Where to stay in Folegandros

The amount, variety and quality of accommodation to be found on Folegandros have all increased considerably in recent years as the island has gained a following of discerning tourists, keen to avoid the crowds of the more commercialised islands.

You won’t find deluxe hotels with swanky leisure centres and international restaurants. But there are plenty of charming domatia (rooms to let), some good quality hotels with all the basic mod cons and modern self-catering apartments, some with truly stunning views.

Book well in advance if you’re planning to visit in July or August because most accommodation is booked solid in peak season. Visit in springtime and you’ll benefit from considerably reduced room prices whilst enjoying the island at its best. The hillsides are scented with the aroma of wild thyme, oregano and caper flowers and the tavernas are mercifully free of tourists.

Most of the island’s accommodation is to be found in the port of Karavostassis and the cliff-top capital, Hora. There are also rooms to rent in the village of Ano Meria in the north of the island and at Angali Beach in high season.

One of the best-equipped hotels in the port is hotel Vrahos, 20 metres from the beach with views of the harbour and neighbouring islands of Ios, Sikinos and Santorini. The hotel has been built on a rocky slope, at the far end of the port beach, in the traditional Cycladic style. There’s a bar and restaurant and all rooms have en-suite facilities, a minibar, television and private balcony.

Nearby Aelos Beach is a C-category hotel right on the beach with clean and comfortable rooms and a lovely garden.

There are plenty of domatia and basic pension-style hotels to choose from in Hora. Pavlo’s is a charming pension where some of the rooms are in a converted stable. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms but a cheaper option is to sleep on the roof under the stars. Continental breakfast is served in a pretty garden.

First prize for the best location goes to the luxurious Anemomilos Apartments, perched right on the cliff edge with magnificent views of the Aegean. The 16 elegant apartments all have a decent-sized kitchen and living area. There’s a beautiful pool and sundeck with sea views and you can enjoy a hearty al fresco breakfast of home-made cheese pie, cakes, bread and Greek honey.

The stylish Polikandia Hotel, owned by the Greek couple who used to run Pavlo’s, has comfortable rooms and a beautiful stone-flagged garden with palm trees, masses of flowers and foliage providing a shady place to sit with a book.

For old style elegance in a converted 16th century Folegandrian mansion, head for Hotel Castro which is full of character with some beautiful rooms perched right on the cliff edge 250 metres above the sea. If you can’t get a room with a sea view there’s a rooftop terrace with equally magnificent views.

The newly built Ampelos resort is on the outskirts of town (less than 10 minutes walk) – a complex of 10 whitewashed studios built in the style of a Cycladic village. All the rooms have a kitchenette and fridge and private balconies with breathtaking views of Hora and the Panagia monastery on the hilltop above the town. The complex has a swimming pool and its own theatre and is geared to the needs of visiting groups wanting to hold seminars and workshops. It’s owned by an enterprising American-Danish couple Rebecca and Peter Work who also run a ranch and vineyard in Santa Barbara, California.

Solaris hotel

Solaris hotel is located 300 meters from the center of Chora. It offers an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Guests can enjoy the view of the village and the Aegean Sea from their balcony.

All air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV and a bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. There is free Wi-Fi in all areas.

Solaris is located 500 meters from the medieval castle. The nearest beach is Vardia, which is 3 km away. Folegandros Port Karavostasi is also 3 km away. Transfer service is free.

According to independent guest reviews, this is our guests’ favorite part of Chora Folegandros. Couples especially like the area – they’ve given it a 9.4 rating for couples travel.

Hotel Odysseus

Built in Cycladic style and featuring an outdoor pool, Hotel Odysseus is just 100 meters from the center of Chora on Folegandros Island. It offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and views of the Aegean Sea. Free transfer to and from the port is offered.

All rooms at Odysseus are simply but elegantly furnished and have air conditioning and a balcony or patio. All rooms have a mini fridge and TV with satellite channels. Hairdryers and free toiletries are also provided.

You can start your day with a continental breakfast, which is served at the hotel. Refreshing drinks and light meals are offered at the snack bar.

You will find several shops and restaurants less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel. The port of Karavostasis is 3.5 km away. The sandy beach in Vardia is 3.5 km away.

According to independent guest reviews, this is our guests’ favorite part of Chora Folegandros.

Horizon Hotel

The whitewashed Horizon Hotel enjoys a quiet location in the beautiful small town of Chora Folegandros. Rooms have traditional décor and each has a balcony or patio with views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel offers free transfers to and from the port of Karavostasis.

All rooms at Horizon have wrought iron beds and blue and white decor. The rooms have air conditioning and a refrigerator. Each room has a flat screen TV, safe and hairdryer. Free WiFi is available in all areas. The city center with taverns and cafes is 200 meters away. Agali Beach is 5 km away.

According to independent guest reviews, this is our guests’ favorite part of Chora Folegandros. Couples especially like the area – they’ve given it a 9.6 rating for couples travel.

Kallisti hotel

Kallisti hotel is located on the outskirts of the charming main town of Folegandros, less than 120 meters from the center. It offers a swimming pool and a poolside bar. The rooms have built-in beds and views of the city and the Aegean Sea.

Kallisti’s rooms are built with stone from the area and have wooden beams on the ceiling. They have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. The private bathroom has bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

You can relax on the sun terrace, which has sun loungers and parasols. By the pool bar there is a shady spot, where you can enjoy your drink while looking out over the city.

There is a bus stop less than 50 meters from the property. Karavostasis Port is 3 km away and the sandy Agali Beach is 2.5 km away. Wi-Fi is free and you can park for free nearby. According to independent guest reviews, this is our guests’ favorite part of Chora Folegandros.

The award-winning Vrahos Boutique Hotel, located on the most picturesque slope of the island, 20 meters from the sea, has deluxe rooms with a sea view as well as suites with private hot tubs, from where you can enjoy the uninterrupted view of the sea, without leaving the your room

The Anemi Hotel is located a few meters away from the port in Karavostasi and is fully equipped with all amenities. The personalized experience it offers will make you come back again and again. In a very good spot on the island, to easily move around Chora and other nearby beaches.

The Blue Sand Boutique Hotel is a heaven on earth. Built on a slope, it is located 15 meters from Agali beach. So close you’ll almost dive out of your room. Also, in the hotel’s Boutique, you will find many Greek fashion brands such as our favorite Libelloula, among which we definitely distinguish the kimonos.

Αmo suites & Spa will delight you from the first moment. Luxury, comfort and excellent value for money. The deluxe suites all have an outdoor jacuzzi so you can relax at any moment of the day, enjoying the panoramic view from Karavostasi.