From sunset negronis to honey-drenched feta, this Greek island is a hidden foodie hotspot

Near to Milos, the diminutive Greek island of Folegandros is becoming a foodie destination for those in the know. From cocktails at a five-star hotel to regional cuisine you'll only find on the island, these are the must-visit places to eat to add to your list.

For more Greek travel inspiration, check out our guides to 5 lesser known destinations to visit in mainland Greece or the best Greek food trips.

5 of the best places to eat in Folegandros

Irene’s

Folegandros has lots of reasons to visit, including deserted rocky beaches and its own riff on Greek cuisine. One of the dishes you’ll only find on the island is matsata. This thick, homemade pasta is best eaten at Irene’s, a roadside restaurant run by a grandmother and granddaughter. You can’t miss it – there’s only one real road that cuts through this 6-mile by 2-mile island – though it looks unassuming from the outside. You’ll get a warm welcome within, plus heaps of matsata with slow-braised rooster or pork ragu (it’s not a looker, but it is delicious). @irene_restaurant_folegandros

Pasithea

Another classic local dish is fava, a hummus-like dip made with yellow split peas that makes the perfect accompaniment to hot, fluffy flatbread. The best we’ve tried on the island is served at Pasithea, which overlooks Folegandros’s most popular beach, Agali. It’s just the spot for a languid lunch of fried red mullet and filo feta with honey as you watch swimmers roll out their colourful towels onto the sand below, contemplating your own dip after lunch. @pasithea_folegandros

To Goupi

In a pretty, tree-covered square in the main town of Chora, To Goupi is as good for people watching as it is for dinner – amble down to it after seeing the sun sink into the sea from beneath the hilltop Panagia church. On its outdoor chalkboard you’re likely to see specials such as meat and cheese balls, grilled octopus and a moussaka-like dish of potato, cheese and aubergine.

Gundari

The bar is the best thing about rugged-luxury five-star hotel Gundari, which looks down on plunging cliffs on a quieter side of the island. The cocktail menu has been created by acclaimed Athens bar Line (currently number eight on the World’s 50 Best Bars list) and guests can choose between sunset negronis by the pool or soaking up the vinyl being played in its moody Japanese kissa-style drinking den. gundari.com

Papalagi

A 15-minute stroll along the coast from the sands of Agali, Papalagi is perched on a hill looking down onto Agios Nikolaos beach. This coastal taverna serves all the Greek classics and is well worth the cliff walk to get there (arriving by boat is also an option, though you might prefer to work up an appetite for lunch). On the menu, you’ll find the likes of lobster, whole grilled octopus, anchovy bruschetta and catch-of-the-day linguini – all with a side of sea views.

Where to stay in Folegandros

Anemi

Making the most of its traditional Aegean dome architecture, five-star Anemi offers a modern take on Cycladic style: picture white-washed walls with pops of colour and bedrooms with subtly sculptural furniture and décor. Next to Chochlidia beach, this sister property to design-focused Athens Was offers high-end spa facilities, an outdoor pool with sea views (some suites have private pools) and a yoga deck. anemihotel.gr