The Best Hotels in Folegandros

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By Santorini Dave

Perched on a clifftop, Gundari is the most luxurious resort in Folegandros.

Folegandros Hotels – Tips & Recommendations

• Folegandros is a small, rugged Cycladic island with dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and just three main villages. Chora is the best base for most first-time visitors, with restaurants, bars, shops, and regular buses to the port and Ano Meria. You can stay in Chora without a car, but I recommend renting one if you’re staying farther out or want to explore the island’s more remote beaches and hiking trails.
• There are no bank branches on Folegandros, though there are ATMs in Chora. Cards are widely accepted, but it’s still smart to carry some cash for buses, small purchases, and businesses in more remote areas.
• My Favorite Luxury Hotels in Folegandros: Gundari • Anemi Hotel • Onar • Chora Resort
• My Favorite Family-Friendly Hotels in Folegandros: Anemi Hotel • Blue Sand • Chora Resort • Folegandros Apartments • Polikandia Hotel
• My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Folegandros: Gundari • Themonies Luxury Suites • Blue Sand • Anemomilos Boutique Hotel • Lemon Tree Houses • Polikandia
• My Favorite Romantic/Honeymoon Hotels in Folegandros: Gundari • Onar Suites & Villas • Anemi Hotel • Themonies Luxury Suites • Mar Inn • Fata Morgana Studios
• My Favorite Beach Hotels in Folegandros: Blue Sand • Onar • Perigiali Rooms & Apartments
• My Favorite Midrange/Budget Hotels in Folegandros: Ampelos • Under the Palm Tree Studios • Perigiali Rooms & Apartments
• My Favorite Restaurants in Folegandros: To Goupi, To Zimaraki, and Pounta in Chora; O Psaromiligkas and Pasithea near Agali; Sea Sense and Dal Capo del Porto in Karavostasis; and Sinadisi, Irini’s, and Folegandros Bakery in Ano Meria.
• Most beaches on Folegandros are small, natural, and undeveloped, with little or no shade, so bring water and anything else you’ll need. Katergo is my favorite and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. The easiest way to reach it is by a roughly 10-minute boat ride from Karavostasis; there’s also a hiking trail from Livadi. Several other beaches are reached by foot or boat. Chrysospilia, on the island’s northeast coast, is an important sea cave with roughly 400 ancient names inscribed on its walls, mostly dating from the 4th century BC, but the cave itself is not open to visitors.
• My Favorite Towns on Folegandros: Chora is the best place to stay for most visitors, with a pedestrian center, excellent restaurants, bars, shops, the historic Kastro, and the trail up to the Church of Panagia. Karavostasis is the port village and a good choice for easy beach access, with several beaches and restaurants within walking distance. Agali is the best base for a beach-focused stay, with a sheltered swimming beach and trails to Galifos and Agios Nikolaos. Ano Meria is a quiet farming village spread along the main road, with traditional tavernas, a handful of hotels, hiking trails, and the Folklore Museum.

The 17 Best Hotels in Folegandros

1. Gundari – Petousis

My favorite hotel in Folegandros and far and away the most luxurious. Gundari has a large infinity pool, an excellent spa, and just 27 suites and villas spread across a remote clifftop property. Every suite has a private infinity pool and sea view; the three- and four-bedroom villas add much more space, larger pools, and outdoor jacuzzis. Rooms start at 35 square meters and all have king beds and large furnished terraces. The restaurant focuses on contemporary Greek food, with a separate pool bar and a good breakfast using local and seasonal ingredients. The isolated location is a big part of the appeal, but it’s not convenient for walking to Chora or restaurants. A rental car is strongly recommended.

2. Anemi Hotel – Karavostasis

My favorite luxury hotel near the port. Anemi has a huge saltwater infinity pool, a separate kids pool, a Greek restaurant, tennis and basketball courts, a fitness center, and a spa. Rooms are spacious and have private balconies or verandas; suites add sitting areas and the best units have private pools with sea views. A very good a la carte breakfast is included. The location is convenient without feeling busy, about 300 meters from Chochlidia Beach and an easy walk to restaurants, several other beaches, and the boat to Katergo Beach.

3. Onar Suites & Villas – Karavostasis

My favorite boutique hotel in Folegandros. Onar overlooks the sea above Vardia Beach, with a private path down toward the water. The suites and villa have kitchenettes, private terraces or balconies, and either a jacuzzi or jetted plunge pool in the higher categories. Views face the port or across the Aegean toward Santorini. Extras include twice-daily housekeeping, complimentary afternoon refreshments, an open-air gym, and free arrival and departure transfers. It’s an easy walk to five beaches, the ferry port, the Katergo boat, and several restaurants.

4. Mar Inn Hotel – Chora

Good-value, family-run hotel a short walk from the restaurants, bars, and shops of Chora. Rooms and suites are modern, with balconies and sea views; suites add larger terraces. The neighboring Maris Private Residence has a full kitchen, outdoor shower, and outdoor jacuzzi. There’s a heated saltwater pool with jacuzzi and a pool bar serving light meals and drinks. Free port transfers and on-site parking are included.

Chora has the island’s best selection of restaurants, shops, and nightlife and is the best place to stay for first-time visitors.

5. Polikandia Hotel – Chora

Excellent family-run boutique hotel with attractive rooms and suites combining traditional art with stone and wood details. All have mini-fridges, tea and coffee facilities, and balconies; the best suites add bathtubs, kitchenettes, and a second balcony. There’s a good-sized pool with an attached jacuzzi, cafe and bar, and gardens. The hotel is a short walk from a bus stop and the restaurants and shops of Chora. The owners are exceptionally helpful, and a homemade breakfast is available on request.

6. Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites – Agali Bay

My favorite beach hotel. Blue Sand sits directly above Agali Beach, with minimalist rooms and suites that all have walk-in showers, balconies, and sea views. The best suites have large, partly shaded terraces with sitting areas and day beds. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good selection of Greek wines and cocktails. It’s a great choice if swimming is the priority, with Agali Beach below the hotel, several tavernas nearby, and walking trails to Galifos and Agios Nikolaos Beaches.

7. Themonies Luxury Suites – Chora

Small boutique hotel in a group of restored 19th-century themonies, the traditional farmhouses once used by local farming families. Each suite has a kitchenette, dining and sitting areas, and a private terrace or yard. The villa adds a full kitchen, second bedroom, and huge 500-square-meter yard with its original threshing floor. The hotel also has an art gallery and offers complimentary port and helipad transfers. Homemade breakfast is included and delivered to the suites. Quiet setting on the edge of Chora, about 500 meters from the village center.

8. Anemomilos Boutique Hotel – Chora

Family-owned boutique hotel with a free-form pool on the cliff below the Church of Panagia. Studios have kitchenettes and at least one balcony or terrace; the larger suites have panoramic sea views. There’s also a casual all-day restaurant and pool bar. The location is excellent, near the start of the walking path to Panagia and only a short walk from the center of Chora.

9. Folegandros Apartments – Chora

Well-run boutique hotel with studios and suites built around a large pool. All accommodations have kitchenettes and private terraces or balconies. The Deluxe Suite has two terraces, while the two-level Family Suite adds a second bathroom. There’s an attached jacuzzi and a pool bar serving snacks and drinks throughout the day. Excellent location near the Church of Panagia trail and a short walk from the restaurants and Kastro of Chora.

Katergo is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. It’s easiest to reach by boat from Karavostasis; there’s also a hiking trail from Livadi.

10. Lemon Tree Houses – Ano Meria

Romantic, pet-friendly boutique hotel with just five Cycladic-style houses and an infinity pool at the far end of Ano Meria. Each house has a kitchenette, walk-in shower, and two private terraces. A la carte breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes throughout the day. A few good tavernas and Folegandros Bakery are within walking distance. Several hiking trails to remote beaches start nearby, though a car makes exploring this part of the island much easier.

11. Chora Resort Hotel & Spa – Chora

My favorite hotel for families. Chora Resort has the largest hotel pool on Folegandros, plus a jacuzzi and mini-golf. There’s a Greek restaurant, pool bar, and cafe, and buffet breakfast is included. All rooms have private patios or terraces. Deluxe Rooms and suites add jacuzzi tubs, while the two-bedroom suites also have a private balcony. Good central location near restaurants and just a short walk from Chora’s pedestrian center.

12. Fata Morgana Studios – Chora

Cliffside boutique hotel with excellent sunset and sea views from every studio. Rooms vary in layout, but all have kitchenettes, open showers, and private sea-view terraces; many also have sea views from the bed. There’s a deep swimming pool and pool bar, and the terrace is a great spot for sunset drinks. Convenient location less than a 5-minute walk from the restaurants and shops in central Chora.

13. Ampelos – Chora

My favorite budget hotel on the island. This simple, family-run hotel has an infinity pool and sun terrace, basic rooms with mini-fridges and balconies, and one larger villa. Views take in Chora, the Church of Panagia, surrounding hills, and the sea. The villa adds a kitchen, dining room, and several balconies. A simple breakfast is available, and Chora is a short walk away.

14. Provalma – Ano Meria

Secluded, family-run property with just five large studios set around a pool. Rooms have wood-beamed ceilings, well-equipped kitchens with ovens and cooking hobs, and private terraces with sea views. The owners deliver a homemade breakfast basket each morning. It’s wonderfully quiet, but the nearest restaurants and markets are about a 15-minute walk away. Buses serve Ano Meria, though having a car is more convenient for beaches and exploring the island.

15. Under the Palm Tree – Ano Meria

Affordable stay with just two studios and a cafe in Ano Meria. Both studios have kitchenettes, dining tables, private patios, and sea views. One has a queen bed; the other has a queen plus two twins. The cafe is a good stop for brunch, lunch, coffee, and cocktails. Two tavernas and the Folklore Museum are nearby, and Folegandros Bakery is about a 15-minute walk away.

16. Aspalathras White Hotel – Chora

Whitewashed Cycladic-style hotel with a pool, snack bar, and fitness center. Rooms and suites have private balconies or terraces and jacuzzi baths, though oddly some don’t have showers. Breakfast is served at sister property Chora Resort Hotel & Spa, a short walk away. Good location near restaurants and within easy walking distance of central Chora.

17. Avaton – Chora

Small boutique hotel with just nine open-plan suites, each with a furnished sea-view balcony, freestanding soaking tub, walk-in shower, sitting area, and king bed. An infinity pool with hydromassage jets overlooks the sea and cliffs, and the pool bar serves drinks and light snacks. Breakfast is included. Quiet location about a 10-minute walk from the restaurants, shops, and bars of central Chora.

Agali Bay is one of the best places to swim on Folegandros. Blue Sand Boutique Hotel sits directly above the beach and is the best hotel in the area.

My Favorite Hotels in Folegandros

• 5-Star Hotel: Gundari
• Boutique Hotel: Onar
• 4-Star Hotel: Chora Resort
• Family Hotel: Chora Resort
• Beach Hotel: Blue Sand
• Sunset View Hotel: Fata Morgana