From the rugged to the easily accessible, all of Folegandros' beaches impress with their untouched natural scenery.
The island of Folegandros is known for its beautiful Chora, for the whitewashed houses built on the cliff and for its wild landscape. However, the island's beaches with crystal-clear waters are another important reason to visit. Some unfold in sheltered coves and others hide between steep slopes.
In Folegandros you won't find large organized beaches with sunbeds. The setting is more authentic and takes you back years, to when the beaches were completely free. Most are reached by car, while some you'll get to on foot or by boat. Discover the island's best shores for dips in heavenly waters.
Agali
Agali is Folegandros' most popular beach, as it's a very easy choice for a swim. It's about 4 km from Chora, in a sheltered bay, and has a large sandy beach with blue waters. Access is easy by car, scooter or bus, which makes it especially popular with people of all ages. Around the beach there are cafés, tavernas and accommodation, while from here paths set off to smaller beaches such as Fira and Galyfos. You can also reach Agios Nikolaos from here on foot or by boat, and Livadaki by boat.
Agios Nikolaos
Close to Agali lies Agios Nikolaos, an impressive beach with sand and fine pebbles that stands out for its clear waters and the trees that provide natural shade. You can get there via a path in about 20 minutes from Agali, or take the boat and be there in 5 minutes. On the beach you'll find a café and food.
Livadaki
A completely unorganized, postcard-perfect beach, remote Livadaki sits on the island's southwest side. Between rocks you'll see its cool blue-green waters. You can get there by boat from Agali in about 15-20 minutes, or on foot from Ano Meria, following a path for about 45 minutes to an hour. If you have time, it's worth combining your visit with a walk to the Aspropounta lighthouse, which is a short distance away on foot.
Katergo
For many, Katergo is the most impressive beach on Folegandros. Encircled by high cliffs, it stands out for its white pebbles and translucent blue waters. A wild, shade-less beach, it's harder to reach compared to other shores on the island. Access is mainly by boat from Karavostasi, Folegandros' port, in about 10 minutes. There's also a path that starts from Livadi and you'll need about half an hour's walk to get there.
Chochlidia
One of the most popular and easily accessible beaches is Chochlidia. Essentially it's the port's beach, surrounded by the settlement of Karavostasi. It's sheltered and pebbly, with trees for natural shade, and it's next to hotels, café - bar and tavernas. You'll see more families there.
Vardia
Vardia is right behind Karavostasi, a stone's throw from Chochlidia. It's easy to access as all you need to do is go down a few steps. The waters are crystal clear and the beach has sand and pebbles. It also gathers many families thanks to its proximity to the hotels.
Livadi
A short distance from Karavostasi lies Livadi, a long stretch with sand and fine pebbles. It unfolds in front of the settlement and access is easy by car. The beach is relatively sheltered from the winds and is a good choice for those looking for a nearby option.
Agios Georgios
On Folegandros' north side, near Ano Meria, Agios Georgios is one of the island's most beautiful and authentic beaches. However, it's not one you reach easily. It's at the back of a large bay and stands out for the natural scenery and the clear blue-green waters, with tamarisk trees providing natural shade. There you'll also find the small, whitewashed chapel of Agios Georgios, from which the beach takes its name. Access is by road from Ano Meria, via a passable dirt road, while there's also a path for those who want to combine their swim with a hike.
Fira and Galyfos
Two small beaches next to Agali, Fira and Galyfos, are ideal for quieter dips. On one side of Agali, Fira is reached in about a quarter of an hour on foot. On the other side, towards Agios Nikolaos, Galyfos is 10 minutes away on foot and impresses with its pebbles and waters.
Latinaki Vitsentzou and Pountaki
Three small beaches you can combine in one day, as they're close to the port and follow one after the other. They're less than 5 minutes from Karavostasi by car, they're small, quiet and unorganized, without beach bars and umbrellas and have easy access.