The Best Bars In Folegandros Greece

What Folegandros lacks in size, it makes up for with cocktail bars in Cycladic homes, wine rooms overlooking the vines and drinking dens soundtracked to rembetika or the Greek blues.

A small Greek island in the Cyclades, Folegandros is the tiny sister to well-trodden Santorini; it’s still untouched by mass tourism, allowing nature to prevail. You’ll see old dry stone walls separating the fields, and many of its beaches are accessible only by sea. Despite its compact 31sqkm (12sqmi) size – and only three villages – there’s a lovely mix of places to drink and party the night away, mainly in Chora (the main town).

1. Beez

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

tavern in the center of Chora, Folegandros, island, Cyclades, Aegean Sea, Greece, Europe

Soul, funk and reggae tunes await you in this cocktail bar in the centre of Chora – the main village on the island. Sip on a martini and then move on to its version of the Zombie, with home-made syrups and fresh fruits. Beez sits inside a lovely converted Cycladic home that’s small on the inside, meaning you’ll probably spill out onto the street.

2. Merkouri

Bar, Wine Bar, Restaurant, Wine

This wine bar is slightly outside Chora yet still within walking distance. Here, you’ll find a choice of whites and reds, along with the usual cocktail menu of ice-shaken margaritas and a small cheese and meat meze selection. However, the main attraction that will leave you wanting to return again and again is its location – its open terrace has views across the vineyards and up to the main church on the island. So, sit back and enjoy the ’80s and ’90s vibes as you soak in the true field-to-table experience.

3. BaRaki

Bar, Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Authentic

Homemade Frozen Pina Colada Cocktail with a Pineapple Garnish

This small bar in Chora, opposite the church, is mostly taken up by the DJ booth that pumps out tunes from the ’80s and ’90s, so you’ll more than likely find yourself mixing with others on the street. As the name suggests, BaRaki’s speciality is raki – a twice-distilled grape and anise alcoholic drink that originated in Crete. It’s usually best served warm and here, with honey. The bar also has a few signature cocktails, such as mojitos and piña coladas, or relax with a coffee earlier in the day.

4. Astarti Bar

Bar, Cafe, Authentic

If it’s a more contemporary Greek feel you’re after, then the Astarti Bar is the place for you; it makes its home in the main square of Chora. Sit at any one of the colourful tables and listen to contemporary Greek tunes or rembetika (Greek blues) while sipping a raki, a negroni or, in the daytime, a coffee. There’s always a place to relax in the square if no tables are free; you won’t feel you’re restricted here – anything goes.

5. Patitiri

Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, Cocktails

Refreshing peach iced tea Cuba Libre or Long Island iced tea cocktail in glass with straw. Summer refreshing fruit drink. Selective focus

People tend to gravitate to Patitiri after visiting the other bars mentioned on this list – it’s a late-night kind of place. At the party hub of Folegandros, you can enjoy lounge and dance music – mixed with the occasional Greek music – into the early hours while sipping on a long island iced tea or a create-your-own cocktail, courtesy of the mixologist. Without much competition, Patitiri is the party place on this otherwise quiet island.

Need somewhere to rest after a night out in Folegandros? Book one of the best hotels on the island now with Culture Trip. Explore the rest of the area by discovering the best things to see and do. For more, go farther and take a trip to not-so-far-off Mykonos. Book a stay in one of the best hotels and chill out on the beach until it’s time for a well-deserved drink in one of the best bars on the island.

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