Should You Visit Folegandros? The Pros & Cons You Need to Know

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Thanks to recent articles naming the best hidden gems in the Greek Islands, Folegandros is finally on the map! Having been there myself, I’d have to agree—it’s a great Cycladic island. But just because I loved it doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same way.

Folegandros is one of those Greek islands that’s perfect if you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic experience. But if you’re after a more historic or lively vacation, it might not be the right fit for you.

So, is Folegandros worth visiting? Let’s dive into the details so you can decide if it’s the right island for your next trip!

Who Will Love Folegandros?

From what I gathered on my trip, Folegandros is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a quiet, laid-back vacation.

This Cycladic island is quite small. While the charming Chora has a nice selection of shops and restaurants, there isn’t a ton to do beyond relaxing at the beaches.

That said, there are some great hiking trails if you’re up for a bit of adventure. Just don’t expect many historical sites—Folegandros isn’t the place for that.

Melissa in a blue dress walks down a rugged stone path in Folegandros, Greece, with her back turned to the camera. The warm afternoon sunlight highlights the earthy tones of the rocky landscape, interspersed with patches of green vegetation. Traditional whitewashed houses are scattered across the hillside in the background, forming a picturesque Cycladic village. The winding terraces and dry-stone walls showcase the island’s characteristic charm and history.

A secluded cove on Folegandros island, Greece, with clear turquoise waters gently meeting a small pebble beach. A few sunbathers and swimmers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Jagged rock formations emerge from the sea, adding to the dramatic coastal scenery. Above the cove, terraced hills with sparse vegetation stretch under a cloudless blue sky, creating a striking contrast between the arid landscape and the inviting waters.

One highlight for me was the food! No Michelin-starred restaurants here, just authentic Greek cuisine that I’d happily return for.

One spot I especially loved was The Homemade—definitely worth checking out and try the chickpea dish pictured below. It was delicious!

A plate of traditional Greek revithada, a slow-cooked chickpea stew, served in a white dish with a bay leaf and a wedge of lemon on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl, and a glass of white wine sits on the table, which is covered with a paper map-themed placemat. — Revithada at The Homemade

A quaint traditional restaurant in Folegandros with pastel green doors and signage, wooden menu boards listing Greek dishes, a small outdoor seating area with rustic chairs, and a tree providing shade. — Exterior of The Homemade

Who Might Not Want to Visit Folegandros?

If you’re looking for a Greek island itinerary packed with historical sites, a lively nightlife, and a bunch of beach clubs to choose from, this is not your island.

While there’s a little more going on in Folegandros than in Koufonisia, it’s still pretty quiet.

If history is what you’re after, head to Rhodes or Crete instead. And if you want that beach club life, Mykonos is the place—just make sure to book early and bring your wallet, because Mykonos is expensive.

Melissa walks along a stone pathway on a Greek island, brushing her hair back as she gazes into the distance. She wears a black sleeveless top and green patterned pants, with the white-washed buildings of a traditional village spread across the hillside behind her. The dry, rugged landscape contrasts with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea on the horizon.

A blurred white-domed church in Folegandros, Greece, standing against a clear blue sky, with vibrant green succulents and tiny red flowers in the foreground.

Pros and Cons of Folegandros

Pros:

Less touristy than other Cycladic islands
More affordable than its famous neighbors
Cool hiking trails with epic views
Easy to reach—less than a 4-hour ferry from Athens
Great for solo travelers, couples, and beach lovers

Cons:

Beaches aren’t walkable from the Chora—you’ll need a bus or rental car
No beach clubs
Not much in the way of historical sites

A cozy outdoor seating area in Folegandros, Greece, featuring a long cushioned bench with a striped rug, red and green chairs, and a charming white-washed backdrop adorned with bougainvillea and greenery under warm string lights.

A woman in a flowing blue dress walks along a curved whitewashed stone wall, overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea in Folegandros, Greece. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow, highlighting the rugged coastline and distant islands in the background. The traditional Cycladic architecture blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the island.

How Many Days Do You Need in Folegandros?

Best option: Short stay (2–3 nights) – Perfect if you just want to slow down and unwind.
Long stay (3+ nights): Only if you’re really sure you want a super quiet, slow-paced getaway.

Folegandros isn’t ideal for a day trip since the ferry schedule doesn’t allow for a full day on the island.

Some ferries arrive mid-morning, but the return options are often just a few hours later—barely enough time to explore.

Plus, Folegandros is best enjoyed at a slow, relaxed pace over a couple of days.

I recommend staying in the Chora, as there’s plenty to explore nearby. I stayed at Polikandia Hotel, and I loved it! It’s central, has a pool, and offers free port pickup—which is super convenient.

Hotel Room at Polikandia Hotel in Folegandros. — Interior Room at Polikandia Hotel

A view of the pool at Polikandia Hotel in Folegandros. — Pool at Polikandia Hotel

Plus, it’s close to one of Folegandros’ main landmarks, the Church of Panagia. This iconic hilltop church is the most recognizable site on the island, and if you’re up for the climb, the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

Folegandros FAQ: Quick Answers for Travelers

Is Folegandros expensive?
Not really. If you’re traveling with others, you can manage on €40-60/day. Solo travelers should budget €70-80/day. This is a mid-range estimate—not luxury, but not ultra-budget either.

Do you need a car in Folegandros?
Not really. Unless you want to explore every corner of the island, you can get by just staying in the Chora and using the public bus to get to the beach (Paralia Agkali).

Are there ATMs in Folegandros?
Yes.

Is Folegandros crowded?
I visited in July, and it didn’t feel overcrowded at all. August might be a different story, though. I’d still recommend making reservations in advance, but I wouldn’t expect it to be overwhelmingly busy.

A charming café in Folegandros, Greece, with white-washed walls, turquoise doors and chairs, and vibrant pink bougainvillea providing shade over an outdoor seating area on a stone-paved alley.

Melissa in a flowing light blue dress walks along a sunlit path in Folegandros, Greece. The golden hour light bathes the rugged landscape, with white-washed houses scattered across the hillside in the background.

How to Get to Folegandros

Folegandros is on the ferry line from Piraeus (Athens) to Milos and Santorini. The ferry takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

I use Ferryhopper to book my ferry tickets. Most third-party booking sites are similar, but I like the Ferryhopper app for its ease of use.

Where to Go from Folegandros

Since Milos is on the same ferry route, I highly recommend it. Santorini, on the other hand, is so overcrowded that I have no interest in returning.

If you visit Milos, rent a car—you’ll want the freedom to explore its many incredible spots. I recommend staying 4 nights in Milos, combining that with 3 nights in Folegandros and a night in Athens on either end—the perfect 9-day Greece itinerary.

Not sure if Folegandros is your island? Take my quick Greek Island Finder Quiz!

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