How To Get To Andros Island
Andros isle is truly the jewel in the crown of the Cyclades, and that's saying a lot! Andros is one of the virtually verdant islands of the Cyclades, easily the most famous cluster of Greek islands, and the nearly popular 1 for dream vacations in Greece.
Andros strikes a perfect remainder of the picturesque and the cosmopolitan. And while, similar all the Cyclades, it is windswept, there is a lot more protection from the wind than one would wait!
What's better than a perfect rest of lush vegetation and sugar cube houses clustered together at the slopes of the hills, overlooking the deep blue waters of the Aegean? In Andros, you lot are surrounded but colorful beauty and sensations of calm relaxation combined with new experiences you lot tin can only observe there.
Different Mykonos or Santorini (Thera), Andros remains somewhat off the beaten path of loftier-traffic tourism, which means you have more than chances to enjoy the best of the island without being crowded fifty-fifty during the high flavor.
With this guide, you volition know everything necessary to maximize your enjoyment of Andros and make your vacations truly unique and unforgettable!
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Andros Quick Guide
Where is Andros?
Andros is the Cycladic island closest to Athens! Information technology is the second-largest island subsequently Naxos, and besides has relatively high mountains, capes, and coves. Andros is the outset island located in a projected line from Euboia, with Tinos and Mykonos in close succession.
Like all of Greece, Andros' climate is Mediterranean, which means it gets relatively warm, rainy winters and dry out, hot summers. Temperatures during winter go around 5-10 degrees Celsius on average, while during summertime they become around 30-35 degrees Celsius.
However, like all the Cyclades, Andros features the famous northern winds which can exist quite strong. They can make the temperature experience colder during winter and cooler during summer, then brand sure you have a light cardigan in your bags for those cool evenings! The wind will be your ally for the relentless summertime heatwaves which can button the temperature as high as forty degrees Celsius, but information technology will experience a practiced few degrees libation.
How to become to Andros?
You tin only reach Andros directly by ferry which departs from Rafina port, not Piraeus port. Y'all can become to Rafina past bus or taxi. It's nearly thirty minutes' worth of a drive there from Athens' airport. The ferry takes just 2 hours to reach Andros island. We traveled to Andros with Fast Ferries. Find below the ferry schedule and book your tickets.
At that place are flights to other Cycladic islands, like Mykonos, from where you tin get the ferry to Andros, simply y'all won't exist saving any fourth dimension or hassle doing that, then it's not recommended. What is recommended though, if you stay long enough, is to get to Tinos and Mykonos or Syros islands from Andros, as they are very almost and make for great single-day adventures.
For more information check out: How to get from Athens to Andros.
A brief history of Andros Isle
According to Greek mythology, the god of the sun and music Apollo loved Rio, the granddaughter of the god of vino Dionysus. From that marriage, there were born ii sons, Andros and Mykonos. They went on to rule on their corresponding islands and gave their names to them. That'southward how Andros and Mykonos were named.
In truth, Andros has had several names in antiquity and the past, depending on what was existence highlighted. Some are Hydroussa, which ways "the one of many springs/waters", Lasia, which means "the one with rich vegetation", Nonagria, which means "the one with clammy grounds", and Gavros, which means "the proud one".
The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Andros gained importance during primitive and classical times, with Dionysus being the principal god of worship. Many remarkable archaeological sites however remain from these eras.
During Roman times, Roman colonizers assimilated with the Greek inhabitants, adopting their linguistic communication, customs, and mode of life. The simply matter that shifted was the main god of worship, which became Isis.
During Byzantine times, Andros became a hub for the production of silk and agriculture just slowly barbarous into economic obscurity. The Venetians came next in the 1200s and remained until the 1500s, who fortified the isle against pirates. Andros vicious to the Ottomans afterwards that, and the economy started shifting to beingness naval, with a fleet of commercial ships emerging. During the Revolution of 1821, because it was a powerful naval force, Andros played an important office. After Hellenic republic gained independence, and up until the two World Wars, Andros was 2nd only to Piraeus in naval action.
