Remote and rugged Folegandros is on the southern, sunniest edge of the Cyclades, and while many of this island group have a wealth of acommodation, our selection of the best places to stay in Folegandros may not have the quantity, but certainly still offers the quality you're looking for.

As well as dramatic beauty, this island has a dark past. Just twelve kilometres long and four kilometres wide, Folegandros has been used as a place of exile since Roman times up until the 20th Century.

These days there's the hardship of not being able to reach the island by air, you have to come into the charming little harbour of Karavostasis, which is probably where you should base yourself if you like a bit of buzz in the evening. Apart from Hora, one of the most alluring villages in the Cyclades, the other main town is Ano Meria, which is a quieter scattering of farms and traditional homes with a very rural feel.

Hora's medieval heart is a great destination for history buffs and couples who appreciate a romantic Old Town atmosphere. There's plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a taverna, especially in the centre of town where there are three squares all lined up in a row.

What not to miss

• Hora's Venetian castle, built 200metres above sea level, really adds to the town's charm, and is one of the island's main sights. Within the castle walls is medieval Hora, but almost the whole town is a pedestrianised warren of cobbled streets opening onto wonderful views between the whitewashed sugar cubes of Cycladic architecture.
• Angali Beach - Angali meaning hug - is a pale sandy scoop hugged by boulders on both sides, with flat, mostly lagoon-like water.
• Chochlidia Beach, near Karavostasi, is less sandy, but has lovely deep blue water, and a fringe of trees providing shade.
• Katergo, with its pale sand, steep cliffs and rocky islet, is probably one of the island's most famous beaches, but it can only be reached by boat, and there's no infrastructure there when you arrive.
• Or, culture-vultures can instead spend an afternoon at the Ecological and Folklore Museum.

Don't forget to book well ahead if you want to guarantee a bed in one of the best places to stay in Folegandros during July and August. This is peak season and the best hotels get booked up fast.

The best places to stay in Folegandros

For family-friendly luxury

• Anemi Hotel is more a resort than a hotel, with a huge pool and terrace, lovely sea views and all the mod. cons. you could need. Just outside Karavostasi, this is a private and luxurious complex in bright whites. Some of the suites have private pools. But it's still very family friendly, with a kid's only pool, playground and cinema. And there's plenty to do on site, including diving, snorkelling, tennis, fishing and other watersports.
• Themonies Luxury Suites boast a collection of self-catering apartments housing 2-4 people. Their contemporary chic accommodation is bound to please, whilst there's also a cocktail bar and it's only a stone's throw away from the beach. Ideal!

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the flexibility of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fy into Santorini's Thira Airport before catching the ferry across to Folegandros.
• Best time to visit for weather is during the summer months - with the average daily temperature rising to 28°C in August.
• However, this is peak season, so for a quieter and cheaper alternative consider visiting during spring or autumn.
• If you'd like the privacy afforded to you by having a car then check out the selection available with Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay on Folegandros
• Alternatively check out our full listing for the Cyclades
• Or, call or email one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Folegandros