Away from the crowds, Folegandros is a Greek Island of quaint villages and secluded beaches. Stroll through kastro and savor local cuisine at traditional taverns.
Perch at a table in the quiet harbour and order a plate of matsata – handmade rooster or rabbit pasta with souroto cheese. For dessert, try karpouzenia – a medley of watermelon, honey and cinnamon.
Pounta
This charming restaurant is a little off the main road, just before the church. They serve delicious breakfasts, homemade bread and omelettes. They also have a beautiful backyard and the owners are very polite. They serve lunch and dinner as well but I really enjoyed their breakfasts the best.
Folegandros has little in the way of package tourist amenities but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of restaurants and cafes to enjoy! Many of them are found in Chora and serve traditional tavern-style recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Eva’s Garden is a delightful Greek fusion spot in the heart of Chora. It serves the usual suspects – souvlaki, gyros and tzatziki – alongside dishes like orzo soaked in crayfish stock and saffron. The restaurant’s bougainvillea-clad walls and intimate ambiance make it a romantic spot for a meal on the island.
Irini
Folegandros is a lesser-known Cyclades island, but it deserves to be visited. Ditch the crowds of Santorini and enjoy a secluded beach, quaint village, breathtaking views, and inspiring hiking trails.
Located inside an old Cycladic building, Irini is small with only two tables outside and a scattering of seating inside. Nevertheless, owner Irini’s matsata (handmade pasta with rooster and rabbit) is worth the trip alone.
The best places to eat in Folegandros are found in the capital of Chora, where you’ll find traditional taverns with local recipes and cozy cafes. You can also grab a drink at one of the many bars that create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere around sunset time. Be sure to check out the Church of Panagia for a stunning sunset view as well.
Dal Capo
Folegandros is a rustic Greek island that’s largely spared the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos. It’s an island of wild cliffs and unspoiled beaches with tiny villages perched on the hills and terraced farmland reaching down to the sea.
The most popular hotels and restaurants are located in Chora, the capital and largest village. It’s an easily walkable town dotted with charming squares, centuries-old churches, and casual tavernas. A must-see is the historic Kastro neighborhood and Church of Panagia.
For lunch or dinner, head to Dal Capo. It’s a small restaurant, but it makes up for its size with tasty dishes. The menu includes tuna steak, swordfish, and fried calamari. It also has a great selection of Greek beers, including microbrew Katsika Porter. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy. It has a lounge area in the back and dining tables. You can even enjoy a nice view of the port from the patio. You can book a table on OpenTable.
O Kritikos
If you’re looking for an island getaway away from the crowds of Santorini, Folegandros is a great choice. This smaller island offers stunning beaches, charming towns, and beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit Folegandros is during the summer months, from May through August. The temperatures are warm and you’ll be able to swim in the crystal clear waters.
You can explore the island by hopping on local buses or renting a car. The ferries are very regular, making it easy to get around the island.
For dinner, head to O Kritikos, a restaurant that serves traditional Greek cuisine. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is cozy and authentic. Mell especially loved trying the yemistas (stuffed vegetables), which were similar to spanakopita but had more of a spiced filling and a bread crust instead of filo pastry. If you’re craving more, stop by To Stiho for a coffee and pastry. They also have delicious gelato!