Folegandros Greece Travel Guide
Folegandros lacks an airport; you first fly into a larger airport in Greece and after that transfer to a ferry. The nearest international airports are on Santorini (Thira - JTR) and Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport - ATH).
Flight frequency and prices increase significantly from June to September. The shoulder seasons (April-May, October) present better value. During the off-season (November-March), flights to Santorini are limited.
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Folegandros is mainly accessed by ferry. The island's only port is Karavostasi, located on the southeastern side. It features a natural harbor and a small village.
From Piraeus (Athens): Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries) take 7-11 hours. High-speed catamarans (Seajets) take 3.5-5 hours. Frequent connections to Santorini, Milos, Sifnos, Paros, Naxos, and Ios (1-2 hours for nearby islands).
Major operators: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Zante Ferries. For people arriving internationally into Greece at major ports, standard passport control applies. Domestic travel within Greece does not involve additional immigration checks.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for tourists departing Greece. Any taxes are typically included in your flight or ferry ticket price. Plan your departure carefully to avoid last-minute rushes.
Knowing what facilities are available at your departure point can make your waiting time more comfortable.
At Karavostasi port, connections to land transportation make your simpler onward journey upon arrival or before departure.
Always build in buffer time when connecting ferries and flights. The Meltemi winds cause ferry delays or cancellations, which might impact your onward travel plans. Flexibility and patience are helpful when traveling between islands.
Folegandros provides a limited yet efficient public bus (KTEL) network, serving as a reliable and affordable way to get between the main villages and some popular beaches.
Bus services are most frequent during high season (July-August), running approximately every 30-60 minutes between main villages, sometimes past midnight.
Folegandros has a very limited number of taxis (one or two licensed). Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are not available due to the island's small size.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are widely available from local agencies. ATVs (quad bikes) are also a common choice, offering better traction on unpaved roads.
Walking and hiking present the most rewarding ways to experience Folegandros's natural beauty. Chora is pedestrianized. The island has limited bicycle infrastructure, with hilly terrain suitable for experienced cyclists.
To rent a car within Greece, you must have a valid national driver's license. Non-EU citizens also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). The minimum age for rental is usually 21 or 23, and drivers often need to have held their license for no less than one year. A credit card is usually needed for a deposit.
Motorcycles and scooters are widely available from local agencies. Requirements are similar to car rental: a valid motorcycle license or a B category driver's license (for scooters up to 125cc), minimum age, and often a credit card.
Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Main roads are paved but often narrow, winding, with steep inclines and sharp turns. Streets to some beaches can be unpaved, gravel, or dirt tracks, requiring careful driving.
Parking is limited, especially in Chora. Designated parking areas exist just outside Chora and at Karavostasi. Parking within Chora's pedestrianized areas is restricted. Always park responsibly and avoid blocking narrow streets.
Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available on Folegandros. However, boat taxis represent a significant aspect of transportation.
Small boats regularly depart from Agali beach. They make for convenient access to remote, stunning beaches like Livadaki, Katergo, and Agios Nikolaos, which are otherwise difficult or require long hikes to reach. This service operates frequently during peak season. Full-day boat tours circling the island are offered from Karavostasi or Agali. These tours often include stops for swimming and snorkeling in hidden coves, visits to sea caves (like Chrysospilia), and sometimes a light lunch on board. Folegandros does not have cable cars, funiculars, or other unique mechanical transport systems.
