Folegandros Practical Information: ATMs, Pharmacy, Buses, Petrol and Signal

Folegandros has one paved road, from the port to Chora and on to Ano Meria, about 12 km end to end, plus the branch to Agali. Everything else is dirt track and footpath.

• Buses: Chora – Karavostasi, which usually meets the ferries; Chora – Ano Meria, a few departures a day; Chora – Agali in summer. Timetables change every season and are posted at the Chora stop.
• Taxis: one or two on the whole island. Book ahead if you need one for the ferry.
• Rentals: a scooter for the asphalt, an ATV for the dirt tracks of the north. Road Runner delivers free to the port and to hotels, helmets included. See the rental guide and the licence guide.
• Petrol: one station on the whole island, on the Chora – Ano Meria road. Fill up before heading down to beaches.
• Parking: free everywhere; Chora is pedestrian, you park at its entrances.

For the roads in detail, see the driving guide.

The island has two ATMs, both in Chora, and in August they run dry before the weekend. Many tavernas, rooms and the small boats take cash only; the larger restaurants, hotels and rental companies take cards. Come with euros from Piraeus or the airport and do not rely on the ATMs for the basics.

For shopping there are mini-markets in Chora and at the port, a bakery in Chora, a greengrocer and the basics for camping or self-catering. Hours follow the Greek summer: morning, a midday break, open again in the afternoon. The post office is in Chora.

Chora has a pharmacy and the island's regional medical centre, for everyday needs and first aid; serious cases are transferred to a bigger island or to Athens. Bring enough of your own medication and the European health insurance card if you are from the EU.

The island's real risks are simple: sun without shade, dehydration on the paths, loose stone on the descents and dirt tracks with the wrong vehicle. A hat, water, closed shoes and an ATV instead of a scooter on the dirt solve most of them.

Tap water is usually brackish and locals drink bottled; a six-pack of large bottles from the mini-market on day one is a good idea, plus a refillable bottle for the beaches.

Mobile signal is good in Chora, the port and Ano Meria and weak or absent in the coves and on the western side, below the cliffs. Tell someone where you are going before you head down to an isolated beach, and download the map offline. EU SIM cards roam at no extra charge; everyone else should look at a Greek prepaid card or an eSIM.

Almost all accommodation and the cafés of Chora have Wi-Fi. Road Runner's shop in Chora is open daily 08:00–22:00 and the assistance line answers around the clock.

The tourist season runs roughly from May to early October; in April and October the accommodation, tavernas and boats open and close gradually, and in winter only the basics operate for the roughly 800 residents. Easter and the 15 August festival at the Panagia are the island's two big celebrations, with Chora full.

Shops follow Greek hours with a midday break, tavernas serve late into the evening, and the Folklore Museum in Ano Meria changes its hours by season. For when to come, the winds and the sea temperatures, see the best time to visit guide, and for the ferries the guide on how to get to Folegandros.

Road Runner gives a free island map with every rental and helmets for everyone. See the prices page and the Folegandros travel guide for planning.