Anemi Folegandros

Karavostasis, Folegandros, Greece
Book from GBP Book from £180 per night

Steps from the sea, an uber-cool island hideaway oozing Cycladic charm; perfect for couples and laidback families

Steps from the sea, an uber-cool island hideaway oozing Cycladic charm; perfect for couples and laidback families

The isle of Folegandros is one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets, a gusty ferry ride from Santorini. Its spirit is reflected in Anemi. Comprising 12 dazzling buildings on a few rugged acres and a swimming pool facing the Aegean Sea, this intimate hotel is 2 steps from the port of Karavostasis and just below Chora (Hora), the island’s tiny capital. Chic and contemporary the architecture may be, but it blends seamlessly with the setting – simple, and sublime. This hotel wears its luxury lightly, and it is run by a delightful team.

The 44 rooms are whiter than white and serene, with balconies or terraces; a few have private pools. Breakfast, a feast of eggs, fruit and waffles, is served in the shade by the pool, while dinner is gourmet Aegean. It’s an absolute dream for couples - and families too, what with babysitting and a mini cinema. There's even a yoga studio by the vineyard, so you could leave the kids for a few hours and join a hatha yoga class or have a Thai massage. You'll feel very spoiled. In Karavostasis there are 2 beach cafes, a ferry and pristine waters, while for restaurants and ‘nightlife’ there’s Chora, an easy bus ride up the hill. From there, zigzag up the path to the Church of Panagia: there’s a fabulous view. But the best way to explore the island is by scooter – you’ll almost have the roads to yourself.

Highs

  • Simplicity, serenity, luxury – all in one
  • A lovely small restaurant with glorious Aegean views. Rates include a great breakfast
  • The staff are really lovely and every bit as special as the hotel
  • The dreamy infinity pool with sensational sea views, sheltered from the wind on blustery days – you could lose a week lounging here (and many people do)
  • Folegandros' first hotel spa is here - small but perfect for an pampering afternoon

Lows

  • Located near the port, it's not the most beautiful bay in the island, but it's peaceful and the sea views are stunning
  • Food, island-sourced, is not cheap
  • An effort to get to, but worth it to escape Greece's tourist crowds
  • You'll want a hire car or scooter; in shoulder months, there's no regular bus to Chora

Best time to go

May, June and September are pleasantly warm and delightfully uncrowded (an island this size fills up quickly). In July and August there’s a lovely friendly buzz in the tavernas and bars.

Our top tips

Accessible by boat (or a strenuous mountain hike) is Katergo beach, remote but famous and uncrowded. A swim in its waters is idyllic – they’re turquoise.

Great for...

Beach
Family
Foodie
Spa
  • Boutique Hotel
  • 44 rooms
  • Restaurant and bar open daily
  • All ages welcome
  • Closed: Hotel closed October-May
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Spa
  • Beach Nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car recommended
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Tennis Court
Room:

Rooms

With a dazzling white palette (walls, floors, beds, beams) and shutters painted a soft grey, each room and suite is a model of tranquillity and calm.

The smallest are actually a generous 35sqm: Deluxes (with garden view) and Elegant Sea View Rooms. The vistas from our airy and spotless Elegant Sea View Room were amazing, and it felt so light you almost had to wear shades indoors. Junior Suites are larger (42sqm), with separate living areas and a sofabed for a child; Mediterranean Sea View Suites with Private Pool also have small private pools on their terrace. If you’re a family of 4-6, splash out on one of the huge Grand Sea View Suites with Private Pool – almost its own villa. Fabulous.

Some rooms face the gardens, others the sea; most have a private balcony or terrace. All are air-conditioned and serviced daily. Expect spacious footprints, super-comfy beds, a table and a kitchen surface with sink (but no cooking facilities). Bathrooms have showers, tubs and Korres toiletries. Nespresso machines are provided in the suites.

Features include:

  • Bathrobes
  • Hairdryer
  • In-room treatments available
  • Minibar
  • Safe box
  • WiFi

Eating

The hotel’s Sea Sense Restaurant is small and intimate – and the innovative Aegean cuisine is some the best on the island.

Lunch was an informal affair, you can go sophisticated and opt for a table, but we took the lazy option and ate sunlounger-style. An iced coffee followed by prosciutto, truffle oil and rocket pizza with local cherry tomato salad made the perfect light bite in the afternoon heat. In the evening the dinner goes up a notch, with sophisticated cocktails, freshly made pasta dishes and a tempting fish menu – pan-seared sea bass with courgette and lemon. It’s all candelit and very relaxing. Don't miss the amazing cocktails in Yellow Bar.

