Welcome to Andros
Andros is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, situated a short ferry ride from Athens. It is the northernmost island of the Cyclades and has an array of stunning landscapes, ranging from rocky hillsides to stunning beaches. The island has been a popular destination for holidaymakers for many years, with its tranquil environment and rich history attracting tourists from all over the world.
Andros is home to numerous charming hamlets, each offering a unique experience, with some providing visitors with awe-inspiring cliffside views or deserted beaches. The island is particularly popular for its trekking trails, which are well signposted and take walkers through some of the island’s most beautiful sceneries. Hiking highlights include the winding paths through the Vourkoti gorge, the waterfalls of Pythara and the stone churches that dot the hillsides.
Some of the island’s most popular beaches include the golden sands of Batsi, Agios Petros, and Gavrio. Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, soak up the sun, and enjoy some of the stunning sea views. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, Andros is known for its water sports scene, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and jet skiing.
Andros is also a popular destination for history lovers, with its winding streets filled with traditional architecture and religious sites such as the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. It is believed that the island played a central role in the growth of ancient Greece, and visitors can still see remnants of its past in Roman aqueducts, Mycenaean tombs and Byzantine churches.
How to reach it
Andros Island can be reached by sea from Athens or other nearby islands. Here are some ways to reach Andros:
1. By ferry from Athens:
There are daily ferry connections from the port of Rafina, which is easily accessible from Athens International Airport by public transport or taxi.
2. By ferry from other islands:
There are also ferry connections to Andros from other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Tinos, Paros and Naxos.
3. By private yacht or boat:
Andros has several ports that allow private vessels to dock, making it easy to reach by boat.
4. By airplane:
While there is no airport on the island, the closest airports are Athens International Airport or Mykonos Island National Airport. From there, you can take a ferry to Andros.
Once in Andros, the island can be easily explored by car or scooter, which can be rented at one of the island’s car rental agencies. Alternatively, you can use the island’s local bus network to reach different parts of the island.
Where to stay
Andros Island has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to more budget-friendly options. The island has several towns and villages that are perfect for finding accommodation, depending on your preferences.
1. Chora:
Chora is the capital and largest town on the island and has a good selection of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It’s a picturesque town, with its historic center featuring narrow alleys, beautiful neoclassical buildings, and charming tavernas.
2. Batsi:
Batsi is another popular coastal town that has a range of accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels. It’s a favorite among tourists due to its stunning beaches, seaside cafes and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
3. Gavrio:
Gavrio is the port town of Andros, making it an ideal location for those who are traveling by ferry to the island. It offers a range of accommodation, from hotels to apartments, and is ideal for those looking for a peaceful and quiet stay.
4. Ormos Korthiou:
Ormos Korthiou is a picturesque fishing village that has a good selection of accommodation options, ranging from traditional guesthouses to more high-end hotels. It’s an excellent location if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds.
Highlights: what to see/what to do
Andros Island is a picturesque and unspoiled gem in the Cyclades archipelago, offering a wide range of activities and sights to visitors. Here are some of the island’s highlights:
1. Chora:
Andros Island’s capital, Chora, is a charming town with neoclassical mansions and hidden alleys offering cultural experiences, attractions, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
2. Beaches:
Andros Island is home to some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches of the Aegean, including the famous Golden Beach, Aneroussa, Grias Pidima, and Zorkos, among others.
3. Taste the local cuisine:
Andros Island offers a vast variety of local and traditional foods, including fresh seafood, locally produced cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. Must-try dishes include froutalia (an omelet with potatoes and sausages), louza (marinated pork), and patatato (a hearty potato and meat stew).
4. Trekking:
Andros has a vast network of hiking paths that wind through the hills and valleys of the island, providing breathtaking views, rushing waterfalls, and lush forests. Many of these paths have been well-maintained by the Andros Routes organization, and there are routes for every skill level.
5. Museums:
Andros Island is home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Andros, the Museum of Modern Art, the Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Folklore and Christian Art, among others.
6. Palaeopolis:
Visitors to Andros can explore the ancient city ruins of Palaeopolis, which was the island’s prehistoric capital and an essential center of Ionian culture during the Classical Period.
7. Water Sports:
Andros Island is an excellent spot for water sports enthusiasts and offers a vast variety of activities, including kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling.