Folegandros Ferries

Sorry, this ferry route is not currently active.

Folegandros is primarily accessible by ferry from Athens' port of Piraeus, with journeys taking between 4-9 hours depending on whether you choose a high-speed or conventional vessel. Regular ferry connections also operate from other Cycladic islands including Santorini (1-2 hours), Milos (1-3 hours), and Naxos (2-4 hours). Once at the ferry terminal in Karavostasis, the island's main port, local buses meet arriving ferries to transport visitors to Chora and Ano Meria. If arriving by car, secure parking is available near the port, though the island is small enough to navigate without a vehicle.

Nestled between Sikinos and Milos in the Aegean Sea, Folegandros offers a perfect blend of rugged landscapes and authentic Greek charm. This small island combines dramatic cliff-top villages with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, all while maintaining its traditional character away from mass tourism. As a ferry destination, Folegandros serves as a tranquil escape where whitewashed buildings contrast against the deep blue sea, promising visitors an authentic slice of Greek island life.

Folegandros shines brightest from late May through early October when warm temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for swimming and exploration. July and August bring the warmest weather but also larger crowds and higher prices. For a more peaceful experience with comfortable temperatures, aim for June or September when the island maintains its vibrant atmosphere without the peak season crush. Easter celebrations in spring offer a cultural immersion opportunity with traditional festivities throughout the island. Ferry services are most frequent during summer months, with reduced schedules during the winter season when many businesses close.

Folegandros serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other Cycladic treasures by ferry. Santorini lies just a short 1-2 hour journey away, offering its famous caldera views and sunset panoramas. Milos, with its extraordinary moon-like landscapes and colorful fishing villages, can be reached within 1-3 hours by ferry. The small neighboring island of Sikinos is just 30 minutes away, providing an even more tranquil atmosphere with authentic village life and hiking paths. For those seeking a livelier scene, Ios can be reached in about 1-2 hours, known for its golden beaches and energetic nightlife during summer months.

Exploring Folegandros begins with wandering through Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades, with its medieval fortress and three charming squares filled with tavernas. The hike to the Church of Panagia perched high above the town rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views across the Aegean. Beach lovers should seek out Katergo, accessible by boat or hiking trail, offering pristine waters and natural seclusion. Sample local specialties like matsata (handmade pasta with rabbit or rooster), souroto cheese, and honey pie at traditional tavernas in Ano Meria, where the island's agricultural heritage remains visible through the stone-walled fields and farmhouses.

Folegandros derives its name from the son of King Minos of Crete, who according to mythology was the island's first inhabitant. The island was once used as a place of exile for political prisoners during various periods of Greek history, including the Greek military junta of 1967-1974. Despite its small size (just 32 square kilometers), Folegandros boasts over 40 churches and chapels scattered across its landscape, many built in gratitude by sailors who survived storms at sea. The island's traditional homes feature distinctive flat roofs designed to collect rainwater, essential on an island with limited freshwater sources.