Xionodromika

Andros: Venetian castles, old monasteries and picturesque watermills

Andros

Hotels/Guesthouses

Άνδρος, Κυκλάδες

Andros is the most northern island of the Cyclades complex and the second biggest after Naxos (374sq. km), with 40km length and 17km width. The total length of its coastal line is estimated to be approximately 177km. It is located south of Evia and north of Tinos Island.

The island is generally mountainous with verdant ravines and valleys and with plenty of surface and underground water springs. It charms its visitors with the contrasts of its natural beauty and its tremendous cultural heritage, a product of history of many centuries, which started before 3.000 B.C. It seems that the island owes its name to its first settler, called Andros, who was a hero with divine descent.

Andros Map

Ελλάδα

Andros Attractions & Surrounding Area

Chora, the capital of the island, is built on a peninsula between two large seashores, Neiborio and Paraporti. The old town with the narrow picturesque streets will fascinate the walkers and will lead them to the remmants of the Venetian castle on the small island which is connected with the town by a stone bridge, built in the 13 th century by Marinos Dandolos.

The large square up from the sea is overlooked by the statue of the Unknown Sailor made by M. Tompros and dedicated to all those lost in the sea serving the biggest merchant shipping of our country. The two beaches of Chora, Paraporti and Neiborio will satisfy even the most demanding swimmers. Around Chora, along the green-clad mountainsides, the villages and the settlements of the area are stretched.

Northerly, our way leads us in Stenies the master village with Pentavrisi, the river with the picturesque bridge in Pera Panta and the clear seashores Gialia and Piso Gialia.

Little further towards the upper part of the island the bright green Apikia with the famous mineral water spring Sariza is situated and then the mountainous Vourkoti with exquisite shores Achla and Vori. In Apikia there are also the ravine of Pythara and the distinguished Lamyra.

Finally, you can visit the old monasteries of the region: the thousand year old monastery of Saint Nikolaos and the monastery of Saint Marina.

Heading towards the South East part of the island, you meet the bay of Korthi, a large village nowadays, a settlement in the period of Turkish Domination. One could enjoy the sea in the large beach of Ormos or Saint Catherine as well as in the small remote idyllic creeks such as Tis grias to Pidima, Kalomonari, Boura and Saint Gianni in Kremides. A dive in the beach will remain unforgettable and, on the other hand, the surfing friends will find ideal conditions in the beach of Ormos.

Batsi is a seasonal settlement, stretched gulf around with a sandy beach and small peninsula that creates a small harbour. In summertime this place is submerged from tourists that come in order to have beautifully, serenely and carefree vacations. For those loving sports, there is the possibility for surfing and water ski.

Gavrio is the port of the island situated in a naturally protected bay. It presents a vivid activity during the summer period with ferry boats and yachts as well as pleasure crafts. On the mountainsides, many settlements of the area are interspersed. At the south of Gavrio, three of the most beautiful shores of the island are situated, Saint Petros, Kipri and Chrisi Ammos offering the opportunity for water sports.

Before leaving the island do not forget to buy some traditional products like kaltsounia and amigdalota. Do not forget to taste local omelette ” froutalia ” with local sausages at the traditional tavernas.

How to get there

The departure port for Andros is Rafina, Attica. There are daily itineraries by ferry-boats by which the voyage takes two hours as well as dolphins and catamarans by which the voyage takes only an hour. The access port is Gavrio. The crafts can reach Batsi and Chora as well. The ship from Thessaloniki reaches the island three times a week and connects the Northern Greece with the islands of Cyclades and Crete.

Andros Photos

Andros Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Port Authority in Rafina
 22940 28888
Gavrio First Aid
 22820 71210
Chora Police Station
 22820 22300
Gavrio Post Office
 22820 71254
Chora Port Authority
 22820 22250
Gavrio Information Office
 22820 71282
Chora Health Center
 22820 22222, 23333
Batsi Police Station
 22820 41204
Chora Taxi
 22820 22171
Batsi Port Station
 22820 41986
Chora Buses
 22820 24288
Batsi First Aid
 22820 41326
Gavrio Police Station
 22820 71220
Messaria First Aid
 22820 22107
Gavrio Port Station
 22820 71213
Korthi Police Station
 22820 61211

 



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