Karavostasi

What Karavostasi Means for Your Charter

Karavostasi is the port of Folegandros — the island our clients consistently describe as the Cyclades before the crowds found them. The harbor itself is small and simple: a tamarisk-lined beach, a few tavernas, and the bus up to Hora, whose clifftop sunset is one of the best in the islands and the real reason to stop here. For the bigger picture, see our Cyclades yacht charter guide.

On a charter, Folegandros works as the quiet counterweight in a western-Cyclades week — often paired with Milos and Polyaigos next door. It’s an evening-ashore kind of stop: swim off the yacht in the afternoon, head up to Hora for sunset and dinner, and let the captain sort the overnight position. If your brief says “authentic, not busy,” this is one of the first islands we reach for.

Location 

The unspoiled and picturesque settlement of Karavostasi is located on the SE coast of Folegandros, only 3km from Hora. This is where the ferries arriving from nearby islands in the Cyclades and the port of Piraeus arrive daily during the summer months. Also known as Chochlidia, this is a popular spot for locals and visitors. Tamarisk trees frame the beach and there are bars, cafes and restaurants nearby. From here, visitors can visit the nearby beaches of Vardia and Livadi. Before the mole was built, the ferry arriving with provisions had to anchor in the bay and goods were transferred to shore on small boats. 

Navigation 

On approach, be mindful of the reefs framing the bay. Nisides Aderfia on the E side of the bay and Nisis Kardiotissa SW are conspicuous. The rocks of Dhio Adelphia are also easily spotted in the middle of the entrance. Night approaches are not recommended for this port. Relatively stable sand and rock bottom with good holding. Yachts can go bow or stern to the mole where there is a room available

Provisioning 

Water is available near the quay. The port has some basic amenities for provisions during the high summer season. A bus to Chora is also available to accommodate ferry passengers. 

Capacity and Technical Data 

Karavostasi is one of the few organized spots on the island due to ferry visitors arriving here. While popular it is also quiet compared to other Greek islands in the Cyclades. The beach is popular with nudists as well – a common feature with most remote swimming spots on the island. Most of the beaches on the island are not organized hence it is best to come prepared. North of Karavostasi you will find the “Golden Cave” or “Chryssospilia that features inscriptions of ancient names dating back to the 4th century BC. While not possible to anchor near the cave it can be approached with a dinghy. 

Here is a video showing the port of Karavostasi where you can enjoy peaceful moments enjoying the Aegean Sea.