The island of Folegandros, in the south-western Cyclades, has a population of just 650 people. Parts of the island still don’t even have electricity! So even the most popular beaches seem practically deserted. Only a handful of people are soaking up the sun or splashing in the azure water. Many of the beaches aren’t easily reached; you’d need to hike or rent a boat. We asked some locals where to hit the beach and here are their recommendations for the best Folegandros beaches:
Angali Beach
Angali Beach
Angali Beach is the most popular beach on the island. It’s easily accessible via the one road that runs from the port in Karavostasis to Ano Meria on the other end of the island. Angali means hug, and the rocky cliffs surrounding the sand and pebble beach appear to be enveloping it in a big hug.
Scoot around the cliffside and you may even find your very own private cove like we did. It’s a family beach and signs warn nudity won’t be tolerated.
There are a few tavernas teetering on the cliffside and they serve up fresh fish. There are no other services or even a shop to buy water, so be sure to bring your own.
Agios Nikolaos Beach
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos can only be reached by foot or by boat. It’s about a 20 minute hike from Angali Beach or a boat, which operates on GMT (Greek Maybe Time), takes passengers to the beach. Supposedly the boat runs every 30 minutes, but we only saw it take some passengers over to Agios Nikolaos. Be sure to make arrangements with the boat captain if you hope to only hike one way.
Agios Nikolaos is a sandy beach with a few tamarisk trees for shade. It’s a typical Greek beach where bathing suits are left at home. There is also a small taverna offering food and drinks and a cafe selling drinks on the beach.
Agios Georgios Beach
Agios Georgios
At the very northern end of the island lies Agios Georgios. There is a dirt road leading down to the beach from Ano Meria just after the Agios Georgios church, though it looked questionable as to whether cars or buggies should even be on it. Bring everything as there are no services at this secluded beach. It’s not recommended to visit Agios Georgios when it is windy.
Vorina Beach
Vorina
The green stone hill rolls down the eastern side of Folegandros to Vorina Beach below Chora. To reach the beach, follow the footpath from Chora to Ano Meria or hire a private boat. There are no services, so bring plenty of water. You will have to hike back up the steep cliffside!
Which of these Folegandros beaches would you most like to visit?