An island home for wealthy Greeks from the 19th century with breathtaking beaches, dry mountains and marble roads
Andros island is part of the Cyclades islands such as: Mykonos, Santorini, Milos and so on. The main features of all Cyclades islands are the different variations of the sea color from deep blue to turquoise, breathtaking sandy beaches and a Mediterranean climate. Andros has all this and more.
The island is quite small, its total length is 40 km which you can easily explore. There is no airport and to get there you need to get a ferry which delivers you to the island from Athens. Ticket prices vary according to the season, class (economy, business) and car place, and cost from €20 to €65.
The journey by boat takes two hours and is very comfortable; you shouldn’t have any problems even if you have kids with you or get seasick. The ferry departs from Rafina port in Athens to Andros. From Athens airport to Rafina port is about 20 minutes, you can get a taxi which costs about €40 to €70 or a bus one-way ticket costs €4.00.
Andros was the island where billionaires first appeared. This happened because of Greek shipowners who inhabited the island and worked as shipbrokers all over the world. You can easily understand that when you go to Chora. All these wealthy Greeks did a lot for the city. Huge, richly decorated houses, a big hospital, schools, the Nautical Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Kaireios library and an open-air theatre are a mark of the rich people who lived there.
Usually the roads say a lot about the economic situation of the city in the past. In the city of Chora the roads are made of marble and are still in excellent condition. Until the 70s you couldn’t easily enter Chora without special permission.
Shipowners who worked at sea were afraid for their families and properties during the absence, so the whole city was a private area. Only in the 90s did the doors open for tourists and everyone could finally visit the island.
But not only is Chora an impressive city on the island, but there are also Batsi and Gavrio with their local restaurants, ports for sailboats and yachts and promenades.
Top beaches in Andros
The beaches on the island are the reason to go there. There are beaches which will definitely satisfy even the most demanding and mature traveller.
Aneroussa beach is a small hidden beach in Batsi. It’s located between two rocks and to get there you need to go down the stairs next to the Aneroussa hotel. The beach has a beach bar and extremely photogenic spots.
Grias Pidima Beach is an absolutely breathtaking beach. White sand, turquoise water and huge rocks will all blow your mind (with one glance).
Kypri beach is located in Gavro and is an ideal beach for families. It has many bars, several car parks and comfortable beaches for families with kids.
The movies of Winona (2019), Little England (2013) and Nyfes (2004) were all filmed on Andros’ beaches.
Food in Andros is also a new experience. There are lots of cheap local restaurants but also expensive high level restaurants too. The Mastelo restaurant is one of these. It is located in Batsi and is one of the expensive but really worth visiting restaurants with incredible lobster pasta, tomato bruschetta and seafood. Entrees run about $50-$75. Address: Batsi 845 01
Ta μπινελικια (Ta binelika) is another restaurant with local food. Compared to Mastelo, it is much cheaper but also very tasty. Entrees run about $30-$40. Address: Νειμποριό (Neborio), 845 00
If you’re searching for a restaurant with an impressive view, go to Mpalkoni tou Aigaiou restaurant which is famous for its view. This is the only restaurant that has a spectacular bird’s-eye view. It is located on the top of the island and has local Greek food such as souvlaki, beef, chicken, cheese pies and pastas. Entrees run about $25-$35. Address: ΑΠΡΟΒΑΤΟ, Ano Aprovatou 845 01.
Andros is not yet a well-known island and the price and quality make it a really good value and will impress everyone.
Top hotels in Andros island
Being a small and not so popular island, Andros doesn’t have big chain hotels or 5* hotels like in Mykonos but there are many new small boutiques hotels and villas which have good accommodation and service.
Two of these are:
Perrakis hotel in Gavrio with a swimming pool, private beach and excellent service and
Blue Bay Resort Village in Batsi with an amazing view and two swimming pools.
Aneroussa beach hotel is best for couples and those who love to feel isolated.
The hotel has fantastic views and one of the best beaches on the island is Aneroussa beach, just below the hotel. Prices for hotels in Andros depend on the season but compared to Mykonos or Santorini they are up to three times lower.
