Andros island

General info
Andros is the biggest island in Cyclades island cluster after Naxos, covering 400 square km and having a population of 10,000 residents approximately.
Located in the northernmost Aegean, the island’s morphology is composed by mountains and tree-topped hills, lash vegetation due to its abundant springs, sandy beaches and charming bays as well as craggy coastlines. Even during high season, in Andros one will find places bustled with life and others where peace and pure nature are the only dominants.

The island is famous for its long history and its nautical tradition, since it is the birthplace of prominent ship-owners, while in recent decades it has been established in the consciousness of art lovers as one of the most significant cultural centres by displaying a remarkably qualitative artistic activity.  The Art Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art,  which regularly accommodate works  by worldly eminent painters and other artists, have become Andros’ “trademarks “. 

The island’s architecture is the traditional Cycladic one in which white houses, mansions of neoclassical rhythm with large yards and picturesque narrow paths are its main features.  The archaeological monuments, the Byzantines churches and the fortified buildings are found in several places in Andros, revealing the islands’ historical importance through centuries.

Andros is close to the islands of Evia (Evoia), Tinos (Tenos), Mykonos, Syros, and Kea (Tzia).

Historical profile
According to Greek mythology, the island took its name by the Cretan leader, Andros, who is said to be the first who colonized Andros during Minoan Period, while traces of inhabitation dating back to Prehistoric times have been discovered in archaeological excavations.
In the Geometric Period, the island took a leading role, both due to its strategic position and its natural sources.
Andros, as the rest of the Cycladic islands, it came under Roman, Venetian and Ottoman domination, all of which left their mark on the island. Andros offered a lot to the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and its inhabitants fought bravely in order to gain their freedom.

Villages
Andros’ Town (Chora) is the island’s capital, which distinguishes for breathing a discrete air of elegancy and richness. Neoclassical mansions, well preserved narrow paths, picturesque squares, remarkable monuments, Byzantine churches attribute to Chora a delightful colour.
Though it has preserved its own character, it is also a contemporary city offering any kind of accommodation and entertainment facilities for all tastes. Don’t fail to visit the Art Gallery and the Modern Art Museum which are housed here.
On the north part of Andros is located Batsi, which used to be a  traditional fishing village but  today has become the most tourist resort, offering modern tourist infrastructures and an interesting night life.  Batsi has its own charming natural harbour and a fine sandy beach. Another worth-visiting village is Gavrio, which is equally tourist developed and operates also as the main port of Andros. Gavrio is essentially the nodal point from which you can begin your exploration to the northern of Andros, where some of the most traditional villages and excellent beaches are situated.

Beaches
Andros having a coastline of 175 km. offers plenty of beaches for all preferences; well organized or more remote ones, sandy with shallow waters or pebbled ones. The island’s beaches are quite known for their clean crystal waters.

Near Chora and on  the eastern  part you’ll find  the   Niborio beach, which is organized and becomes crowed during high season as well as the  fine sandy beaches of  Achla and  the pebbly beach of  Gialia,  both of which are  suitable for those who  appreciate serenity and  relaxation.

Near Batsi and on the western part there is the Golden Beach, probably the most famous one on the island, a well organized beach, with thin golden sand and shallow crystal waters, ideal for those who love seas sports, while the small, yet beautiful, beaches of  Agia Marina and Agios Petros are also worth-visiting.

In the southern part of Andros, the “Grias pidima” beach is quite popular both for its impressive beauty and the huge rock which emerges from the sea.

Access
You can get to Andros by boat from Rafina Port (duration of the trip 2 hours approximately) or by speed boat (at about an hour). There is also a direct connection with the islands of Tinos, Mykonos and Syros especially during summer season.  The main port of Andros is Gavrio.