Greece - Korina Miller [352]
Orientation
The port to Hora bus turnaround is in the square called Plateia Pounta. From here follow a road to the left into Plateia Dounavi, from where an archway on the right, the Paraporti, leads into the kastro. Plateia Dounavi leads on to Plateia Kontarini, then to Plateia Piatsa and, finally, to Plateia Maraki. Keep on through Plateia Maraki to reach the bus stop for Ano Meria and most beaches.
Information
Folegandros does not have an official tourism office. A good source of information is www.folegandr osisland.com.
There’s no bank, but there is an ATM on the far side of Plateia Dounavi, next to the community offices. The post office is on the port road, 200m downhill from the bus turnaround.
Travel agencies can exchange travellers cheques.
Diaplous Travel ( 22860 41158; www.diaploustravel.gr; Plateia Pounta) Helpful and efficient agency – sells ferry tickets, exchanges money and arranges accommodation, car and bike hire and boat excursions. Internet access per 15 minutes costs €1.
Maraki Travel ( 22860 41273; fax 22860 41149; Plateia Dounavi; 10.30am-noon & 5-9pm) Sells ferry tickets and exchanges money.
Medical Centre ( 22860 41222; Plateia Pounta)
Police station ( 22860 41249) Straight on from Plateia Maraki.
Sottovento Tourism Office ( 22860 41444; www.folegandrosisland.com) On Plateia Pounta; doubles as the Italian consulate and is very helpful on all tourism matters, including accommodation, international and domestic flights and boat trips.
Sights
Hora is a pleasure to wander through. The medieval kastro, a tangle of narrow streets spanned by low archways, dates from when Marco Sanudo ruled the island in the 13th century. The houses’ wooden balconies blaze with bougainvillea and hibiscus.
The extended village, outside the kastro, is just as attractive. From Plateia Pounta and the bus turnaround, a steep path leads up to the large church of the Virgin, Panagia ( 6pm-8pm), which sits perched on a dramatic cliff top above the town.
Tours
Boat trips around the island (per adult/child including lunch €27/10) and to nearby Sikinos (per adult/child €22/11) can be booked through Diaplous Travel and Sottovento Tourism Office.
Festivals & Events
The annual Folegandros Festival, staged in late July, features a series of concerts, exhibitions and special meals, at venues around the island.
Sleeping
In July and August most domatia and hotels will be full, so book well in advance.
Evgenia ( 22860 41006; www.evgeniafol@yahoo.gr; s/d €60/70 ste €80-120; ) These clean and well-kept rooms and studios are right at the entrance to Hora.
Pounta Accommodation ( 22860 41063; apt €80-90) Located about 1km from Hora, these are proper Folegandrian houses rather than studios or apartments and have great character within a superb setting.
Aegeo ( 22860 41468; aegeofol@hol.gr; s/d/tr €85/90/115; ) Located on the outskirts of town, Aegeo captures the classic Cycladean style with its central courtyard area, all white and blue and draped with crimson bougainvillea. Rooms are immaculate and bright.
Hotel Polikandia ( 22860 41322; www.polikandia-folegandros.gr; s €85, d €95-120, ste €200; ) A major makeover has transformed this always decent place into a colourful boutique hotel with lovely rooms encircling a gleaming pool. Decor and facilities are of high quality. It’s just before the bus turnaround. Breakfast is €10. Bikes are offered free.
Anemomylos Apartments ( 22860 41309; www.anemomilosapartments.com; d €150-200; ) A prime position on top of a cliff ensures awesome views from the seaward-facing rooms of this stylish complex and from its terraces. Rooms are elegant and fine antiques add to the ambience. Anemomylos is just up from the bus turnaround. One unit is equipped for use by those with disabilities.
Eating
Melissa ( 22860 41067; Plateia Kontarini; mains €5-9) Good food is matched by charming owners. The island speciality of matsata (handmade pasta) with meat of your choice is always worthwhile,