The beaches of Folegandros are known for their unspoilt character and tranquil surroundings. Mostly unorganised, they are often found at the end of dirt trails, have great views, and are surrounded by turquoise seas. The majority of the beaches are on the western side of the island or around the port in the south eastern corner. Many of the smaller beaches are naturist friendly and few have facilities so be prepared to pack accordingly with shade, water and something to eat.
Ligaria
An alluring strip of sand, Ligaria is at the foot of a steep trail. Tranquil and often deserted, it is ideal for those in search of solitude. The main road passes nearby but it feels a hundred miles away from civilisation.
Agios Georgios
On the northern headland, and exposed to the northern winds, Agios Georgios is mostly sandy with a pebbly shore. Accessed by a long steep dirt road or by a long hike from Ano Meria, the remoteness generally means that the beach is very quiet. Completely unorganised with a little shade, there are no amenities nearby.
Ambeli
Small but popular due to its protected shores, it is a 40 minute walk from Ano Meria. The beach is pebbly, the water is sparkling, and the views across the Aegean are lovely. There are no facilities at all so come prepared.
Agios Nikolaos
A 15 minute walk or 5 minute boat ride from Agkali, Agios Nikolaos takes its name from a pretty chapel that sits on a headland overlooking the beach. Picturesque, the shoreline is sandy with clear seas and there is shade from trees at the rear of the beach. There are a couple of tavernas for lunch and refreshments.
Choclidia
The main beach at Karovastasis is pebbly and backed by tamarisk trees for shade. Unorganised, the sandy seabed shelves gently and the bay is sheltered from the wind making it a good option for families. There is a beach bar and tavernas are to be found in the town of the harbour.
Galyfos
A small but popular beach, it is protected from the north winds, and it is accessed from the footpath that leads from Agkali 10 minutes walk away. Pebbly with bright, clean water, there is a concrete jetty and a couple of boathouses. Completely unorganised, the beach has little shade and is favoured by nudists.
Katergo
Wild and beautiful, Katergo is one of the most stunning beaches on the island. Difficult to access by foot, boats leave from Karavostasis for the 10 minute ride to the beach. Long with sand and pebbles, Katergo is enclosed by steep cliffs with rocky islets in the sea to explore. The sea is particularly blue here but there is nothing nearby so come prepared or face a 30 minute hike to Livadi.
Latinaki
A small shallow strip of sand and pebbles overlooking Karavostasis, it is quieter than the main beach. Families and children like the clean water and gently shelving seafloor. Unorganised, the port village is a 10 minute walk away for its amenities.
Fira
A small sand and pebble beach surrounded by red and gold cliffs, it is a 15 minute walk from Agkali. Remote in feel, it is unorganised and overlooks the southwestern corner of the island. Sunsets are particularly nice here.
Livadaki
On the southwest corner of the island, Livadaki is remote. The path from Ano Meria takes 45 minutes but the scenery is dramatic and leads up to the Aspropountas lighthouse. Alternatively, there is a 20 minute boat ride from Agkali. A beautiful natural bay, the fine pebbly shore is completely unorganised with a little shade from a few trees. Despite its out of the way location, the beach can get busy in summer due to the number of boats ferrying visitors in and out.
Livadi
Rightly popular, Livadi is easily accessed from the village of the same name. A large sandy bay with a gently shelving sea bottom, Livadi is perfect for windy days as it is sheltered from almost all winds. There is some shade from a row of pines to the rear. Just 1 kilometre from the port, there are fish taverns, mini markets, and rooms to rent in the village.
Pountaki
Between Karavostasis and Livadi, the beach is accessed by a steep path from the coast road. The view is across to the islet of Ai Giannis with its church atop and in the distance Sikinos can be seen. A good option when the south winds are blowing, it is narrow and sandy and completely unorganised.
Vardia
East of the port of Karavostasis is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Sandy and pebbly with some shade from a few trees at the rear, there are no facilities but the harbour town is behind. A set of concrete steps allows access to the harbour.
Vitsentzou
Found between Latinaki and Pountaki, access is from the path next to the coastal road. Sandy and unorganised, the beach is sheltered for when the north wind is blowing, the water is clear and there is a taverna nearby for refreshments.
Vorina
On the northern coast, looking out to Sifnos, Vorina has beautiful emerald clear waters in fantastic scenery. A steep 20 minute hike down from the Chora – Ano Meria road, the shore is white pebbles and there is some shade from the rocks. There are no facilities nearby and check the weather as it can get buffeted by the north wind.
Read also:
Folegandros: Cycladic Island, Free of Extravagance
