Enjoy A Peaceful Island Vacation On Folegandros, Greece Without The Crowds

For anyone seeking a peaceful island vacation, Greece tends to be extremely busy in summer. The country features more than 6,000 islands, nestling in the blue Aegean Sea and each boasts a rich ancient heritage, idyllic beaches and delicious cuisine. However, in summer, islands such as Santorini are packed with tourists. Meanwhile, anyone seeking a peaceful island vacation can either travel out of the summer season or choose an excellent alternative.

Folegandros, Greece for a peaceful island vacation

Summer destinations in Greece, including Mykonos and Santorini are packed virtually coast to coast with tourists. Not only are the islands crowded, but accommodation prices and more tend to soar. While the islands are beautiful, not everyone wants an overcrowded island experience.

However, not all islands are the same when it comes to summer visitors, with others being a great alternative. One of these is Folegandros, which is equally beautiful and a worthy visit for those travelers seeking a peaceful island vacation.

Folegandros is one of the smaller, lesser-known Greek islands, with a surface area of just 12 square miles. Moreover, while it is in the Cyclades, the same island group as Santorini, it attracts no crowds of tourists.

Meanwhile, the island has a population of just over 700 inhabitants and has successfully kept itself safe from tourism, even though it is only a 50-minute ferry ride from Santorini and other tourism hotspots. Of interest to note, Folegandros is one of a select number of locations where Greek locals go to escape the crazy tourist crowds. The Express quotes Greeka, a local travel agency as saying it is “relatively untouched” by international visitors.

About the Greek island

Like Santorini and other Cyclades islands, Folegandros is volcanic in nature with villages nestling above its cliffs. Moreover, the coastline is rugged and is interspersed with shingle and golden-sand beaches and traditional fishing villages backed by olive and cypress trees.

Unlike Santorini, Folegandros isn’t somewhere you can dance the night away, but it does have several beach bars to relax with a chilled cocktail. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy the island’s traditional Greek cuisine at affordable prices, with no beach vendors bothering them.

Chora, the capital of Folegandros

Visiting Chora, the island’s capital, is of the same Cycladic architecture as Santorini and more. Its winding streets are lined with whitewashed homes with vivid blue doors and shutters, decorated with colorful bougainvillea.

Besides Chora, the island has few settlements, but for anyone seeking an authentic Cycladic village, completely untouched by tourism, Ano Meria is a short seven-minute drive inland. Alternatively, the coastal village of Agali is renowned for its fine white-sand beach.

Meanwhile, Folegandros has a largely undeveloped coast, with beaches like Katergo, Latinaki, Livadi and Livadaki only feature a small number of lounge chairs, or none, as most have no tourist amenities.

Out and about on Folegandros

Due to the island’s size, it is possible to walk from the northernmost end of Folgandros to the southernmost tip in just over three hours. Alternatively, it is quicker to explore by renting an ATV from Donkey Scooters at 45 euros ($49) per day.

Meanwhile, accommodation is more affordable than Santorini, with hotels and guesthouses charging around $116 per night. Alternatively, a studio apartment at Folegandros Apartments, within easy walking distance of Chora will cost you up to $203.

For those travelers seeking an upscale experience, Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites in Agali is an excellent option at $295 per night, and is located just a two-minute walk from Agali Beach.

How do you access the Greek island?

The most convenient way to get to Folegandros is by flying into Santorini, which is the nearest island with an international airport. From there, a ferry ride to Folegandros is convenient at a cost range of $7.62 upwards, depending on the company.

Visit Folegandros this summer for a peaceful and beautiful island vacation. Return home truly rested and already planning the next visit to this alternative Greek island. Find out more on the island’s official website here.