The Greek island of Folegandros in the southern part of the Aegean Sea is on the quieter side – a rare commodity these days.
A twelve square mile romantic sanctuary, it has managed to steer clear of TikTok infested tourist cafes, traffic lights and brash souvenir shops—there isn’t even an airport. An anomaly, for now at least.
Also known as the iron island, Folegandros is rocky, and charmingly barren outpost. Here, the towering cliffs, ancient pathways and breathtakingly wild beauty remains an unspoiled passageway for migratory birds coming from Africa.
Less than 700 people can be found here in the off- season, living on picturesque streets and alleyways, in snow-white houses with colourful doors and windows. As a NYT writer referred to it, a number of years ago, “Folegandros is the most charmingly ‘Greek’ of all the Cyclades”.
Come summer, there are a few daily ferries that bring visitors but, remarkably, tranquility and tourism still manage to walk respectfully hand in hand.
Of interest to many, The Church of Panagia and its ancient mariner stories. Dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin Mary that is high on a rock above the little town of Chora. Built in traditional Cycladic style with domes, a tall bell tower and a whitewashed exterior, the one-isle interior boasts fine frescos and a marble throne.
Time is also spent visiting Agali and Ambeli, beaches accessible only by boat, where it’s okay to swim in the nude.
Recently, the little-known ancient island has taken centre stage with the opening of Gundari, a luxury boutique hotel and a restaurant run by Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef, Laferis Lazarou.
Set on the rugged southeastern coast, within a protected wildlife reserve, the hotel, whose name means ‘rocky place’ has 30 suites and villas with infinity pools that flow into the sea. There’s an organic garden, a cozy wine bar is housed in an old farmhouse that’s been resorted and soon to be open subterranean spa offering energy treatments.
A first of its kind, bio-climatically designed solar energy harnessing resort, Gundari also offers guests use of eco-friendly electric bikes and Fiat 500e Cabrios for discovering the island.
