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The beautiful Greek Islands are the perfect destination for true holiday relaxation. Of course, relaxation means something completely different to everyone, but in our opinion, it is an opportunity to rest both body and soul. During our visit, we relaxed at our own pace, without rush, crowds or noise, and with the complete freedom to choose our activities. We headed to the smaller island of Folegandros, which is still undiscovered by mass tourism, for a peaceful retreat. Weronika explains, “I interpret relaxation in many ways – lying on a beach and sunbathing, visiting quiet towns, drinking coffee with a view of the cliffs or the sea, or even morning poolside yoga. Folegandros offers all of these and so much more.”. To reach Folegandros, first fly to Santorini or Athens before taking an onward ferry.
Santorini – flights and accommodation
Our trip began with a flight to Santorini, where we touched down in the evening. Our hotel was situated in Perissa, which is surrounded by the stunning white buildings and palm trees that are so typical of Santorini. The “Stays” tab on the eSky website offers a wide range of accommodation options, which makes it possible to tailor your stay to your preferences and travel plans. If you are heading to Santorini to explore then I would recommend choosing Karterados as your starting point. On the other hand, if you plan to mostly sunbathe then Periss is a great choice. The Greek Islands’ most beautiful views await you in Oia, and Thira (also known as Fira) is the nightlife capital.
We have best accommodation offers in Santorini
After dropping off our bags, we had dinner at A For Aketon restaurant, situated within a 10-minute walk of our accommodation. No wonder the eatery is recommended on many travel blogs as the food turned out to be delicious and great value for money, especially considering the location right on the beach. There was also live music that added a laid-back atmosphere to the evening, helping us to get into the holiday spirit. After dinner, we went for ice cream and a short walk along the beach.
Day One – Santorini
Although a day at the beach was tempting, it would be a shame to miss Santorini’s stunning landscape, so we decided to spend day one of our trip exploring the island before we set off to Folegandros. After breakfast in our hotel, we headed to the island’s capital, Thira. The second most popular town on Santorini, Thira is every bit as beautiful as Oia, but far cheaper and less crowded, with great views over the island’s south. We recommend exploring the quaint side streets where you can take the best photos.
Book a car and attraction tickets before you go!
“I have seen pictures of Santorini many times and, although beautiful, they do not reflect the unique atmosphere of the island. The views really exceeded my expectations and, although there were lots of people around, it was easy to find peaceful, empty streets to enjoy some solitude.”
Folegandros – ferry and accommodation
“Santorini is a great starting point for your trip around the surrounding islands.”
Day Two – Folegandros
“The island itself is the perfect destination in which to unwind, with plenty of peaceful spots to have to yourself (unlike Santorini, which is busier). There is easy access to the beaches on Folegandros, where you can relax in silence, without the crowds”,
In the morning, we picked up our rental car that we had booked via the eSky website’s “Cars” tab. As the island is small, we had the opportunity to visit its most beautiful places with complete freedom and convenience of sightseeing. Our first stop was Agkali Beach, which is quite popular thanks to its proximity to numerous bars. You can also take a boat trip to the next beaches along, which are Agios Nikolaos and Livadaki beach, which we also decided to visit. An alternative to the boat is an approximately 40-minute walk along a trekking path. This beach is surrounded by cliffs and is a bit more difficult to access than Agkali, which makes it a true oasis of peace.
Day Three – Folegandros
We decided to spend our last day before departure in Chora. The oldest part of the town, Kastro, is a must-see. Here, you will find yourself in the heart of a mediaeval settlement, with perfectly-preserved white houses and colourful balustrades. It is one of the most recognizable streets in the whole of Folegandros, however our biggest surprise was how empty the streets and restaurants were. If you want to explore without the crowds, the middle of the day is the best idea as most people spend their time at the beach. In the evenings, the towns become full of life, with live music from bars nearby.
We have best flight and accommodation offers in Folegandros
We admired the sunset near Panagia Church, which is worth visiting to enjoy the prevailing peace and quiet here. After one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen, we spent the last evening exploring Chora further. For dinner, we headed to Araxe restaurant, which is run by a Polish woman and her Greek husband, both of whom made us feel right at home! We sampled a generous selection of delicacies, which, along with their attentive and warm service, guarantees that we will remember that evening for many years to come.
Travel Impressions
“I am very pleased and it was wonderful to see the real Greek Islands. The trip exceeded my expectations. The buzz of busy Santorini combined with the untouched island of Folegandros really hit the mark. Although I loved both destinations, it was Folegandros that really stole my heart – it feels like paradise here!”
