Andros

Andros is the northernmost and second-largest island in the Cyclades. Located very close to the mainland, it is full of stunning beaches, green landscapes, picturesque villages and classy vibe.

Here, you will find information about holidays in Andros: its beaches, sights, cuisine, and villages. Check all ferry routes and schedules to Andros and book ferry tickets online with no hidden fees on Ferryhopper!

Magical sunset in the Chora of Andros

Vacation in Andros

Andros is very different from the rest in the Cyclades. Thanks to its long maritime history, the “captain island” has always been wealthy and its class still reflects on its majestic architecture.

The island is famous for its mountain-like terrain, many springs and lush vegetation. The island has preserved its traditional features, so there are many old and historic buildings, stone bridges and watermills for you to discover.

Andros is quite popular to families and couples, thanks to the variety of options and activities it offers, as well as its laid-back character.

Tip: if you are wondering what is the best season to visit the island, we suggest planning your holidays in Andros in September, when the island is at its most beautiful with great warm weather and less crowds. 

How to get to Andros

Traveling by ferry to Andros is pretty easy, as there are direct routes from 2 ports in Athens, Rafina and Lavrio, all year round. In addition, you can easily reach Andros by ferry from neighboring islands, such as Tinos or Syros. 

Find more details on ferry routes and schedules to Andros below.

What to do in Andros

During your stay in Andros, you will have the opportunity to visit amazing beaches and natural landscapes where you will get lost in the lush vegetation. Andros is also ideal for water sports and hiking, as there are over 100 km of hiking trails (the Andros Route) that allow you to explore every corner of the island.

Nights are also vivid in Andros, as you can find many places for drinks or delicious, traditional Greek food.

Beaches in Andros

Andros has a large number of beaches for all tastes and styles! With sand or with pebbles, their trademark is always the crystal-clear blue waters. On the island, there are many beaches with amenities like umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars, or even water sports facilities. However, you can also find more secluded and calm beaches, far from the big crowds.

Specifically, in the western part of the island, we recommend visiting:

• Agios Petros: it is the largest beach of the island with sand and crystal-clear waters. It has amenities like umbrellas, tavernes and a beach bar.
• Apothikes (“warehouses”): a small bay with sand and turquoise waters. There are some umbrellas and a beach bar.
• Xrisi Ammos (“golden sand”): it is considered the most cosmopolitan and popular beach of the island. There are umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, as well as a big beach bar with loud party music.
• Fellos: this is a large, sandy beach with emerald waters. The trees near the shore offer their shade to the visitors.
• Kipri: ideal for water sports lovers, as there are facilities for windsurfing, stand-up paddling and canoeing.  
• Piso Limnionas: large, quiet beach with pebbles and crystal-clear, cool waters. Many visitors choose it for seclusion and tranquility.
• Chalkolimnionas: families prefer this beach as it’s sandy, with shallow waters and amenities such as umbrellas and sunbeds. There is also a beach bar nearby.

In the eastern part of the island, you will also find magical beaches, even though they can be windy. We recommend:

• Vitali: known as one of the most beautiful beaches of Andros. It has sand, pebbles and crystal-clear waters, as well as rocks that offer some shade. There are sunbeds and a taverna.
• Zorkos: it’s a large beach with golden sand and clear blue waters. It also has a taverna that is open during the summer months.
• Achla: probably the most beautiful beach on the island. Small white pebbles, fine sand, turquoise waters and big trees make up a dreamy setting. Access is difficult and is done by dirt road or by boat.
• Tis Grias To Pidima: beach with sand, fine pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Its trademark is the large rock that springs through its waters.
• Neimporio: this is the beach of Chora, with sand and shallow waters. It has amenities, cafés and tavernes. The Andros Nautical Club is also located there.
• Ateni: it’s actually 2 beaches. The smaller one is more popular, as it is protected from the wind. The larger one has sunbeds, a canteen and is ideal for surfing.
• Syneti: an idyllic beach in Andros, with pebbles, deep waters and sea caves. Keep in mind that there may be big waves, as the beach is exposed to north winds.
• Vori: a beautiful, remote beach with white pebbles, emerald waters, a small river, and dense vegetation. It is ideal for underwater exploration, as there are 3 shipwrecks at the bottom, including the famous Semiramis.

Tip: access to most beaches in Andros is only possible via dirt roads, smoother and rougher ones. Therefore, make sure your vehicle can endure a bumpy ride.

The popular “Tis Grias To Pidima” beach in Andros

Sightseeing and activities in Andros

Andros is a historic island that has been inhabited continuously since ancient times. Past inhabitants have left indelible marks on the island, as it’s full of archeological sites and museums worth visiting. You can also discover the rare natural beauty of Andros by walking on its trails: unique green landscapes, rivers and small waterfalls are waiting for you.

One of Andros' highlights and a true gem is the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, which is actually the first contemporary art museum established in Greece and one of the best museums in the Cyclades. The museum hosts a different seasonal exhibition each year, as well as several cultural events and workshops all year round. 

Check out some more of Ferryhopper’s favorite sights in Andros:

• Archaeological Museum of Andros
• Archaeological Museum of Paleopolis
• Castle of Chora
• Castle of Faneromeni
• Tourlitis lighthouse
• Waterfalls of Pithara
• Sazira spring
• Agios Petros castle
• Panagia Faneromeni monastery
• Panachrantou monastery
• Zagora archaeological site
• Ancient Ypsili archeological site
• Strophilas Neolithic settlement

Tip: we strongly recommend visiting Foros cave in Aladino village. In the summer months, there are tours daily. Remember to book your slot in advance.

