Find out everything about sailing in Folegandros: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. Folegandros is a lesser-known island in the southwestern part of the Cyclades archipelago. It offers relatively few tourist attractions for lovers of sightseeing and historic monuments. Although, in return, it has great beaches that are perfect for swimming! It is not too crowded in the high season, so you can spend your holiday in a peaceful environment in Folegandros! The island is a perfect starting point for a boat trip. From here, you can easily visit the southwestern and central parts of the Cyclades! This article will be the most useful read for those who want a comprehensive but friendly guide to the weather, routes, ports and attractions in Folegandros.
You can read in this article about the following topics :
- Ports and islands around Folegandros
- The weather of Folegandros
- Sail in Folegandros! Folegandros sailing itineraries
- Sailing in Folegandros: 1-week sailing plan
- 7 Days Folegandros sailing tour
- Marine gas near Folegandros
Ports and islands around Folegandros
Karavotsai Marina, Folegandros
Folegandros’ only significant marina is relatively small, suitable for yachts up to 60 meters in length with a maximum draft of 4 meters. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the marina offers water supply, bars, restaurants, and a local market. Read more about what to do in Folegrandros or check our boats: Rent a boat in Folegandros and explore the island’s hidden coves and crystal-clear waters at your own pace, completely stress-free.
Ayios Nikólaos Marina, Kea
This key marina on the island of Kea lies close to beautiful golden beaches and excellent fishing spots. It can accommodate 255 boats at once, with a maximum length of 50 meters and a water depth of up to 8 meters.
Mérikha Marina, Kithnos
This small marina can receive around 30 yachts up to 60 meters long and offers an 8-meter depth. Hotels, restaurants, and lively nightlife spots are located right next door.
Ermoupolis Marina, Siros
The main marina of the small island of Siros welcomes vessels up to 60 meters long with a water depth of 9 meters. A wide range of services is available, including boat maintenance and refueling. Syros sailing, Syros yacht charter
Naxos Marina, Naxos
This marina can host 70 boats up to 20 meters long with a maximum draft of 5 meters. Alongside basic marina services, you will find boat maintenance and all essential facilities. Naxos sailing, boat rental Naxos 
Paroikia Marina, Paros
The most popular marina in Paros can moor yachts up to 60 meters long. It offers refueling, boat maintenance, and electricity. The town’s main attractions, top hotels, tavernas, and bars are located right next to the marina. The water depth is 3.5 meters. Paros sailing, boat rental Paros
Tinos Marina, Tinos
This medium-sized marina lies in the town of Tinos. With a depth of 5.5 meters, it can receive yachts up to 60 meters long and offers a wide range of services. From here, the island’s attractions and beaches are easily accessible.
Mikonos Marina, Mikonos
Located in the town of Mikonos, this marina can moor yachts up to 40 meters long, accommodating 30 vessels at once. The water depth is 4.5 meters. Alongside restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and other services, you will also find boat maintenance. Mykonos sailing, rent a boat Mykonos 
Apollonia Marina, Naxos
This larger marina lies on the northeastern coast of Naxos, in the town of the same name. It accommodates yachts up to 60 meters in length with a maximum draft of 4 meters. Basic boating services are available, along with several restaurants and bars.
Karavostasi Marina, Ios
A medium-sized marina on the island of Ios, with a 4-meter depth suitable for vessels up to 60 meters long. It offers many useful services, water supply, and excellent restaurants.
Adhamas Marina, Milos
Located in the town of Adhamas, this marina accommodates 50 vessels up to 50 meters long. With a depth of 5 meters, it offers bars, restaurants, boat maintenance, and water supply.
Athinios Port
Athinios is the largest port of Santorini, located on the island’s western side. Also known as “New Port” or “Thira Port,” it can accommodate hundreds of yachts. Well-equipped with water, electricity, restaurants, and fuel stations, this port becomes extremely busy during the summer peak season.
Skala Port
This old port lies below the bustling tourist center of Fira. Its small size prevents larger vessels from mooring here; passengers are transported to shore by water taxi. You can reach the town via 600 steps, by foot, cable car, or even on a donkey. Restaurants and tavernas await hungry visitors, and small shops offer souvenirs and local products.
Ammoudi Port (Santorini)
Picturesque Ammoudi lies on Santorini’s northwestern coast near Oia, about 13 kilometers from Fira. Its small harbor accommodates yachts up to 20 meters long. Along the waterfront, you can choose from traditional fish tavernas serving fresh seafood and delicious local dishes.
Vlychada Port
Opened in 2008, Vlychada is Santorini’s most sheltered port. It can accommodate vessels up to 25 meters long with a water depth of 4 meters. Water, electricity, and a fuel station are available, while bars and restaurants line the shore. Santorini sailing, yacht rental Santorini
The weather of Folegandros
Like the other Cyclades islands, Folegandros has a Mediterranean climate. The winters are mildly rainy, the summers are dry. There is no rainfall between June and August. July is the hottest month. The average temperature is above 24 degrees. The temperature of the sea is 24 degrees, perfect for swimming and diving. In summer, the meltemi blowing from the north reaches the island with full force. Therefore, it is advised to check the weather forecast before you go swimming. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Folegandros.
