Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to close your eyes and wake up on a remote island where everybody is friendly and the sun always shines? Then here’s what to do next time. Fly to Athens or Santorini, take the ferry to the tiny Cycladic island of Folegandros and hop into the waiting minibus of bright-eyed Dimitris Patellis.
After a brief drive past mysterious moonlit cliffs and glimpsed white-washed chapels, his daughter Diana shows you to a spacious and spotless blue-white room. When you wake up, step out onto the balcony for a view you will never forget. A plunging drop to a sea so clear and turquoise you can see the urchins on the seabed; a trio of humped islets floating on a misty horizon; and above, a pyramid of rock crowned by a graceful, white-washed church. Flagged paths lead to the hotel's pool and restaurant, the other way into the photogenic alleys of Hora town. Your troubles are over; prepare to relax.
Highs
- The clifftop location is breathtaking - you could spend days just soaking up the view
- The studio rooms are spacious and Greek-chic, with sitting areas and kitchenettes; some have rooftop terraces or bougainvillea-shaded patios
- Most can sleep 2 additional children (or adults) using the very comfy built-in sofabeds
- We loved the way the hotel feels like an extension of the picturesque village of Hora, whose tavernas are on your doorstep
- The impeccable and welcoming service from Diana and her fabulous team
Lows
- You'll have to drive or take a boat cruise to reach Folegandros' lovely little beaches
- It books up early, especially for summer
- The terrace bar sometimes fills up with non-residents enjoying a sundowner here
- Allergy sufferers should note that there is a friendly dog and a few cats (as expected in Greece) roaming around
- Some rooms are more private than others
Best time to go
Without doubt, May-June and September are the best times: pleasantly warm, delightfully uncrowded (an island this size fills quickly). April and October are also lovely if you don't mind the cooler sea / weather respectively. In high summer (July-August) you will be jostling for elbow room (and Anemomilos rooms) with Athenians, but there is a lovely friendly buzz in the tavernas and bars.
Our top tips
Don't rush this place. Allow 2 more days than you initially planned. Bring some novels (you can swap them when you're done); borrow a backgammon set from the hotel (they'll explain the rules); let yourself slow down and switch off. But if you do get itchy feet, consult the hotel's magazine or ask the staff for recommendations for things to see and do on the island: walks, boat trips, snorkelling spots etc.
- Boutique Hotel
- 17 suites and studios for 2-5
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The studios and suites are stylishly simple and classically Greek: each has white-washed walls, blue shutters and café chairs, a stone-built sofa or two, and a balcony or terrace (most with sea views to die for). There's a pleasing mix of contemporary comforts (kitchenette, coffee machine, air-con) and pretty touches (local lace doilies, stencils of black cats which make you look twice); but nothing too fancy. Directors' chairs and a paraffin lamp await on the balcony, for star-filled evenings al fresco. And everything works beautifully: plenty of hot water, soft sheets, large towels, even flip-flops and a beach bag.
We think the Sea View Studios are worth the extra cost for the stunning views, but the village-facing studios give you a pretty, flower-framed slice of island life. The Superior Suite offers a separate living area and kitchen, 2 spacious balconies and a prime spot overlooking the old town and Aegean Sea; perfect for honeymooners or long stayers. Every bathroom has a shower cubicle and hairdryer. Most rooms have one double bed and a pair of stone-built sofabeds, which we can confirm are very comfy. One has been made accessible for wheelchair users, with a small space from where you can see the view. All have satellite TV, WiFi and air conditioning.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Pillow menu
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
All meals are served at the lovely poolside restaurant, which, like the rest of the hotel, perches on the edge of the clifftop and comes with those killer views. Alternatively, if you prefer privacy, choose to have your food brought to your balcony.
A delightful a la carte breakfast is included in the room rate and features piping-hot omelettes, Greek cheese pies, toasted sandwiches, preservative-free jams, yoghurt and fruit salad. Feasting on all this while admiring the view from beneath the bamboo-shaded pergola really is a fabulous way to start the day.
The lunch and dinner menu, understated but packed with flavour, features dishes that are light, fresh and perfect for a summer evening - we loved the taramas and shrimps with ouzo, and the kritharaki (a Greek orzo dish) was particularly delicious. At sunset, head to the poolside bar for a zingy cocktail or a glass of delicate - and great value - Greek wine (or perhaps a milkshake for the little ones).
If you prefer to eat out, follow your nose down to one of the church-side whitewashed village squares. We liked Chic, serving classic Greek fare with excellent vegetarian options, and To Spitiko for authentic home-cooked fare.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Hob or stove
- Kids' meals
- Kitchenette
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Explore the delightful village on your doorstep, with its whitewashed flower-decked houses, its cobbled and part-covered lanes, its century-old chapels with carved marble doorframes, its open-air tavernas with their friendly cats
- In summer, book a boat trip around the island (from Karavostasis port), stopping at secluded pebble beaches with gin-clear waters - the hotel can provide beach towels and umbrellas
- In the off season, you can hire a moped or small car (if you don't mind steep, narrow lanes) to explore the island's only other village, Ano Meria
- Or hike along walled mulepaths to find your own cliff-ringed bay for solo swims
- Back at the hotel, cool off in the circular pool built around the living rock, stopping for snacks and fresh juices under the pergola
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Sailing
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Yoga
Kids
Well behaved children are very welcome at the hotel and the staff are great with them, but there aren't loads of facilities geared towards them, other than the large pool. There are 3 cots available for little ones and a please-all lunch menu. To preserve a peaceful ambiance, the hotel tries to ensure there aren't too many children at one time. Children over 3 years pay a supplement for an extra bed.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Most rooms can take a family, using the double bedroom and the 2 (or in a few cases 3) comfy stone-built sofabeds.
Extra Beds Available
Children's meals:
Kid-friendly dishes such as pizza and homemade chicken nuggets. Breakfast options include chocolate pancakes
Kids Activities on site:
Pool
Families Should Know:
The hotel is located on a cliff so there are many steep drops to watch out for: don't let children run around.
Distances:
- Ferry port: 15-20 mins' drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Anemomilos is a short walk from the centre of the beautiful white-washed village of Hora on the island of Folegandros. It overlooks the spectacular Aegean sea.
By Air / Ferry
There is no airport on Folegandros. 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). In summer, ferries run twice-daily; be aware that outside of peak months they may be less regular.
From the Port on Folegandros
You will be met for the short drive up to Hora.
By Car
If you wish to hire a car to explore the island, the hotel has a free car park.
Detailed directions with be provided when you confirm your booking through i-escape.
Airports:
- Santorini 30.0 km JTR
Other:
- Beach 3.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 7 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape