Advice on Folegandros??
Replies: 8 - Last Post: Sep 11, 2012 8:38 AM Last Post By: brotherleelove
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Advice on Folegandros??
Hi! I am planning a solo trip to Greece, most likely the last weekend of September. I have just finished my Masters degree so what I really want is to sit on a beach and relax, so I'm thinking of going to just one Greek island and stay there for a couple of days. I have a friend who's been to a few and she suggested Folegandros, she says it's not as crowded as other islands and it's perfect to relax.I have been looking at a few websites to find out about hotel rates, the best beaches etc but they're all so confusing! So I thought I'd ask here in hopes someone who's been to Folegandros can point me in the right direction. I am used to booking all my trips and hotels online, but I've seen some posts here that say that's not necessary, especially during the September-October season. I am just worried, since I am going alone, I don't want to be left without a place to stay!
So if anyone has any advice on cheap hotels, nice beaches or any other tips about the island I'd really appreciate it! Also, if you think there is another island that is good for relaxing by myself, let me know too!
thank you!!
1
Very close by to Folegandros is Sikinos, which is even quieter and less-expensive than Folegandros. There are a couple of small beaches within walking distance of the village. You can get there from Paros or Santorini. Last year when I arrived by ferry from Santorini in May there were locals at the port offering rooms to rent. I went with Galini Rooms for €15/night. No, that's not a typo. I had a great view of the village and port. The room had A/C, TV, fridge, kitchenette and a balcony. The village has a couple of restaurants on the beach as well as a mini-market. I think by the last week of September you should be able to get that price, or something close to it.2
Lee's suggestion is a good one... about Folegandros, I spent an enchanted weekend there with another TT regular, but she & spous had a car, which made it easy to get around, go to beach etc. Otherwise I'm afraid u would have to rent a car ... the bus system is minimal, and the accommodations are mostly in Chora, high up, miles from a beach. And by end of Sept Foley is REALLY closed down.Besides Sikinos, I think a Great place would be AntiParos ... everything is walkable there, all housing close to the port and to a sandy beach. A lot of places will be closing for the season, but if y ou go where the locals eat, you will find FINE food. A wonderful place we found, overlooking the harbor w bach just steps away, was Hotel DImitra. http://www.antiparosdimitra.gr/index_en.htm Just 16 rooms, each has lovely balcony w. view, and canvas awning ... I sat and gazed for hours at a bird building a nest. First 2 days in June I paid €30 fpr a room (it was a single rate for a double room w big double bed, front of hotel).... I think end of Sept. if they are still open u probably could get it for less... You could e-mail to inquire if it will still be open Sept 29-30, and say you're looking for a single at about 25E, do they have anything. The Dimitra website gives good highlights of the island's peaceful doings and landscape.
Easy to get to Antiparos. You take a plane or ferry from Athens area to PAROS, which has the most frequent ferry service of practically any island. Antiparos is just off its shore... Either a ferry right from the Paros main dock, for 20 minutes, or a local bus 20 minutes down the Paros shoreline to a little dock where you get a weensy ferry 5 minutes. Antiparos is good for really rellaxing, but for a last night if u wanted to whoop it up, you could leave & spend a night in Paros port of Parikia, which always has some bar and club life.
PS: Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson have just bought a place on Antiparos to relax & get away from it all. Nobody pays them any attention, t hat's why they like it.
4
If you only have a 'couple of days', you need to be thinking about an island with good ferry links to the mainland and Folegandros is hardly that. Here is the schedule for September:http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesResults.asp?SchDay=0&SchMonth=0&SchYear=0&CompanyID=&SortType=&AroundDate=0&Origin=EGR1AP70PIRTZE,166,8&Destination=EGRSKY24FOL,11855,7
You might not even be able to get there on the date you want and would probably have the same problem coming back.
At the end of September, nowhere will be crowded so for a short trip, it would make most sense to go somewhere within easy reach of Athens. Any of the Argo-Saronic group would fit the bill as there are several hydrofoils every day and you wouldn't be at sea more than a couple of hours. As for accommodation, you don't need to pre-book anything. Just ask around on arrival.
5
No, not needed to book in advance in end of September.I think Folegandros might be TOO quiet in the end of September...you might be a bit lonely even,,! I agree with Janet (travelerjan) about Anti Paros, easy to get to from Paros and to Paros there will be ferries every day from Athens.
Ingela
6
Wow, thank you so much for the advice!! It is really helpful... My friend had also told me about Antiparos so I'll look into that. Thank you all so much!7
So I've been looking around and from what you guys have told me and what I've read elsewhere, most islands will be pretty quiet by that date, so I'm thinking of just staying in Paros. What do you know about it, are the beaches close to the hotels? My licence expired so I can't rent a car :(8
are the beaches close to the hotels? Depends on where you stay. On Paros the best beaches are not near the main village of Parikia but the island has a good bus system. There are nice beaches within walking distance from the main village on Antiparos.