Sail in Folegandros! Folegandros sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing in Folegandros: 1-week sailing plan
We recommend a 1-week round trip during which you will sail around the southwestern part of the Cyclades starting from Folegandros. You will visit the islands of Ios, Antiparos, Sifnos and Milos. All of them offer great entertainment activities and beaches.
Day 1: Folegandros – Sikinos
19, 19 km (11, 93 nm)
On the first afternoon, sail east to the island of Sikinos! It is not a popular tourist destination which makes it a peaceful little island. Sikinos is ideal for your first night on the boat. On this small, mostly stony island you can visit the capital and the ancient ruins of Episkopi.
Day 2: Sikinos – Ios
12, 95 km (8, 05 nm)
Our next stop could be the island of Ios. It is a bustling island full of life. In summer, there are parties and festivals in the capital. If you want to get away from the city, discover the Tomb of Homer! If you want to see an archaeological excavation, visit the ruins of Skarkos!
Day 3: Ios – Antiparos
41, 64 km (25, 87 nm)
On the third day, visit the island of Antiparos to the north! It is located almost exactly in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago. You can visit great sandy beaches here. Also, you can go diving, and there are several shipwrecks and sea caves around the island for you to discover. If you like partying, you will love the nightlife. There are many bars and discos in the capital. The most popular is Luna, playing 80s music. Read more about what to do in Antiparos or Antiparos sailing. Antiparos boat rental
Day 4: Antiparos – Serifos
53, 86 km (33, 46 nm)
Turn west and sail to the island of Serifos! Like Sikinos, you have visited earlier, it is not too crowded. The island has sandy and pebble beaches as well. They do not offer many services, but there are sun loungers you can use. In return, you can go swimming in a really peaceful environment.
Day 5: Serifos – Sifnos
21, 90 km (13, 61 nm)
Drop anchor at the nearby island of Sifnos. Here you can admire beautiful olive trees and almond fields. The symbol of the island is the Church of the Seven Martyrs, seen on a tiny peninsula-like extension of the east coast. Its beautiful whitewashed walls, sky-blue dome, and Cycladic architectural style are worth a look. In addition to the iconic church, the island hides many monasteries and museums. The most significant of these is the monastery of Chrissopighi.
Day 6: Sifnos – Milos
42, 57 km (26, 45 nm)
Your next stop should be Milos, known for its beaches and beautiful historic monuments. On this beautiful volcanic island, you can enjoy nature and the atmosphere of ancient monuments, away from the crowds. In Adamas, the Agia Triada Church has a museum. The Mining Museum showcases minerals and the mining past of the island. The most important landmarks are the early Christian catacombs from the time of the Roman Empire. There is an ancient theatre nearby, where locals still hold events and theatre performances to this day. Read more about what to do in Milos or Milos sailing. Milos boat rental
Day 7: Milos – Kimolos – Folegandros
64, 19 km (39, 89 nm)
On the last day, head back to Folegandros! On the way, drop anchor at the island of Kimolos, located right next to Milos. You can discover authentic Cycladic buildings in the capital. You should also visit the museum, which is home to folklore and nautical memorabilia from the 18th-19th centuries.
Your final destination is the port of Folegandros from where you departed a week earlier. Sail around the island and visit all five beaches! On the way, visit Chryssospilia Cave where you can see the remains of an ancient Roman cistern.
7 Days Folegandros sailing tour
During your trip, you will sail to the island of Santorini from Folegandros. You will visit the smaller southern islands of the Small Cyclades. Then, you will sail to Naxos and Paros as well. Finally, you will return your boat at the island of Antiparos.
Day 1. Folegandros – Sikinos 19, 19 km (11, 93 nm), Day 2. Sikinos – Ios 12, 95 km (8, 05 nm), Day 3. Ios – Thira (Santorini) 40, 96 km (25, 45 nm), Day 4. Thira (Santorini) – Kamari (Santorini) 23, 65 km (14, 70 nm), Day 5. Kamari (Santorini) – Iraklia 55, 91 km (34, 74 nm), Day 6. Iraklia – Naxos 32, 75 km (20, 35 nm), Day 7. Naxos – Paros – Antiparos 38, 08 km (23, 66 nm)
Marine gas near Folegandros
- Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
- Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
- Adamantas Milos, Milos: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.721797, 24.444774
- Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
- Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
Folegandros has some great beaches, and starting from here, you can discover the southwestern part of the Cyclades! If you are craving some peace and quiet, and you are not particularly interested in visiting tourist attractions, come to Folegandros! Find more Cyclades sailing routes.
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