The buffet breakfast was taken poolside to make the most of the blue sky and views. We had a colourful display of fruit, the most amazing Greek yoghurt, local honey and sticky granola. Myriad dishes bring all corners of Greece to the table: Thessaloniki buns and Cretan cheese.

Local eating options are a limited to a few low-key beach bars. For something a bit livelier, head into pretty as a picture Chora, where colourful bougainvillea-draped squares are dotted with chequered tablecloths over wooden tables. We ate in cute as a button restaurant Chic and loved it!

Features include:

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurants nearby
  • Room service
Eating:
Activity:

Activities

  • The gorgeous saltwater pool, 3m deep and unheated, is long enough for a serious swim, with the bonus of that shimmering view. As the heat cools, guests get sporty on the tennis / basketball court, work out in the gym, or enjoy yoga sessions at the studio by the vineyard
  • Or take it easy at the spa, where you can detox in the steam room and soothe your senses with a variety of massages, facials and treatments
  • The tiny port of Karavostasis is a 5-minute walk (10 minutes to the ferry) with beach bars, shingle sands and pristine waters. It’s surprisingly uncrowded
  • The main village, Hora (the island’s capital), is a 3km bus ride up the hill. At night, Hora is like a film set - bright with bougainvillea, little shops, a few bars, lots of tavernas, and a beautiful village square
  • Explore the island: it’s 9km long and 3km wide so you’ll almost have the (steep) roads to yourself. Take a scooter to the west of the island and swim in aqua waters
  • In summer, book a boat trip: it leaves in the morning from Karavostasis, and stops off at secluded pebble beaches

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Boat trips
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Well being
  • Yoga

Kids

This is a more grown-up hotel, but it's a good option for families with older kids. There's a cinema projector room, kids outdoor playground, basketball court/tennis courts out the back of the hotel if they need to let off some steam. Buy a snorkel and let them wild in that clear blue sea – you'll lose them for hours.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The spacious suites are ideal for families: Junior Suites and Mediterranean Sea View Suites with Private Pool can sleep up to 4, using the sofabed in their living area for a child, plus a baby cot or rollaway bed. Grand Sea View Suites with Private Pool have 2 bedrooms plus a living area. Parents sleep upstairs, kids down, and there’s a sofa that converts into an extra child's bed plus space for a rollaway bed or baby cot. If you don't need a living area, Deluxe and Elegant Sea View Rooms can each fit a baby cot or rollaway bed in their bedroom. Note all bedrooms can be set up as kingsize doubles or twins, and that baby cots/rollaway beds must be pre-booked.

Baby equipment:

  • Baby cots
  • Highchairs

Remember  baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking

Kids Activities on site:

  • Books and toys
  • Playground
  • Cinema room

Families Should Know:

All pools are unheated (no need in summer).

Distances:

  • Airport: Santorini (a 1-3 hour boat ride) or Athens (a 4-6 hour hydrofoil ride)
  • Shop: 5 minutes' walk
  • Hospital: None on the island
Kid Friendly:

Location

Anemi Folegandros is 3km from Chora (Hora) on the island of Folegandros. It overlooks the spectacular Aegean sea.

By Air / Ferry:
There is no airport on Folegandros, though there is a heliport. You can helicopter from Athens or Santorini, and you'll be met at the heliport for a complimentary transfer to the hotel.

Airplane-wise, fly to Santorini (30km) and then take a ferry / hydrofoil to Folegandros (1-3 hours). Or fly to Athens and take a ferry / hydrofoil from Piraeus (4-8 hours). Speed boats take 3.5 hours.

From the port on Folegandros
It's a short distance from the port to the hotel; you'll be met for a complimentary transfer/to be guided to the hotel.

Getting around
If you wish to hire a car or scooter to explore the island once you're here, the hotel has a free car park. There is no bus to Chora except in high season, so it may be useful.

More on getting to Greece and getting around

Airports:

  • Santorini 30.0 km JTR

Other:

  • Beach 0.3 km
  • Shops 0.3 km
  • Restaurant 0.3 km

Our guests' ratings...

Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests

9/10
Room
9/10
Food
9/10
Service
9/10
Value
9/10
Overall

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Rates for Anemi Folegandros

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