However, the world wars devastated the isle, especially with fierce bombings in 1944.
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Things to meet and do in Andros Island
Explore Chora
Andros' capital town of Chora is a beautiful, old, proud identify total of history and tradition. Situated in the south-eastern part of the island, information technology is congenital on a tiny peninsula that gives the impression of the metropolis cutting through the bounding main, leading to the monument of the Unknown Sailor. It is surrounded by two sandy beaches on either side, and there is a Venetian castle on the tiny islet that the narrow peninsula leads to.
Andros' Chora is not typically Cycladic. Instead of purely white and blue, there is ochre and crimson. Because it was the footing of operations for rich merchants and ship owners, Chora boasts a neoclassical grandeur that is unique to the island. Several mansions, paved picturesque pathways, beautiful churches, and squares that wait to accept been fabricated for postcards expect for you to explore them.
Outwards, seemingly built on the surface of the bounding main, is the single lighthouse for you to admire. Andros Chora also has some amazing museums to explore including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Archaeological Museum and the Maritime Museum.
Explore Batsi
Batsi is a beautiful seaside fisherman's village located 27 km from Chora. It is extremely picturesque and has kept its traditional character despite existence very popular with tourists. In Batsi you will observe several restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy the seaside view from. I of Batsi's avails is that its location fully protects the village and its gorgeous sandy embankment from the wind, so when it's difficult to swim anywhere else, Batsi is where you should go. The beach is fully organized, so you will have all comforts when you lot choose to visit.
Batsi is a perfect combination of the elegance of Chora and the picturesque allure of the typical Cyclades. Congenital amphitheatrically and featuring a beautiful bay, Batsi is a hamlet you shouldn't miss out on.
Explore Gavrio
Gavrio is another fisherman'due south village that also features the port that connects Andros to Rafina. Then this is where yous will land when you lot first arrive on the island. And don't hurry to go, because every bit before long as the hubbub of new arrivals from the ferries dies down, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Gavrio.
Gavrio, like Batsi, manages to retain its traditional accurate grapheme despite catering to tourist flows. Despite the affluence of restaurants, bars, cafes, and souvenir shops, you lot will likewise observe gorgeous footling paths leading to sandy beaches, colorful boats bobbing in the port, and romantic promenades.
Foros Cave
Situated but 4 km from Andros' Chora, there is Foros Cave: the first cave circuitous to have ever been discovered in Greece, with a lot of history backside it, starting with its name. The Italian-based etymology wants "Foros" to mean opening, the entrance to the cave that looked like a black open maw of the world.
The Greek-based etymology wants "Foros" to mean 'tax', as the myth demanded that tribute was paid to appease evil spirits past the animals that fell through the opening and disappeared forever in the clangorous black.
Nowadays, Foros is open to your exploration. A fascinating and majestic hugger-mugger globe will open up itself to you, with colorful stalagmites and stalactites, basins of waters, and pearls of rock pending y'all in its eight grand chambers. There are fifty-fifty animals completely adapted to life in near-consummate darkness that y'all may see if y'all are lucky plenty!
Foros is a fascinating undercover realm that y'all should not miss out on, as it is one of the most important sites of Andros.
You can visit the cavern on a guided tour just that lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. You tin can call here for more information +306939696835 and book a visit.
Visit the gorgeous beaches
Andros boasts some of the most beautiful beaches of the Cyclades. Due to its coastline'southward shape, there are more than lxxx beaches to choose from. This literally means that there is something for anybody's gustatory modality in terms of beaches and seasides in Andros. However, out of all the gorgeous beaches, there are some that are fifty-fifty more beautiful and breathtaking, which you should definitely put on your list to visit:
Aghios Petros Beach: This is a gorgeous sandy embankment that stretches for one km. Even on its most decorated days during high season, you will never experience crowded or lacking space to stretch out and enjoy the seaside. Aghios Petros Embankment is at the same fourth dimension wild and cosmopolitan, as information technology is very near Chora, and combines the best of everything.
Ateni Beach: 12 km from Batsi hamlet, you will find Ateni Beach. Though it'southward ane embankment, it looks like it's two isolated, cute coves with lush greenery touching the golden sand and waters being turquoise and emerald: Lilliputian Ateni and Big Ateni. Lilliputian Ateni feels like a pond, which is perfect for families. Big Ateni is deeper and darker, for the adults. An temper of calm and wilderness reigns in this stunning embankment.
Ahla Beach: This beach combines a habitat and a beautiful sandy surface area. It is where Ahla river flows into the ocean. This creates lush vegetation, including a forest of alpine platan trees and a pocket-size delta correct at that place in the sand. Approach Ahla embankment by car or by boat. Both are experiences to remember!
Vitali Beach: This is a embankment to remember even for the drive there, every bit information technology will requite yous amazing views of the island. Vitali beach's waters are warm, crystal clear, and constantly shaded. The rock formations are beautiful and sheltering at the same time. The picayune chapel right to the edge is an extra touch of folklore.
There are several more beaches that deserve to be listed, so make sure to bank check out Golden Sand Beach, Tis Grias to Pidima beach (it means "Erstwhile Woman'southward Jump" and is a wordplay), Fellos Beach, and Paraporti Beach to proper name merely a few of the gems you volition discover.
You might also like: The all-time beaches in Andros.
Aghios Petros Tower
Overlooking the bay of Gavrio, there is the royal tower of Aghios Petros. The ancient tower was built in the Hellenistic era, around the fourth or 3rd century BC. Information technology used to have five stories and information technology is of a cylindrical shape. Its utilize was for scouting imminent attacks by pirates or potential invasions in time.
The ancient tower was also a protection for copper mines nearby. Brand sure to visit and marvel at its size, construction, and resistance to the elements and time.
Castle of Faneromeni
The Castle of Faneromeni (also called "the One-time Woman'due south Castle") was the biggest medieval boondocks of Andros, built past the Venetians to defend themselves from pirates. The location is stunning besides, with craggy hills and cliff faces that seem to jut out of the fortifications and the remaining structures.
This loftier altitude, wild scenery, and endurance of the castle gave it the rumor that it could non exist overrun. In that location are surreptitious channels for communication and a church building of Faneromeni which on the 15th of Baronial holds a huge feast.
Walk to the Castle, enjoy the breathtaking views, and take in the history surrounding you.
Take at to the lowest degree a hiking path
Andros is unique in that it's a Cycladic isle with the about picturesque and various sceneries you can find and hike through. Enjoying the sceneries, taking in the beauty of nature, and just getting in bear on with the side nosotros neglect when nosotros're back at work in our homes or in the cities.
Andros has it all: rivers, creeks, forests, beaches, and pathways. The Andros Route is one of the best and internationally certified hiking road programs in Europe, so make sure to get on at to the lowest degree 1!
Find below some of the best hiking paths around Andros:
Route one: Chora – Lamyra – Panachrados Monastery
Altitude: 11,5 km, Elapsing: 4½ hours
Path 2a: Chora – Apikia – Vourkoti with a detour at Pythara Waterfalls
Altitude: 7,8 km, Elapsing: three hours
Route 3: Chora – Dipotama – Korthi
Distance: 9,viii km, Duration: 3½ hours
at that place is the option for a detour to Faneromeni Castle making the distance 11.5 km and the duration 4½ hours.
