Charming like a real life painting, Andros uses its lush vegetation, running waters, rivers, bridges, canyons, castles and mansions to transport us to a magical world. Home to countless seamen, the Cycladic beauty is slice of heaven in the middle of the Aegean sea.
The northernmost and second largest island of the Cyclades is located southeast of Evia, 36 nautical miles from Tinos. The capital is Andros or Chora and its harbor is Gavrio. According to Diodorus of Sicily, the name of the island comes from General Andros Rhadamanthus, King of Crete.
Andros is surrounded by the islets of Alandonissi, Prasonissi, Lagonissi and the Megalos Nissos in the west. collectively called Gavrionissia, and by Theotokos islet in the east. The composition of its subsoil, almost exclusively of crystalline slate, has blessed the island with rivers, streams, springs and, consequently, rich vegetation. The abundance of its waters has attributed the island of Andros with various nicknames like Hydroussa, Lassia, Nonagria and Epagris, meaning “rich in water” or “flora”.
ANDROS CHORA
The capital of Andros, the sophisticated Chora of the letters and culture, looks like a gate to the past; a gate to “Little England” of aristocracy which revives through the well preserved public buildings and charming neoclassic ones. It is built on the narrow peninsula between Paraporti and Nimporio bays and ends to the islet of the Medieval Castle (Kato Kastro). Travelers’ touring here, in the homeland of the surrealist poet, Andreas Empeirikos and the philosopher, Theophilos Kairis, starts from the modern settlement with the ship owners; prevailing mansions of the past century, when ship building was priming in the island. At the entrance of the town, at the main marble paved Georgios Empeirikos street, you can see the Kairios Library and the Arts Space of Petros & Marika Kydonieos Foundation, as you carry on to the pedestrian area passing by Andrion Club. Just like an outdoor museum, Chora showcases busts of prestigious personalities from Andros, donations by well known families as well as exceptional publilc institutions. As you reach the paved Agora, you glance at the neat shopping stores on both sides of the “path” and you are led to the Kairi square. In the heart of Chora, you can have a break at the cafes or ouzeri under the shade of planes. At the vibrant square, you will find the entrance of Andros Archaelogical Museum and in really short distance, the Museum of Contemporary Art. A little lower, the chapel of Aghia Thalassini is “hidden”, built on a rock in the sea. Keep in mind this magical picture and go back to the square, pass through the Oxoporta in order to enter the medieval settlement. The well preserved houses with the Venetian crest, the medieval arcades, the fountains and the arches lead you to the Rivas square…
GAVRIO
It is the first thing that you see as soon as you arrive to Andros and the last one you take with you… It is the beginning and the ending of a tour into bays with deep blue waters ( see Zorkos, Mikra and Megala Peza). pigeon houses of forgotten times, ancient monuments, traditional villages (see Ano and Kato Fellos, Sidontas etc), unexpectedly green valleys and waterfalls (like the one in Paleopoli). It is your starting point to meet the birthplace of great captains and ship owners. It is the principal harbor of Andros and is found in the northwest, at the big, protected from the winds, natural bay of Gavrio. From this safe anchorage, travelers move towards all directions. The commercial map of the area is quite rich including meze restaurants, bars, shops and travel agencies which are spread all over the vibrant seafront.
BATSI
Today Batsi is a cosmopolitan seaport starring in the touristic life of Andros. The settlement was amphitheatrically set over the expanded and Blue Flag awarded sandy beach, with the church of Aghios Philippos rising on the hill and gazing at the panoramic view of the beloved village of all summer tourists. Being a touristic center, Batsi has it all; hotels, rooms to let, tavernas, ouzeri, bars and cafes that are spread along the beach as well as a modern marina for all yacht owners. The path which ends to the biggest male monastery of Zoodochou Pigis, starts from here, along the narrow road which leads to the coastal regions, Delavogia, Stivari and Aghia Marina beach.
MENITES SPRING
Hordes of nature enthusiasts arrive to Andros to admire Menites village; a place rich with vegetation and tall centuries- old trees. In the central square of the village, the water flowing through the six lion head springs creates a little waterfall.
UNKNOWN SAILOR
It prevails at the huge Rivas square, paying tribute to the Greek seamen who were lost in the sea. The enormous sculpture made of copper, a landmark for Andros, was designed by Michail Tobros and donated by Goulandri family.
TOURLITIS LIGHTHOUSE
A quaint attraction and an Adrian landmark. The lighthouse rises on a 7m rock into the sea. It is located close to Kato Kastro in Chora at the Nimporio bay. It first operated in January 1st of 1897 while in 1943 was severely damaged due to the bombings by the Germans. The current lighthouse, unique in Greece thanks to its location, has been donated by Goulandri family.
KORTHI
A completely different imagery unfolds in the south part of Andros; built with gorges, medieval towns, tower houses and a huge monolith emerging from the water in the famous beach Tis Gria to Pidima. On the traditional settlement, however, the images reflect a true Cycladic character, with cafes, restaurants, tavernas, bars, lined up on either side of the central cobblestone street.
NEIMPORIO
Chora’s seaside settlement, filled with dynamic beach, countryside houses and bars. It houses a jetty for private boats and the Andros Marine Club, which organinzes the International Offshore Sailing Event every year.
AGHIOS PETROS
Big organized beach with shallow waters, next to the main road leading from Batsi to Gavrio. The beach received the Blue Flag for its crystal clear waters. On the hill over the bay, you will also see the Tower of Aghios Petros back from the Hellenistic period.
TIS GRIAS TO PIDIMA
An absolutely impressive place… You will not forget this beach because of its name. It means “old woman’s leap). It’s an imposing rock in the sea. It is located on the northern part of Korthi bay and you will reach it by walking for about 5-6 minutes in a downhill path. Gorgeous, small sandy beach and clear crystal waters. According to the local story, Turks in order to conquer the impregnable Upper Castle of Kochylou village, said to an old woman and her daughter to ask for refuge into the castle. The people let them in and the old woman sneakily opened the gates at night. The castle was conquered. Ashamed of what she had done, the old woman jumped from the cliff and immediately turned to stone. This is how Tis Grias to Pidima got its name.
SYNETI
In the shade in the afternoon, this is a very nice beach that can be reached driving from Chora to Korthi and Syneti village. It is a beach with pebbles and sea caves.
BATSI BEACH
Big, sandy, pristine and fully organized beach, also awarded with the Blue Flag of the European Union. In the area there are hotels, rooms to let, various shops and services, restaurants, tavernas, bars and clubs. Here you can also test your skills in water sports, such as surfing, water skiing etc.
MPROSTA AND PISO GIALIA
To the first one go those who want pebble, while at the second one, Piso Gialia, those who want to bury their feet into the sand. It is located in Stenies area, right after Chora.
CHRISSI OR PSILI AMMOS
With no doubt it’s the most popular and crowded, organized beach in Andros, right after Aghios Petros beach. It was named after the fine sand that “touches” the crystal turquoise waters. It is attractive especially to the young people and has also been awarded with the Blue Flag. Here, you can also have fun with some water sports.
ZORKOS
One of the most beautiful beaches in Andros with white pebbles and crystal turquoise waters. It is recommended to those who love fishing. It is organized with umbrellas.
