Folegandros

Folegandros is a small, uncommercialised Cycladic island between Milos and Sikinos, measuring just 32 square kilometres. Its capital Chora, perched on a 200-metre cliff edge, is entirely pedestrian — a labyrinth of whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-draped squares, and traditional tavernas ringed by a 13th-century Venetian Kastro where the outer walls of the houses doubled as fortifications. The zigzag stone path from the main square climbs to the Church of Panagia at the island’s summit, offering unobstructed 360-degree views and what many consider the finest sunset in the Cyclades. The port settlement of Karavostasis connects by bus to Chora and Ano Meria, an agricultural village strung along a spine road with dry-stone-walled terraces and traditional food tavernas. A network of ancient flagstone trails leads to otherwise inaccessible beaches: Katergo (boat or hike only), Livadaki (steep descent through wild thyme), and Ambeli on the north coast. The waters around the island host Chrysospilia, a sea cave bearing inscriptions from ancient Greek sailors.