Route 4: Aidonia – Tromarchion Monastery
Altitude: vii km, Duration: 2½ hours
Route vi: Vourkoti – Aghios Nikolaos – Achla Beach
Distance: nine,iv km, Duration: iii½ hours
Route 8a: Apikia – Gialia Beach with detour at Fabrica Watermill
Distance: 5.seven km, Duration: 2 hours
Road 14: Gavrio – Ammolochos – Frousei
Distance: thirteen km, Elapsing: 4½ hours to five hours
Route 15: Gavrio – Aghios Petros Belfry – Aghios Petros Beach
Distance: 5 km, Duration: 2 hours and 15 min
Route Men1: Menites Circular Road
Distance: 3 km, Duration: one hr and xv min
Route A1: Arni one Circular Road
Distance:v km, Duration: 2 hours and 15 min
Andros Route 100 km: This 100 km hiking trail connects the island from North to Due south and it can exist completed in x days.
For more data, y'all tin can bank check Andros Routes.
You might as well like: From Andros Town: Achla River Trekking.
Go rock climbing at Palaipolis Waterfalls
Palaipolis Waterfalls are the biggest waterfalls of the Cyclades and an excellent location for some rock climbing! Don't miss out if yous accept never tried information technology or you feel you're a beginner. There are experienced guides and teachers to make certain you practice everything right and have an amazing experience scaling the slope and enjoying the magnificent view while cooling off on the crystal waters near you! Click hither for more information.
Visit the monasteries
The ii monasteries of Andros are definitely must-meet. Start with Zoodohos Pigi Monastery, situated between Batsi and Gavrio. It'southward not certain exactly when it was built but it was there by the 1300s by the latest estimate. The monastery houses Byzantine works of art of exquisite dazzler and historical significance inside its church and library. At that place is also a museum for you to enjoy a broad organisation of ecclesiastical items and prehistoric tools.
According to the lore, while the monastery was beingness built in another spot but unsuccessfully, it was finally congenital later on a blind human being was led by a goat to a water jump. Parched, the man drank from it until a woman appeared before him and done his optics with the water, maxim he will be cured. Indeed, he was immediately able to come across. The adult female revealed herself as the Virgin Mary and instructed him to get the monastery built there.
The Monastery of Panachrantou is the most cute one of Andros. It is almost Chora and the village Falika. It was built in Byzantine times by Emperor Nikiforos Fokas in 969, as a tribute for his successful campaign against the Arabs of Crete. This monastery houses a priceless icon of the Virgin Mary said to have been drawn by Loukas, the Evangelist.
There are more than monasteries to visit, such as that of Aghia Marina and Aghios Nikolaos all of them unique and centuries former.
Pythara's Waterfalls
The expanse around Pythara's Waterfalls is a ravine called "fairyland" because information technology's so fairytale-like in its sheer beauty it feels unreal. Lore has it that fairies and nymphs bathed in the crystal waters.
You will notice the area on the way to Apoikia, just x minutes away from the road. The waters from several springs course picturesque waterfalls of intense and wild dazzler, creating a verdant, lush habitat total of beautiful waters, rare plants and flowers, and a rare ecosystem of water life.
Visit the gorgeous Andros villages
Apoikia: This is a stunningly beautiful village full of lush vegetation and iconic architecture. It is besides where the famed source of Sariza, from where loftier-quality water springs, is located.
Stenies: An authentic and traditional village that hasn't been touched by tourism much at all, is located very most Chora, on a dark-green slope of orchards. Near Stenies you will find Bisti-Mouvela tower, a 17th-century three-story structure, and the church of Aghios Georgios with frescoes dating from the xvith century.
Menites: 6 km from Chora you volition find Menites village on Petalo mount. Information technology is beautiful and surrounded by lush greenery, and the famous Menites springs adding cool waters to the already gorgeous scenery. Make sure yous nourish the Feasts for Dionysos if you lot time it right, and taste the sweetness delicacies that are given freely.
Go the local delicacies
Andros is famous for a broad array of delicious local products, savory and sweet, which you volition detect nowhere else. Brand sure yous taste not merely the local dishes just what is used to brand them:
Tris Melisses ("Three Bees"): This Andros-based beekeeping company is where you will become that exquisite gustation of pure, authentic, unadulterated beloved products. The love produced and the other relative products derived from beekeeping volition stimulate your senses with a sweet that sugar can never match. The bees graze over wild thyme, briar, and savory plants to create unique tastes and textures for the honey varieties. Get your unique products hither, from dear to beeswax to majestic jelly to propolis, for yourself or for special gifts.
Androp ouzo and tsipouro: The distilled procedure of how ouzo is made in Andros is unique and produces a fragrant strong drinkable. The process is highly traditional and a century-old legacy. The aforementioned goes for tsipouro! The Androp distillery strictly uses these methods to produce a wide range of high-quality, fragrant ouzo, and tsipouro. You lot can get a bout in the premises of Androp distillery and see how ouzo is made while you likewise learn most the related traditions!
Potzi: Andros as well makes liquor called "Potzi" from drupe raki and honey. Information technology'southward strong in alcohol but worth the gustatory modality!
Louza: A local type of smoked ham which is naturally made and served in threadbare slices is considered a effeminateness by the locals, to be enjoyed equally a treat together with good drinks!
Petroti/ Analati: this is a type of semi-difficult cow cheese that is quite powerful in gustatory modality and season. Enjoy information technology on its ain with vino or in pies.
Zairis Pastry Shop'due south Local Sweets: This is one of the most renowned pastry shops on the isle, specializing in making many local sweets similar almond sweets, several types of local cookies, some with filling, some soft and crunchy, and a broad array of spoon sweets from the local fruit produce.
Where to Eat in Andros
There'south nothing better to replenish energy than eating at great restaurants, tavernas, and other eateries. At that place are a lot in Andros, each ane pretty skillful in their chosen menus, simply here are some you should definitely check out as you explore the island:
Body of water Satin Nino: Located at Korthi Bay in southeastern Andros, this restaurant specializes in fusion Greek Andros cuisine and a deep and luscious foray into the special tastes the island tin can give. Modernistic and traditional at the same time, yous won't be disappointed.
Oti Kalo: You volition find this eatery at Batsi hamlet. This is a cosmopolitan fine dining eatery specializing in Mediterranean cuisine past chef Stelios Lazaridis. Don't miss out on the wonderful salads and traditional dishes.
Stamatis' Taverna: This taverna is one of the most iconic and historical of Batsi hamlet. You can't miss it at its fundamental corner. Enjoy the view from the veranda while y'all feast on delectable cycladic dishes.
Karavostasi: You volition find this fish taverna in Gavrio, not too far away from the port. This eatery specializes in 'mezedes' which ways serving a large diversity of side dishes that become well with ouzo or other drinks. Enjoy your selections as you gaze over the bounding main!
Eftyhia: The proper name ways "elation" or "happiness" and that's exactly what yous go when you go in for your breakfast or coffee or simply to satisfy your sweet craving. This is an elegant café and bistro in Gavrio, close to the port, which has already become a favorite with the locals and tourists alike.
Where to stay in Andros
The most popular areas to stay in Andros are Gavrio (port), Batsi, Chora, and Korthi. During my recent visit to the island, nosotros stayed in Batsi, a lively seaside boondocks with a lovely embankment, a bang-up choice of restaurants, and great nightlife. We stayed at Blue Era Apartments, located merely fourscore chiliad from the embankment and the restaurants. The Apartments offered spacious, clean rooms with air workout, free wi-fi, and a small kitchen. There is also free parking available and the owner is very friendly and helpful.
For more accommodation options around the island, y'all can cheque in the Andros Cycladic Tourism Network.
This trip was organized by the Andros Cycladic Toursim Network and Travel Bloggers Greece simply all opinions are my own.
Source: https://greecetravelideas.com/a-guide-to-andros-island-greece/
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