In the last post we introduced the stunning Greek island of Folegandros, which is an unspoiled and little-known gem that forms the southern part of the Cyclades. Rugged, charming, authentic, and far off the regular tourist path, it is an extraordinary place that makes for an excellent outing for the more adventurous traveller that has found a vacation rental in the South Aegean or a holiday rental in Crete and it looking for something extra-special.
Hóra, the main town on the island and one of the oldest traditional medieval towns in the Cyclades, is a beauty, perched on sheer and rugged cliffs high above the sea, lively with locals, and with a historic centre that dates back to the Middle Ages. The streets are lined with perfect white-washed little houses with details picked out in bright colours – a blue sash, a pink sill, a yellow doorframe – and Bougainvilleas tumbling over the balconies and trees dotted throughout that offer shade from the hot summer sun. Cars and motorcycles are absent, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, and the sea views are second-to-none.
The most famous of all the island's sights and pretty much the only typical and official kind of tourist attraction is The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Perched high above Hóra, with a stone path winding up to it, it is a large whitewashed church with incredible views out towards the coast. Supposedly built on the site of an ancient temple, it is home to a miraculous silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary, which is carried through the town in a procession each Easter Sunday. Just below this is Chrysospiliá, a natural phenomenon on a rocky beach that is made up of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is covered in scrawled ancient male Greek names that date back to the 4th century BC and is thought to have been a worship site for coming-of-age ceremonies for young men.
This is not the easiest place to get to in the world but Folegandros is charming and special and for those really looking to explore the most intriguing and unique corners of Greece, it is utterly ideal. In fact, there is still more to explore! So, be sure to read on to the last post in this series and figure out how you're going to get yourself to Folegandros...
The most famous of all the island's sights and pretty much the only typical and official kind of tourist attraction is The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Perched high above Hóra, with a stone path winding up to it, it is a large whitewashed church with incredible views out towards the coast. Supposedly built on the site of an ancient temple, it is home to a miraculous silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary, which is carried through the town in a procession each Easter Sunday. Just below this is Chrysospiliá, a natural phenomenon on a rocky beach that is made up of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is covered in scrawled ancient male Greek names that date back to the 4th century BC and is thought to have been a worship site for coming-of-age ceremonies for young men.
This is not the easiest place to get to in the world but Folegandros is charming and special and for those really looking to explore the most intriguing and unique corners of Greece, it is utterly ideal. In fact, there is still more to explore! So, be sure to read on to the last post in this series and figure out how you're going to get yourself to Folegandros...