Andros

Map of Andros

Andros, the second largest island and the Northernmost of the Cyclades with 380km² extension and 9.221 population, is also one of the most verdant, its fertile, well-watered valleys and hillsides sprouting scores of holiday villas. Still home to a very hospitable people, an attractive capital, numerous good beaches, plus some idiosyncratic reminders of the Venetian period - such as Peristerones(dovecate towers) and the Frakhtes (dry-stone walls) - Andros has a special charm. Driving is also a joy, with precipitous coastal roads offering panoramic views over the Aegean.

Hora, the capital of Andros, is the most attractive town on the island. Paved in marble and schist from the still-active local quarries, the buildings near the bus station are grand 19th century edifices, and the squares with their ornate wall fountains and gateways are equally elegant. The old port, Plakoura, on the West side of the headland, has a yacht supply station and a former ferry landing from where occasional boats run tothe isolated but superbly idyllic Akhla beach in summer. More locally, there are beaches on both sides of the town headland, Nimborio to the North and the less developed Paraporti to the Southeast, though both are exposed to the winds in summer, that's why Gavrio, on the other side of the island, became the main port.

Gavrio is a pleasant small town set in an oval bay, but it has more taverns and bars than good hotels, which generally tend to be out of town. There is an adjacent town beach, but there are more attractive alternatives 5km Northwest of the port: beautiful Fellos and Kourtali.

Beaches

Tis Grias to Pidima

One of the most popular beaches of Andros. Located in the Southeastern side of the island. The beach has white fine sand and the vertical rock that stands in the shallow waters according to local legend is the petrified body of an elderly woman who dived desperately to drown.

Tis Grias to Pidima

Chrysi Ammos

Another popular beach in the Northwestern side of the island, near Kypri. The beach is wide and has fine golden sand (from which it took its name)  and shallow waters.

Gialia

It's located in the East side of Andros, near Stenies. Empros(Front) Gialia has pebbles and gravel but Piso(Behind) Gialia is sandy. It's a very popular beach and it's hard to find parking in the summer.

Mylos

Mylos is a sandy beach which is located in the Southeastern side of Andros. The beach has showers and provide swimming lessons and windsurfing from the Yacht Club of Korthio. Suitable for fishing, too. There is also an old windmill located in the center of the beach.

Ahla

Ahla is a beach with pebbles, fine sand and clear blue waters- good for fishing -. It's very peaceful even when a strong wind blowing. The beauty of Ahla is unique. Located in the Northeastern side of Andros.

Ahla

 Apothikes

A deserted sandy beach, located in the Southwestern side of Anrdos, near Korthi. Suitable for relaxation and privacy.

Other Beaches

Plaka, Agios Ioannis, Suneti, Vitzi, Paraporti, Axla, Leuka, Vori, Vitali, Limanaki, Xalaritis, Fellos.

Sights

The Tower of St. Peter

The Tower of St. Peter

The Tower of St. Peter is one of the most popular sights of the Cyclades. It was built in the 4th-3rd century BC, in the Hellenistic period. It is cylindrical with 20 meters height and 9.40 meter diameter. It is made entirely from local slate. The Tower is built in an ideal location, since it's facing the sea and controls the movement of ships.

  

Pano Kastro(Upper Castle)

The Castle was built by the Venetians over a spectacular plateau North of Korthio, at an altitude of 600 meters approximately. It could protect 1.000 or more people and was considered impregnable due to the high cliffs that surround and the strong wall. According to history, the Turks, who could not capture it, sent an old woman to the castle with her pregnant daughter to seek help, but an night the old woman opened the gate and entered the Turks and massacred all the inhabitants.

The Panachrantou Monastery

The monastery was founded by the Byzantine emperor Nikoforos Fokas in the 9th century and is lacated on the Northern slopes of the Gerakones mountain. It's fortified and has many remarkable relics worth seeing. It has also a spectacular view of the town.

Other Sights

Ancient Zagora, The Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis, Palaiopoli.

Andros

Transportation

By ferry: All ferries and catamarans arrive at the main port, Gavrio.

Destinations: Lavrio via Kea/Kythnos(1 weekly, 5-6hrs), Mykonos(1-3 daily, 2hrs 30min), Naxos(4 weekly, 4hrs), Rafina(2-3 daily, 1-2hrs), Syros(4 weekly, 4hrs), Tinos(1-3 daily, 1hr 30min).

Getting Around

By bus: Buses run from the port's waterfront where the schedules are posted: Batsi(6-8 daily, 20min), Hora(4-6 daily, 50min), Korthi(2-3 daily, 1hr)

 

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Andros: 22820 22275 - 22820 22968 

Police Station: 22820 22300

Port Authorities: 22820 22250

Health Center: 22820 22222 - 22820 23333

KTEL: 22820 24288 - 22820 22316

Taxi: 22820 22171