FOLEGANDROS TRAVEL GUIDE

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AREAS

Chora

Chora is the traditional settlement of the island, it is built at an altitude of around 200 metres above sea level, and is 3.4 kilometres from Karavostassis.

The main features of Chora include narrow cobbled streets, many consecutive squares - a unique architectural element in all the Cyclades islands – the well-tended homes with their white-washed courtyards, and the Kastro. It is easy to walk through the streets of Chora, as access is prohibited to all motor vehicles. Spacious car-parks are available for drivers just outside the village.

Karavostassis

The area is tranquil and suitable for swimming and relaxation. The main beach in the Karavostassis area is Hohlidia, a family beach, but there are also several small secluded beaches all around. The main road leading to Hora and Ano Meria starts at the harbour and crosses the whole island, as does the coastal road to Livadi passing by all the beaches on the south of the island.

Ano Meria

The second largest settlement in Folegandros is built on the north-western edge of the island, covering an area 3 kilometres in length.

It is an authentic island village, where the life style is still mainly agricultural. The houses in Ano Meria, called themonies, are not simply homes; they are small autonomous agricultural and animal-breeding units, suitable for the needs of the closed farming economy that dominated life in the village up to a few years ago. In this windswept and arid landscape, under very difficult weather conditions, most of the households are still largely autonomous with respect to their agricultural and animal produce. The architectural peculiarity of the village, the preservation of ancient traditions by its inhabitants and the simplicity of their lifestyles, make Ano Meria one of the most authentic villages in the Cyclades. It is 6 kilometres from Hora.

Kastro

Kastro constitutes the oldest part of the Hora. It is a medieval settlement built to protect the island’s inhabitants from enemy invasions. It has been inhabited continuously since its establishment. Its northern side is built at the edge of a cliff. The houses, some of which are over one thousand years old, are inhabited and maintained in good condition.