Church of Virgin Mary of Folegandros

The church of Panagia stands on the hill above Chora, white against the bare rock, and is the image most people take home from Folegandros. It is the island’s principal church, and its icon is carried around the island at Easter in a procession that brings Folegandriots back from Athens and beyond.

The church is reached by a zigzag path that climbs from the edge of Chora, a steady walk of around 15 to 20 minutes with no shade. The reward is the view: Chora and its Kastro perched on the cliff edge on one side, the drop to the sea on the other, and neighbouring islands on the horizon. Go in the late afternoon for softer light and a sunset walk back down. The church is not always open, so treat the interior as a bonus.