The church of the Assumption that overlooks the Chora of Folegandros is the most important religious monument and a landmark of the island. Follow the cobbled, serpentine path that leads to its courtyard atop the steep cliff, and marvel at the unforgettable vistas. Notice the church’s architectural features with its three domes as well as the ancient inscriptions and statue bases scattered around the courtyard and the interior, since the church was built on the site of an ancient temple. The Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary is considered miraculous according to tradition and is associated with the pirate stories of Folegandros.
The Chora of Folegandros is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful capitals of the Cyclades. Perched on the edge of a 210 meters high cliff, it extends in and around the Venetian castle. The castle was built by the Venetians of Marco Sanudo in 1212 and, since then, the hamlet has always been inhabited. Walk through the atmospheric alleys, domes, squares and whitewashed houses covered in bougainvilleas. Notice the proximity of the houses, which aimed to protect Chora, during pirate raids. Inside the castle you will find other important churches of the island, namely Eleousa, Pantanassa and Agia Sophia, with their distinct temples.
When walking in Chora don’t forget to stop at the terrace in the square of Pounta and admire the view of the Aegean stretching in front of you. On a clear day, gaze at the horizon reaching as far as Kimolos, Milos and Sifnos.
The other settlement of the island, Ano Meria or Mera, mainly rural, is located in a short distance from Chora, almost in the heart of the island. Once you’re there, visit the folklore museum to learn about the way of life in a traditional farmhouse in Cyclades: the house, cellar, bakery, olive press with the characteristic round-shaped stone.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the island through its cobbled paths that will take you along amazing routes through rock and bush fields overlooking the vastness of the sea.
It is worth taking a walk to the lighthouse of Aspropounta on the northwest side of the island. You can reach there on foot from Livadaki (15 min) or from Ano Meria (60 min). It was built in 1919 at a height of 58 meters above the sea and its flashing beacon, which is 11 meters high, can be seen from 17 nautical miles away.
To the northeast of Folegandros is Chrysospilia, a natural monument of archaeological interest. On a remote point on the rock of the Virgin Mary is a 300 meters long cave decorated with Roman cisterns while on its walls and roof there are rock paintings with ancient names of teenage men who arrived here in the 4th century BC to participate in maturity ceremonies. The cave is naturally decorated with shells and stalactites. Access to the cave is difficult and can be either by boat from Karavostasis, or by land through the so-called "Greek Steps".