getaway you have been hoping for.
Luckily for the crowd-wary vacationer, Folegandros is a paradisiacal island that is not on everybody’s radar, providing some peace and quiet and postcardy cities with out the Santorini crowds:
Like Santorini… Except Far More Authentic
One of the smallest, lesser-known islands in Greece, Folegandros covers a floor space of solely 12 sq. miles, and although it belongs to the Cyclades, the identical island group Santorini is a part of, it sees not one of the overwhelming crowds:
With a inhabitants of simply over 700 inhabitants, it has been moderately profitable at conserving protected from the spoils of internationalization, and that is a moderately spectacular feat, contemplating its proximity to Santorini, a brief 50-minute ferry experience away, and different tourism hotspots.
In reality, it is certainly one of a select number of islands Greek locals themselves go to flee Greece’s international clientele, with native journey company Greeka noting it is remained ‘comparatively untouched‘ by worldwide vacationers.
Similarly to Santorini, Folegandros is volcanic in nature, with cities constructed throughout tall cliffs, a rugged shoreline interspersed with fishing villages and seashores of shingle and golden sands, and a sometimes Greek, arid hinterland sprinkled with olive and cypress bushes.
Contrary to its movie star sister, nonetheless, Folegandros is not someplace you go to social gathering till daybreak: there are a restricted variety of seashore bars round and positively no fully-fledged nightclubs of Santorini’s stature, like Koo or Enigma.
Instead, it appeals to vacationers eager on slowing down, sampling conventional Greek meals with out the exorbitant costs, and absorbing nature with out the fixed distraction of pesky seashore distributors and stag weekenders.
Picturesque Whitewashed Towns And Beaches
Chora, the primary city on the island and its small capital is the dictionary definition of Cycladic structure. Its winding streets are flanked by low, whitewashed homes, vividly blue doorways and shutters, and ornate preparations of bougainvillea crowning slim passages.
Sitting atop a 200-meter cliff, Folegandros is definitely probably the most scenic cities in Greece.
You’re prone to hear Greek strolling about, although international vacationers do come from time to time.
Folegandros’ lingua franca stays that of the natives.
There will not be that many settlements exterior Chora, although for those who’re searching for an genuine village fully untouched by tourism, the inland Ano Meria is a brief 7-minute drive, as is the coastal Agali, finest identified for its high-quality white sand seashore.
Other than its typical rural character, Folegandros allure lies in its largely-undeveloped coast: seashores like Katergo, Livadi, Latinaki and Livadaki solely have a small variety of lounge chairs accessible, if any in any respect, as most wouldn’t have vacationer facilities.
This means you get to truly be out within the wild Greek nature with out the ordinary social constraints, and positively away from the buzzing crowds: there’s even a lesser-known nudist spot on the island known as Galifos, sure to appease the odd naturism fanatic.
Hotels Are Cheaper Here Than In Santorini
Folegandros could also be cheaper to go to than Santorini, however that doesn’t imply it’s low-cost: for those who’re searching for a budget-friendly Mediterranean getaway, it is offbeat Albania, or maybe Montenegro try to be contemplating.
Now, if residing out your Mamma Mia fantasy and making an attempt authentic gyros is non-negotiable, Folegandros could also be your finest: it is not crowded, costs are inside cheap ranges, locals are pleasant and welcoming in direction of company, and the island is completely walkable:
Walking from the northernmost finish to the southernmost tip will take you simply over 3 hours, and even shorter for those who’re driving or motorcycling: renting an ATV from Donkey Scooters prices solely 45 euros or round $49 per day.
As for motels, the privately-managed Meltemi guesthouse prices an inexpensive $116 to ebook per evening, although availability could also be restricted, whereas an entire studio at Folegandros Apartments, inside strolling distance of each Chora and can run you up $203.
If you are searching for a bit extra consolation, the extra upscale Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites in Agali will set you again $295 per in a single day, and one of the best factor is, it is solely 2 minutes strolling from the landmark Agali Beach.
How To Get To Folegandros This Summer
To get to Folegandros this summer season, essentially the most handy choice is flying into Santorini, the closest island with a world airport, and catching the ferry there: they depart on daily basis, and the worth vary is $7.62 to $103.60, relying on the corporate and size of journey.
Although the quickest ferries take solely 50 minutes to finish the crossing, they’re normally far dearer. Seajets sells seats from $75.86, or the equal in euros; for those who do not thoughts touring for longer to save cash, Zante Ferries takes 2h55, with tickets costing a negligible $7.62.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your electronic mail handle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
