Friday, August 26, 2011

Folegandros, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Folegandros is a small and rocky island with wild beauty and a spectacular capital perched on a cliff with medieval dwellings. The island is ideal for those seeking genuine Greek island life and the wild beauty.

General Information
Folegandros is a small and rocky island between Sikinos and Milos.
Visitors will be struck by the wild beauty of the barren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandy beaches.
On a flat expanse above the pretty harbour of Karavostassis is Hora or Folegandros, which consists of two sections. In the old settlement in the Kastro area, the outer walls of the houses form the sort of defensive precinct to be found elsewhere in the Cyclades. The new quarter is just as pretty, with narrow alleys, stepped walls, courtyards, wooden balconies and typically Aegean churches. The finest church on the island, that of Our Lady, stands above a section of the ancient wall.
Chrissospilia, nearby to the north, with stalactites, stalagmites and traces of ancient occupation, and the small settlements in the Ano Meria district are the sights to be seen around the island’s main village.
Ano Meria also has the Ecological and Folklore Museum, with exhibits of the farming practices of the islanders.

Although Folegandros has little in the way of tourist amenities or roads, it attracts more and more visitors each year – chiefly those in search of solitude close to nature.

Sightseeing
The island has three basic villages, all worth a visit. The capital is Hora, which is a traffic-free little village with many taverns and shops. Here, the Castro lies, which was an area of the town built like a fortress. You can also visit the church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) just above Hora, which has an icon said to have worked many miracles.
In Ano Meria ("upper part") visit the folklore museum for traditional exhibits and showcases of locals’ life. This village is where most of the farmers live, and it is quite striking that you see and smell animals everywhere.
Karavostassis ("boat stop") is the harbour, and here you'll find many little taverns and a few beaches.
You can also visit the Golden Cave, Chrysospilia, but only by boat.

Beaches
Among the best beaches for swimming are Karavostassis, Livadi and Agios Georgios bay.




Useful Information
(Area 32 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 106 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22860
Commune Office: 41285
Police: 41249
Port Authority: 41530
Health Center: 41222

http://www.folegandros.gr/

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