Andros

Andros (about 10,000 inhabitants) is, with an area of ​​almost 400 km², the largest island in the Cyclades after Naxos. Andros is the northernmost and the first island in the Cyclades from Athens. The tourists are mostly Athenians. Andros is green and has plenty of water. International tourists are rarely seen. English is not very well understood. Menus and so on are often only in Greek. Many wealthy families from Athens have a holiday home on the nearby island.

Batsi

Unlike most other Cyclades, the ferry port is not the most important place on the island of Andros. This is on Batsi – about 8 km south-east of the port of Gavrio. Especially on weekends, Batsi is full of Athenians. The lively nightlife is geared towards a Greek audience. Accommodation in Batsi is not cheap on weekends and in summer. The beautiful town is built steeply on a slope – down by the sea is a large square with cafes, taverns and bars.

Andros Town

The town, located on a narrow peninsula in the east of the island, is more worth seeing, quieter and cheaper (rooms) than Batsi. Most visitors are day trippers from Batsi. Several small museums can be found here: the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Local History Museum are here.

Gavrio

A lot of construction has taken place in the port town of Andros Gavrio in recent years. It is now the second most important tourist resort on the island after Batsi. Gavrio has a few small beaches and nice tavernas, but almost all holidaymakers prefer Batsi. The port town of Gavrio is in the west of the island, so it is easy to reach by boat from Athens.

By Holger Uwe Schmitt  – Own work,  CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Korthion

Small, quiet and somewhat sleepy fishing village in the south of the island of Andros. It is possible to rent rooms and there are a few taverns. The beach is only mediocre.

• Top 10 Andros: Things to do and attractions

• 1. Explore Chora (Andros Town)
• The capital of Andros is a charming town with neoclassical mansions, narrow streets and pretty squares. Highlights include the Maritime Museum, Kairis Library and the statue of the Unknown Sailor overlooking the sea.
• 2. Visit Panagia Panachrantos Monastery
• Set on the slopes of Mount Gerakones, this impressive monastery dates back to the 10th century and offers stunning views of the island. It houses important religious artefacts and a beautiful church.
• 3. Relax on the beaches
• Andros has many beautiful beaches, from sandy to pebble coves. Achla Beach is known for its turquoise waters and secluded location, while Zorkos, Grias Pidima and Batsi offer excellent opportunities for swimming and relaxation.
• 4. Hiking
• The island is a hiker’s paradise with a network of well-marked hiking trails called the Andros Routes. The trails pass through lush valleys, traditional villages and historical sites and offer a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
• 5. Explore the ancient site of Zagora
• This ancient settlement from the Geometric Period (9th-8th century BC) sits on a plateau with stunning views of the sea. The ruins include houses, walls and a temple and provide an insight into early Greek civilisation.
• 6. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Andros
• This museum in Chora houses artefacts from various historical periods, including items from the settlement of Zagora and Palaeopolis, the island’s ancient capital.
• 7. Stroll around Batsi
• Batsi is a picturesque seaside village with a small harbour, traditional tavernas and a lively atmosphere. It is a popular spot for tourists, especially in summer, and makes a good base for exploring the island.
• 8. Swim in Pithara Waterfalls
• Located near Apikia village, Pithara Waterfalls is a rare sight in the Cyclades. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this small waterfall creates a magical atmosphere perfect for a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
• 9. Explore Menites Village
• A traditional village with old stone houses, water fountains and beautiful walking trails, Menites is known for its numerous springs and lush greenery. It is an ideal place to experience the natural charm of the island.
• 10. Try local cuisine
• Andros offers delicious local dishes such as froutalia (an omelette with sausage and potatoes), amigdalota (almond candy) and fourtalia sausages. Don’t miss the chance to try the island’s traditional cheeses, such as volaki.

• Map

  No Cycladic island is closer to the mainland. The strait between Andros and the island of Euboea “Steno Kafirea”, which can be reached from the mainland via bridges, is only about 8 km wide. The large harbor is in Gavrio in the west.

  Buses on Andros

  The three towns of Gavrio, Batsi and Andros Town (Chora) are connected by buses 6-8 times a day. The bus schedule is coordinated with the ferry arrivals. From Batsi there are also several buses a day to the south of Andros with the final stop at Ormos Korthiou. In winter there are significantly fewer buses.

  How to get to Andros?

  To get to Andros, one of the Cyclades islands, there are the following options:

  1. Ferry to Andros

  From Rafina (near Athens):
  Rafina is the closest port to the island of Andros (about 30 km from Athens airport).

  Ferries from Rafina to Gavrio (main port of Andros) depart several times a day.

  Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the ferry type (fast or standard ferry).

• From other Cyclades islands:
  There are connections between Andros and the neighboring islands of Tinos, Mykonos and Syros.
• 2. Flight + Ferry
• There is no airport on Andros.
• Fly to Athens (ATH) → Take a bus/taxi to Rafina → Take the ferry to Andros.Summary:Ferry from Rafina (Athens): Fastest and most frequent connection (approx. 2 hours).
  Alternative: Ferries from other Cyclades islands such as Mykonos or Tinos.
  Ferries to Andros

• Ferries to Andros

  On the mainland, ferries depart Rafina (about 1 hour east of Athens) 3 times a day. 1-2 of the ships continue to Tinos and Mykonos. Ferry connections to other islands are rare from Andros. In the season, however, expensive fast ferries often run between Andros and the main Cyclades Naxos, Paros and Santorini (also via Mykonos and mostly Tinos). Flights to Andros are in vain due to the lack of an airport.

  Accommodation

  At the port of Andros: The Hotel Galaxy (Tel.: 22820-71228) was recommended by readers. Double rooms around 40€.

  Villa Aegeo is said to be a good address in Batsi. Only studios and apartments with kitchen, balcony and air conditioning for 50-75€ depending on the season and size.

  You can stay much cheaper in Batsi in “The Yellow Rose”. Simple room rental, don’t expect great comfort. Tel.: 22820-41455. Rooms for 30-50€.

  In Korthion there is a hotel (Hotel Korthion 22820- 61218) with rooms for 40-50€. However, you can almost always find a cheap private room rental on site.

  Tip: You shouldn’t necessarily visit the island on a weekend or even on public holidays or long weekends. That’s when the day trippers from Athens come. During the week it is quieter and it is easier and cheaper to get a room on the island of Andros.

  Tickets Accademia Florence: We tell you how to avoid the long queue at the entrance to the famous art museum.

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