The “Lower” Castle ruins in the Chora of Andros

Nightlife in Andros

Andros is an island that attracts many visitors and offers many options for nightlife and entertainment. In Chora, there are many cafés, bars and kafeneia where you can enjoy your drink or food, often while listening to live music. It also has an open-area cinema that is ideal if you want to catch a movie beforehand.

Batsi is the most cosmopolitan settlement of Andros and has many lounge bars with a chill atmosphere and refreshing cocktails. In case you are looking for a more traditional way of having fun, some villages, like Paleopolis and Gavrio, host local festivities (panigiria) with traditional Greek music.

Food in Andros

The fertile soil of Andros is suitable for the production of many local goods. The island is known for its citrus fruits, figs and pomegranates, as well as excellent quality liqueurs, sausages and louza (cured pork). Andros is also famous for its spoon sweets and macaroons.

The traditional recipe of the island is froutalia, an omelet with potatoes and original Andros sausages. Definitely try it in one of the island’s tavernes!

Tip1: for creative Mediterranean dishes with top-quality traditional ingreadients, we recommend dining in Endochora restaurant in Chora.

Top2: two of the best breakfast and brunch options in Andros are Lithi all day bar in Chora and LoukouBomb in Batsi.

The picturesque village of Batsi, with many seaside cafés and restaurants

Villages in Andros

Andros is also known for its quaint and cozy villages, some located by the sea and others on the island's hills. From the cosmopolitan Batsi to the picturesque Korthi, and from Chora to the green Menites, the villages of Andros show a rare diversity and charm.

In case you have a few days for holidays on the island, it is worth visiting them either by car or following the numerous trails of the island. Our most favorite villages in Andros are:

• Chora
• Korthi
• Menites
• Batsi
• Gavrio
• Arni
• Gides
• Aladino
• Paleopolis
• Stenies

The lush vegetation of the mountainside Stenies settlement

Useful information for Andros

The island is a top-rated destination and is visited by travelers from all over the world. It is also an ideal getaway from Athens, as it is located very close to the city. 

Chora is the capital of the island and has many amenities and comforts, such as supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, and ATMs. The Andros Health Center is also located in Chora, near the beach. These facilities and services are also available in other big settlements of the island, such as Batsi and Gavrio.

In terms of accommodation, there are many hotels and rooms all over the island to choose from. If you are more interested in Andros’ museums and cultural life, Chora is your best option. There is also a camping site on the island, located near Gavrio.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Andros

Here are some contacts that you could use in Andros:

• Port Authority Station of Gavrio: +302282071213
• Andros Health Center: +302282360001
• Andros Police: +302282022300
• Andros Citizen Service Center (KEP): +302282041848
• Andros intercity buses (KTEL): +302282022316

Transportation in Andros

Andros has a good intercity bus network that connects most villages and beaches.

However, Andros is a large island with many hidden gems to discover. Therefore, if you want to explore the more isolated parts of the island, we suggest that you bring your own vehicle or rent one. Taxi services are also available.

Ports in Andros

Even though Chora is the capital of Andros, its main port is located in Gavrio. Gavrio is located almost 30 km west of Chora (50-minute drive). Near the port, there are many stores, cafés, rooms to let, as well as a health center.

The illuminated port and village of Gavrio by night

Island hopping from Andros

Andros is connected by ferry to many islands of the Cyclades. The frequent direct ferry connections from Andros to neighboring islands, as well as the island’s convenient location, make it an ideal starting point for island hopping in the Aegean.

More specifically, Andros is connected to:

• Tinos
• Syros
• Mykonos
• Paros
• Naxos
• Santorini
• Kea (Tzia)
• Kythnos
• Milos
• Sifnos
• Serifos
• Kimolos

The most popular routes are probably the ferry from Andros to Syros and the Tinos - Andros ferry connection.

On the Ferryhopper Map of Ferries, you will find all ferry routes and island-hopping combinations that you can pick from Andros. Plan your next summer vacation in the Cyclades in just a few steps!

Andros ferry: schedules and tickets

Andros is one of the islands of the Cyclades that are quite close to mainland Greece and Athens and is connected by regular ferry services to the ports of Attica. There are direct ferry connections from 2 ports in Athens to Andros:

• The fastest way to reach Andros by ferry is from the port of Rafina. There are at least 4 daily crossings and the duration of the Rafina - Andros ferry trip is only 2 hours. The route is operated by the Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Seajets ferry companies, with tickets starting at around €20.
• There is 1 weekly departure from the port of Lavrio. The route is served by the Seajets company and the duration of the ferry trip is around 4.5 hours. Tickets start at around €20.

There are no direct ferry routes to Andros from the port of Piraeus in Athens. From Athens’ biggest port, you can only reach the island indirectly via other islands in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos.

Tip: most vessels serving the Athens - Andros connection have car decks for motor vehicles. We suggest you take your car or a motorcycle with you to explore every corner of Andros!

The breathtaking scenery of the Tourlitis lighthouse near Andros’ Chora

Where to book ferry tickets to Andros online

Andros is a classy destination of unique beauty that is definitely worth a visit. On Ferryhopper, you can compare companies, prices and schedules, and book your ferry tickets to Andros online at the best prices!