Shining under the Aegean sun, Fol?gandros island in Greece was named after the son of King Minos. This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates the visitors with the untouched beauty of its beaches, the luminous blue of its waters, and the unadulterated style of its architecture.
At 200m above sea level travelers will discover K?stro, a Venetian castle. H?ra, the capital town of the island, it’s been constructed partially in it. Bougainvilleas leaning over the balconies, sugar-cube whitewashed houses, and sheer cliff drops convey the island’s ethereal, yet wild, beauty.
Stroll along the cobblestone narrow streets of H?ra past white houses with multi-coloured doors and windows, timeless creations of the traditional Cycladic architecture. If you need to take a rest, plane trees will offer you their cool, welcome shade. Wait until the sun sets into the eternal blue of the Aegean and join the locals in the village’s squares. Share with them homemade dishes and local delicacies, such as “mats?ta” (handmade noodles with rooster or rabbit), sourot? (white goat cheese), and drink “rak?melo” (raki with honey) the famous spirit of the island. Here you will find most of the island’s fine hotels.
• Tour natural and religious sites.
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Towering above H?ra and with a stone path leading to it, a whitewashed picturesque church awaits to be discovered. Allegedly built on the site of an ancient temple, the church hosts significant ancient immured inscriptions and statues’ pedestals in its yard and interior. Tradition has it that the silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary is miraculous. Linked to pirate stories, the icon is carried around the town in a procession held every year on Easter Sunday.
Hiking tip: Follow the rocky path starting from Po?nda square all the way to the church (walking time app. 15 min).
The wondeful village of Ano Mer? is a traditional rural settlement of the 19th century. To learn more about the traditional everyday life of Fol?gandros, visit the Folk Art Museum (open from 17:00 to 20:00 in the summer).
Chrysospili? is a natural monument of significant interest, and not just to archaeologists and speleologists. Situated below the monastery of the Virgin Mary on a rocky beach at 30m above sea level with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is globally unique for the ancient male Greek names written on its walls and roof, dated back to the 4th century BC. Nicagoras, Themistocles, Cleon, Callimachus, Pythagoras, and Lysicrates are some of the names carved on the cave walls. According to some theories, the cave was used as a worship site where ceremonies for young men coming of age used to take place.
Important info: Accessible only by the sea, the cave is temporarily unavailable for visitors due to archaeological research in progress.
• Head to the island’s pristine beaches.
This small island in Cyclades is blessed with pebbly beaches covered with tamarisk trees. The scenic harbour of Karavost?ssis with its beautiful beach is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the glorious beaches of Hohl?dia, Vitz?tzo, Latin?ki, Pount?ki and Liv?di, a village with a sandy beach, turquoise waters and a camping site. Those of you, who don’t feel like walking, can take a caique from Karavost?ssis to K?tergo, the most beautiful beach on the island, with thin pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Sheer cliff drops and azure waters embrace Agali beach to the west of the island. A trail from here will take you to the clothing-optional beach of Ayios Nik?laos, where a small taverna with delicious food and a marvelous view awaits you. In the northeastern part of the island lie the beaches of Vorin?, with green stones peculiar-to-Fol?gandros, Ayios Ge?rgios and Serfi?tiko, accessible only by caique or on foot.
• Taste culinary delights and local wine:
- Mats?ta: handmade noodles with rooster or rabbit
- Sourot?: white goat cheese
- Kalasso?na: cheese pie made with sourot? and onions
- Cooked caper
- Baked chickpeas
- Karpouz?nia: a local sweet made of fried watermelon (in Greek watermelon means “karpouzi”)
- Sesame bars
- White and red wine
Source: visitgreece
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