Karavostasis is the port of Folegandros and the only way onto the island, as Folegandros has no airport. It is a small, peaceful harbour village on the east coast, with a pebble beach beside the quay, a few tavernas and a handful of whitewashed houses. From the port, a short road climbs about 3.4 km to Chora, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades, perched on the edge of a cliff. Buses meet the ferries, but taxis are very scarce, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers Karavostasis port, getting to Chora and around the island, the ferries to and from Folegandros and tips for your arrival.
Folegandros port at a glance
Karavostasis is the only port on Folegandros, about 3.4 km from Chora, with buses meeting the ferries and only 1 or 2 taxis on the whole island.
- Location: Karavostasis, on the east coast of Folegandros
- Bus: buses meet arriving ferries and run up to Chora, with onward buses to Ano Meria and Agali
- Taxi to Chora: about 10 to 12 euros, but book ahead as there are very few
- Ferries: Santorini, Ios, Sikinos, Milos, Sifnos, Naxos, Piraeus and more
- Nearest airports: Santorini and Milos, both linked by ferry
Where Is Folegandros Port?
The port is at Karavostasis, also spelt Karavostasi, on the east coast of the island. For centuries it was little more than a chapel and a few small boatyards, and it was only in 1984 that Karavostasis gained a dock where ferries could tie up directly. Before that, passengers and goods were carried out to ships waiting offshore. Today it is a relaxed little village with Chochlidia beach right next to the quay, a good place for a swim while you wait for a ferry.
Chora, the island capital, is about 3.4 km up the hill, around 5 minutes by car. Ano Meria, the long farming village in the north west, is about 8 to 10 km from the port.
Getting From Karavostasis Port to Chora
Bus
- Port to Chora
- Onward to Ano Meria
- And to Agali beach
- Best for most people
Taxi
- To Chora
- Only 1 or 2 on the island
- Always book ahead
- Best if pre booked
Hotel transfer
- Many hotels collect guests
- Travel agencies also run transfers
- No waiting
- Best with luggage
Hire car or scooter
- Collect on arrival
- Small island, short drives
- Book ahead in summer
- Best for exploring
Bus From Folegandros Port
The island bus meets arriving ferries at Karavostasis and takes passengers up to Chora, which is the hub for the other routes. From Chora, buses run to Ano Meria and to Agali beach. Services are timed around ferry arrivals and departures, so if you are catching a boat, take the bus down from Chora in good time. Check our Folegandros bus timetable and confirm the latest times locally.
Taxis and Transfers at Folegandros Port
Folegandros has only 1 or 2 taxis, and when a busy ferry arrives in summer they are taken in minutes. A taxi to Chora costs about 10 to 12 euros. The main taxi number is +30 694 469 3957. Many hotels and local travel agencies run their own transfers, so ask when you book your room. See our Folegandros taxi guide for all the numbers.
| From Karavostasis port to | Distance | Taxi fare | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chora | About 3.4 km | About 10 to 12 euros | Meets the ferries |
| Ano Meria | About 8 to 10 km | About 15 to 18 euros | Change in Chora |
| Agali beach | Via Chora | About 10 to 12 euros from Chora | Change in Chora |
Our guide to getting around Folegandros compares buses, taxis, hire cars and boats.
Ferries From Folegandros Port
Folegandros sits between Milos and Santorini, so it links the western Cyclades with Ios and Santorini. There are sailings all year, with many more in summer. Seajets, Fast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries and Zante Ferries all call here.
| Folegandros to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Ios | About 30 minutes | Up to 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Sikinos | About 30 minutes | About 40 minutes |
| Santorini | About 45 minutes | About 3 hours |
| Milos | About 55 minutes | About 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Kimolos | About 55 minutes | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Sifnos | About 1 hour 50 minutes | About 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Amorgos (Katapola) | About 2 hours 10 minutes | About 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Serifos | About 2 hours 20 minutes | About 3 hours |
| Naxos | About 2 hours 25 minutes | About 3 hours |
| Koufonisia | About 3 hours | Seasonal |
| Paros | About 3 hours 5 minutes | Up to 5 hours 55 minutes |
| Heraklion, Crete | About 4 hours 25 minutes | About 5 hours |
| Piraeus (Athens) | About 3 hours 45 minutes | Around 7 hours |
For the journey from Athens, see our Folegandros and Piraeus ferry guide, our guide on how to get to Folegandros and our guide to getting from Athens to the Cyclades.
Flying to Folegandros via Santorini or Milos
Folegandros has no airport. The nearest are Santorini Airport, which has direct summer flights from the UK, and Milos Airport, with domestic flights from Athens. From Santorini, head to Athinios port for a ferry of as little as 45 minutes, and from Milos, the ferry leaves from Adamas port.
Facilities at Karavostasis Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Small travel agency offices near the quay |
| Food and drink | A few tavernas and cafés along the waterfront |
| Beach | Chochlidia, a pebble beach right in the village |
| Car and scooter hire | Offices at the port |
| Places to stay | A few hotels in Karavostasis, with more in Chora, see where to stay in Folegandros |
Tips for Using Folegandros Port
- Arrange your transfer before you arrive. With only 1 or 2 taxis, ask your hotel to collect you or plan to take the bus.
- Take the bus down to the port early. Buses are timed around the ferries, but in summer they fill quickly.
- Watch the weather. Folegandros is exposed to the summer meltemi, and small high speed boats are sometimes cancelled.
- Leave a spare day before flying home. Connections are fewer than on the bigger islands, especially outside summer.
- Swim while you wait. Chochlidia beach is only a few steps from the ferry quay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folegandros Port
What is the port of Folegandros called?
The port of Folegandros is Karavostasis, also spelt Karavostasi, on the east coast of the island. It is the only port on Folegandros.
How far is Karavostasis from Chora?
Chora is about 3.4 km from Karavostasis port, around 5 minutes by car.
Is there a bus from Folegandros port to Chora?
Yes. The island bus meets arriving ferries at Karavostasis and takes passengers up to Chora, where you can change for Ano Meria and Agali beach.
How much is a taxi from Folegandros port to Chora?
A taxi from Karavostasis to Chora costs about 10 to 12 euros. There are only 1 or 2 taxis on the island, so book ahead.
Does Folegandros have an airport?
No. Folegandros has no airport. The nearest airports are Santorini and Milos, both linked to Folegandros by ferry.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Folegandros?
The fastest ferries take about 45 minutes, while slower ferries take up to about 3 hours.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Folegandros?
The fastest ferries from Piraeus take about 3 hours 45 minutes, and slower conventional ferries around 7 hours.
How long is the ferry from Milos to Folegandros?
High speed ferries take about 55 minutes and conventional ferries about 2 hours 50 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Ios to Folegandros?
The fastest ferries take about 30 minutes, and slower ferries up to about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Is there a beach at Folegandros port?
Yes. Chochlidia, a pebble beach with clear water, is right in Karavostasis village, a few steps from the ferry quay.
How early should I arrive at Folegandros port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry. If you are taking the bus down from Chora, catch one that gets you to the port in good time.
Final Thoughts
Karavostasis is a gentle arrival point for one of the quietest and most beautiful islands in the Cyclades. The bus will take you up to Chora, but with so few taxis, it pays to arrange a hotel transfer or hire car before you land. Keep an eye on the wind, leave some slack before your flight home and enjoy a swim at Chochlidia while you wait for the boat. Before you travel, take a look at our guide to the Folegandros weather, our Folegandros map, things to do in Folegandros, the best villages and our guide to photography in Folegandros.
