Folegandros, Greece…Ahhhhhhhh

Our approach to Folegandros via ferry in the late afternoon was mysterious because Nik and I happened to be sitting on the wrong side of the boat. We never even saw the 12 square mile island until we disembarked along the narrow bridge onto the tiniest port I have ever seen.

We dropped off our bags and immediately left on foot through the pedestrian streets of Chora towards Panagia, a tiny whitewashed church outside of town. The stone foot path zigzags back and forth up a hill, and after the second hairpin turn, I was in awe. At every turn I was greeted with a panoramic view of island and sea. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Ever.

Nik and I were both drooling by the time we reached the top while we tried to figure out how we could stay forever. I could open a B&B, and he could help out. There. That’s our plan. It’s simple.

The rest of our time on the island was pure bliss. We strolled through the pedestrian streets of Chora while most establishments were still closed and preparing for the summer. I swung in the main square as Nik watched a sparrow feed her chicks, and locals and travelers wandered past. We drove our rented motorbike the length of the island at least four times while sharing one pair of sunglasses. We bought bread from a tiny bakery and groceries from a tiny market. We swam at the hotel pool and played cards while sitting in beanbags watching the sun set. We found the perfect private beach and swam in the Agean Sea. We ate Greek Salads and drank local wine while sitting at outdoor cafes watching life go on. Nik attempted to pat stray cats and eventually succeeded by luring 30+ to him with leftover meat. We talked about how we wished our families could be there with us. We schemed about how we would find a way to come back.

When we left, it was sad, but at least we know. We know about this island and we know how to get there. We know that the people we encountered were kind and passionate about what they did and where they live. We know the pace and beauty match us, and we know we will be back.

Nik’s Blog: Relaxing Days in Folegandros