Chartering a yacht to Folegandros brings you to one of the wildest and most unspoilt islands in the Cyclades. Its towering cliffs, hilltop Hora and quiet anchorages make it a rewarding stop on a Cyclades sailing route, best reached from a charter base at Paros (Piso Livadi) a comfortable day sail to the north.
Why sail to Folegandros
Folegandros is a small, rocky island lying between Sikinos and Milos on the south-western edge of the Cyclades. Its appeal is exactly what it lacks: crowds, resorts and roads. Visitors are struck by the wild beauty of a barren landscape where huge rocks give way to sudden sandy coves, and by a clifftop Hora that ranks among the most picturesque villages in the whole archipelago. Arriving by yacht is by far the finest way to see it, letting you anchor off beaches that are hard to reach by land.
- Dramatic cliff scenery and one of the most beautiful Horas in the Cyclades.
- Quiet, uncommercial anchorages for sailors seeking solitude close to nature.
- Sheltered bays such as Karavostassis, Livadi and Agios Georgios for swimming and overnight stops.
- An easy addition to a Cyclades itinerary from Paros, Milos or Santorini.
Sailing around Folegandros
Karavostassis and the harbour
The island's port, Karavostassis, sits on the eastern coast and is the natural point of arrival for a yacht. The bay offers reasonable shelter and a handful of tavernas, and the beach here is among the best on the island for a swim. From the harbour a road climbs to Hora on the flat expanse of ground above.
Hora and the Kastro
Perched high above the sea, Hora (also simply called Folegandros) is made up of two settlements and is the heart of the island. In the old Kastro quarter, dating to the 13th century, the outer walls of the houses form a defensive precinct of the kind found elsewhere in the Cyclades. The newer quarter is just as pretty, with narrow alleys, stepped lanes, courtyards, wooden balconies and typically Aegean churches. The finest of these, the church of Our Lady (Panagia), stands on top of a section of the ancient wall and looks out over the whole island.
Chrissospilia and Ano Meria
North of Hora lies Chrissospilia, a cave with stalactites, stalagmites and traces of ancient occupation. Further out, the scattered settlements of the Ano Meria district give a sense of traditional island life, and the small Folklore Museum there reconstructs the farming practices of the old Folegandriots.
Beaches and anchorages
Among the best beaches for swimming and anchoring are Karavostassis, Livadi and the bay of Agios Georgios. Facilities and roads are limited across the island, which is precisely why it draws more visitors each year, chiefly those in search of quiet and unspoilt nature.
Folegandros has no charter base of its own and no marina. The nearest Nautilia base is Paros (Piso Livadi), roughly 54 km to the north, so the island is best planned as a stop on a longer Cyclades route rather than a start or finish port.
Sail the Cyclades to Folegandros
Tell us your dates, group size and preferences and our team will build a Cyclades route that takes in Folegandros and its neighbours.
When to sail to Folegandros
The Cyclades sailing season runs from late spring to early autumn. Folegandros sits in the path of the Meltemi, the strong northerly wind that blows down through the Aegean in high summer, so passages here are best planned running north to south, with the wind behind you on the way down from Paros or Milos.
Warm, settled weather and lighter winds before the Meltemi builds. Quiet anchorages and long days.
Hot and lively, but the Meltemi can blow hard. Strong wind experience helps for the exposed south-western Cyclades.
Warm sea, easing winds and fewer boats. One of the best windows for a relaxed Folegandros stop.
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Folegandros yacht charter FAQ
Is there a charter base on Folegandros?
No. Folegandros has no charter base and no marina. The nearest Nautilia base is Paros (Piso Livadi), roughly 54 km to the north, so most sailors reach Folegandros on a route down from Paros, Milos or Santorini rather than starting there.
How do I get to Folegandros by yacht?
Folegandros lies on the south-western edge of the Cyclades, between Sikinos and Milos. From the Paros base it is roughly a day sail to the south, and it also pairs naturally with Milos, Sikinos, Santorini and the western Cyclades on a longer cruise.
Where can I anchor around Folegandros?
The main harbour of Karavostassis on the east coast is the usual arrival point and offers reasonable shelter. The bays of Livadi and Agios Georgios are also good for swimming and daytime anchoring. Facilities are limited, so it is wise to provision before you arrive.
When is the best time to sail to Folegandros?
Late May to June and September to October offer the most comfortable conditions, with warm weather and lighter winds. July and August are hot and lively but the Meltemi can blow strongly across the exposed south-western Cyclades.
What is there to see on Folegandros?
The clifftop Hora with its 13th-century Kastro quarter and the church of Our Lady, the cave of Chrissospilia to the north, and the traditional settlements and Folklore Museum of Ano Meria are the main sights, along with the beaches at Karavostassis, Livadi and Agios Georgios.
Can I charter a bareboat or a crewed yacht for Folegandros?
Yes. Both bareboat and crewed yachts are available for Cyclades cruises that include Folegandros, departing from the Paros base and other Cyclades ports. Tell us your dates and group size and we will suggest suitable boats.
