Folegandros

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Revision as of 22:51, 23 February 2013

Folegandros

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	36°36.8′N, 24°57.1′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Satellite view of Folegandros - Click for larger view

Folegandros (Φολέγανδρος) is a small barren rocky island with an area of surface area is about 32 km² E of Milos and S of Serifos. The used to be one of the most isolated islands in Greece where political exiles were sent, as recently as during the Junta of the Colonels (1967-72). Also, its town Chora has some of the best examples of Cycladic architecture. Unfortunately, the island has been "discovered" and its 600 hundred inhabitants multiply many times over every summer with tourists, complete with bars, discos etc. Still, it does have wonderful architecture and one can take many nice walks in its stark terrain.

Folegandros gets its name either from the son of King Minos of Crete or from the Phoenician word Phelekguduri meaning rock-built.

Charts

BA

1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios

Imray-Tetra

G33 Southern Cyclades (West)

NIMA 54320

Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti

Greek

415 Ydra to Sikinos

Radio Nets

• Goast Guard - VHF channel 12
• Olympia Radio - VHF channels 26 & 87

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

Danger: The approach to Karavostasi, the only harbor in the island, can be dangerous because there are several reefs and strong gusts during a meltemi. Night approaches are not recommended.

Berthing Options

Ports

Karavostasi

Chart of Karavostasi - Chartlet
Click for larger view

36°36.8′N, 24°57.1′E
Karavostasi (Καραβοστάσι - ship port) is the port of the island and its only a somewhat secure anchorage.

While you can anchor off, it is not safe with a strong meltemi. It is best to go stern-to the quay, where there is space for around eight yachts on the outside. The bottom is sand and rock and does not always hold. Make sure that your anchor is secure before leaving your boat to go to Chora.

With Southerlies, it is best to anchor off or go stern-to inside the mole.

Warning: Watch out for the Dhio Adelphia rocks and for a rock just above the water about 50 m E of the mole.

Caution: With a strong meltemi there is a very uncomfortable swell.

The Harbor of Karavostasi

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Port Vathi

Chart of Port Vathi - Chartlet
Click for larger view

36°37.8′N, 24°53.6′E
Port Vathi or Angali is a large bay on the S side of the island, E of Cape Aspropounda. This bay receives very strong gusts and with the meltemi an appreciable swell. It is not very secure when the meltemi blows.

Anchor off the hamlet in 4-5 m. The bottom is sand and weed; good holding.

Offshore Islands

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

N/A (Not Available)

Water

N/A

Electricity

N/A

Things to do Ashore

Street in Chora Click for larger view

A Balcony Click for larger view

An Outhouse Click for larger view

Another street Click for larger view

A House Click for larger view

A Courtyard Click for larger view

Tourism

The main point of interest is Chora with its fantastic architecture. In Chora there is a small Folkloric Museum. Near Chora there is the church of Panayia which is built over a sheer cliff right over the ancient temple to Artemis. Legend has it that the church was looted by pirates who stole the icon of the Virgin. As the were getting away their boat capsized and they were drowned. The icon returned to the foot of the cliff. Every year the islander take the icon for a tour of the island to commemorate the miracle. Under the church there is a large grotto Chrissospilia (Golden cave) with stalactites and ancient inscriptions. Again legend has it that Barbarossa's treasure is buried within the grotto but no one has ever found it.

Grocery & Supply Stores

There are a couple of food stores in Karavostasi and one good bakery.

Eateries

• The Folegandros in Chora is recommended
• O Kritikos also in Chora is recommended

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

N/A.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbor.

Transportation

There are ferries 4-5 times a week to Piraeus.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Cruising the Cyclades Islands

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Folegandros (Wikipedia)

References & Publications

See Greece.

Personal Notes

• Folegandros is one of the most beautiful small islands --Istioploos

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this marina & this page's details validated:

• September 2000 --Istioploos
• May 2009 --Athene of Lymington

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