The 10 things to do in Andros

Visit Andros: discover our selection of the 10 things to see or to do during your trip to this magnificent Greek island unknown!

Located in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea in Greece, Andros is the most northern island and also the second largest island in this archipelago. Yet not far by boat from the capital Athens, it is the least known and one of the least visited of the Cyclades. Travellers looking for authenticity and tranquillity will not miss being seduced by this green island, spared by mass tourism.

The island is green and fertile, thanks to the many streams and springs flowing from its mountains. Car Andros is also characterized by mountainous plunders oriented to the width of the island, superb ridges that rise to the sea and make the island a paradise for hikers! So what do you do to Andros during your trip? What must you absolutely discover on this island out of a dream?

To help you visit Andros, we have listed for you the 10 things to do and see!

1. Andros Chora

So what about Andros? To start your discovery, we recommend starting with the capital of the island: Andros Chora sometimes writes Hora.

Unlike other Cyclades capitals, Andros Chora is not populated by whitewashed houses with lime and blue flaps, but rather by neoclassical-style homes with red tile roofs. These are the old houses of the rich Greek shipowners, who took advantage of the proximity of the island with Athens to take refuge there.

Take advantage of your visit to this charming city to explore the paved alleys, admire the buildings and especially to take a glass on the terrace on Kairi Square, a beautiful shaded square where there is a large marble fountain dating from the Ottoman era!

2. The ruins of the Venetian castle

Also in the capital Andros Chora lies at the end of the city, on an island connected to the city by a charming stone bridge, the remains of a Venetian castle of the 13th century. Destroyed during the Second World War, it is only possible today to admire its ruins. This place is one of the most photogenic of the island, you will soon discover why.

3. Chora Museums

Before leaving the capital, you should discover the museums of the city. Among them, the most interesting is certainly the archaeological museum, with its collection of objects and relics discovered on the island and especially on the sites of Paléopolis and Zagora.

The Musée d’art contemporain presents sculptures by Greek artist and exhibitions of painting. In the city you will also find a maritime museum.

4. Batsi

It is the most touristic city of Andros Island. Close to the hill and located in a small bay, you will find real postcard decors. Its seaside, its fishing port with its boats or its charming little beach add charm to the place.

A Batsi , you will also find hotels, restaurants and bars. Enjoy your visit to Batsi to taste local wines. Andros is known for his wine from Antiquity and was even devoted to Dionysos – the god of the vineyard, of the wine and its excesses, of madness and demeasure.

5. Gavrio

Gavrio will probably be your gateway to Andros Island. With the exception of the landings and boat trips, this city still retains a certain charm, thanks to its typical restaurants and taverns.

You can taste local specialties, such as the Froutalia of Andros, an omelette with smoked pork sausage, or the wine cock with long macaronis. On site you will also find car rental agencies: the best way to visit Andros and discover its beaches, villages and exceptional sites.

6. The most beautiful hikes of Andros

To go hiking, Andros is one of the best islands in the Cyclades! It is also the best way to explore Andros in depth and discover the hidden treasures of the island. Several paths allow you to access monasteries on the heights, such as the Panahrantos Monastery or to reach wild beaches like Achla.

With its 20 marked hiking trails representing more than 100 kilometers of paths, Andros deserves its place in the "Leading quality Trails – Best of Europe": the best European destinations for hiking. The island has a website in French to help you find itineraries, their difficulties, times and distances: Andros Routes.

7. Andros beaches

What to do in Andros during your stay? Discover its most beautiful beaches, of course! Between Gavrio and Batsi are several sandy beaches, often fitted with parasols and sun loungers.

These are the beaches of Agios Petros, Psili Ammos Kypri or Agios Kyprianos. All around the island you will find the most charming coves and small beaches, like Tis Grias to Pidima and its huge 15-metre high rocky grove, Giala between Chora and Stenies or Fellos And his pebbles.

But the most beautiful of all are the beaches of Achla, Vori, Vitali or Zorkos . You will find them in the north east of Andros Chora. Often they are only accessible on foot, by boat or in 4×4. Because don’t forget that visiting Andros is plunging into a wild universe where exploration still has its place!

8. Pitrofos

Pitrofos is a city known for its lush vegetation. It is probably the most beautiful of the island’s villages. Nestled in the mountains, it also houses the Cyclades Olive Museum, a very interesting museum that explains the history and production techniques of olive oil.

9. Messaria

Messaria was once one of the largest villages on the island. Located not far from the capital, it is known for its typical houses, picturesque churches and its sources with arcades made of flat stones. Not far from Messaria, Menitès is also a charming village to discover during your stay. In the latter you can admire amazing mouths from sources in the shape of lions heads!

10. A boat ride

To make the most of the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to visit Andros from another angle and the same opportunity to access some hidden beaches.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed all around the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

11. What do others do to Andros?

Are you still wondering what to do to Andros? Then discover the activities and other places to discover during your stay:

• Getting to Paleopolis, a charming village on the heights where there is also an archaeological site.
• Watch the sunset on theisland of EviaNorth: one of the most beautiful views of the island!
• Have fun discovering even more hidden beaches along the coast of Andros!

How to get to Andros?

To visit Andros, you will first have to go to Athens or to another island of the Cyclades, like Mykonos – the closest. To find a flight at the best price for Athens or another Greek destination, you can consult our partner's website Ulysses .

Once in Athens, you will have to go to the nearby town of Rafína for take a ferry . There is an average of 2 hours to reach the port of Gavrio. You can also access Andros by ferry from Mykonos The journey lasts an average of 2 hours and a quarter.

On site, the best way to get around and to visit Andros is obviously the car, which you can rent when you arrive in Gavrio. Note that roads are well maintained on the island.

Where to stay in Andros?

If you want to visit Andros, you should know that there are plenty of accommodation options. Despite its relative tourist isolation, the island has a large hotel and special offer (the best rates are available on the site of this Compare hotels ).

For your accommodation in Andros, we recommend the cities of Batsi, Andros Chora and Korthiou. But you can also choose an establishment nestled in the mountains, on the edge of a deserted beach or in a picturesque village for more authenticity or tranquility. You will have no trouble finding your dream accommodation on Andros, no matter your budget!