By Nicolas Bard

Literally built on the brink of a steep and imposing cliff, and having maintained its authentic beauty and traditional Cycladic architecture, the country of Folegandros is considered by many to be the most beautiful country of all the Cyclades! And not unjustly we would say. A walk there is enough to realize the reason. It is a very picturesque and at the same time vibrant settlement, with small cafes, taverns and bars, popping up in front of the visitor’s eyes both in the narrow and in the beautiful squares with the large trees, offering rich shadows to the world.

Wandering the cobbled streets of the country, the road will take you to the historic and inimitable Castle of Castle, which is essentially assimilated to the urban fabric and its north side is on the edge of the steep rock, 210 meters high! The castle was founded in 1215 by Venetian Admiral Markos Sanoudos. The study of the Folegandriots to be protected by the pirates is reflected in the dense construction and the compulsory small dimensions of the houses, so that they can all fit them. A characteristic architectural set of this kind is Kato Rouga, where you will enter the so -called Paraporti at the height of the Church of the Holy Cross. The Instagrammable neighborhood with its two -way houses, exterior stairs and colorful doorways is one of the most beautiful and multi -photographed neighborhoods of all Cyclades.

Crossing the central pavement of the settlement you will find Loggia, the central entrance of the castle. In her covered passage, the so -called “big shadow” was once hung the bell that was ringing in the evenings, before the iron doors were closed and secured, to gather inside those who may have been delayed by doing work in the countryside. Shortly before the sunset it is worth reaching the doorstep of Pantanassa, which is an elegant Aegean temple. From this point the view of the sea is panoramic, and, if the weather allows, the look reaches Sifnos, Milos and Kimolos.

The oldest square of the country is the plate, which has maintained its color unchanged for centuries, and has been a meeting and gathering point for many years. Both the locals and visitors to the island make an appointment there, and then rush to the shops around it. In the straits of the country you will see many historical churches (Agios Nikolaos, Taxiarchis, Theoskepastis, etc.), traditional shops, and even beautiful neoclassicals, built by Folegandriots, who traded in Alexandria and Constantinople.

And wandering does not stop there … On the hill rising above the country is dominated by the historical and imposing Virgin Mary of Folegandros. Following the whitewashed helical path that starts from Punta Square, and after about 15 minutes walk, you will reach the most iconic church on the island, dedicated to the Assumption. Every afternoon crowd is going up there to secure a privileged position and enjoy the magic sunset. It is one of the most popular spots on the island, and it must be on your list.

The country of Folegandros, like the whole island, has a special energy and charm, which wins visitors from the very first glance. The winter there can be more difficult and spooky, but in the summer the whole island comes to life, the Aegean sun bathes with its light on the island, the squares and shops are filled with people, and the island seems to never sleep. And despite being filled with visitors, it manages to maintain calm and serene atmosphere, naturally offering the coveted rest that everyone is looking for. A visit there will convince you!