THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF ANDROS
STEEPED IN CULTURE AND HISTORY
The lovely little town called Hora is the capital of Andros.
The classic range of mid-age houses, Neoclassical and Cycladic buildings, narrow alleys, stone walkways museums and beaches give to Hora a unique atmosphere.
Hora is built upon a small peninsula, in the centre of the eastern coastline of the island, between the two long sandy beaches of Neiborio and Paraporti.
The heart of Andros Town has a unique beauty due to the combination of Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The gateway to the old city has been preserved and gives the visitor the feeling of penetrating into another world and another time. The medieval atmosphere of the city co-exists in harmony with the modern one created by the new little shops, cafes and bars.
Andros Town has two squares: the first one is stone-paved and surrounded by many cafes, little restaurants and pastry shops, all shadowed by a huge plane tree. The second square is paved with marble, has a statue of the Unknown Sailor and an amazing view of the sea and the rest of the town.
Because it is located at the tip of the peninsula, this square is the best place to go to see the beautiful Venetian-style stone bridge connecting Andros Town to a little islet supporting the remains of an old castle, built during the Venetian period in order to protect the city. The colourful houses and wonderful Neoclassical mansions add even more beauty to the town.
Hora is also the cause of the artistic reputation of the island since it is housing many fine museums from which the Museum of Modern Art exposes, every summer, works of famous Greek and international artists.
Andros Towns
Andros Towns local cafes and retaurants
STUNNING
SECLUDED BEACHES
Fellos beach, a 5 minute walk from your villa
Sleep under the shade in Fellos beach
Imagine lying on soft sands, soaking up the warm rays of the sun, next to waves lapping upon the beach. If this seems like a dream, come to Andros. If you are vacationing on the eastern side of the island, you can visit the Andros beaches of Niborio, which can get quite crowded, or the quieter, pristine sandy Andros beaches of Vori and Achla, which you can reach by tour boat from Andros Town. The Andros beaches of Paraporti, Gialia, and Piso Gialia are lovely and perfect for those who just want to relax in the sun.
The beach with the unusual name "to Pidima tis Grias" is one of the finest beaches on Andros Island, with a large, high rock spurting out of the sea. Along the southern coast of Andros there are the popular beaches of Vintzi, Agia Ekaterini and Kantouni, while if you are in the mood for a bit of peace and quiet, we suggest Bouros, Kalamonari and Kremmydes.
For those who would like to visit the western side of the island , there is a wide range of splendid Andros beaches to choose from. A good map of Andros can show you the way to them, either by car or footpath.
In Batsi, you can visit the long, organized beach of Chryssi Ammos, or if you prefer the superb Andros beaches of Agia Marina, Agios Kyprianos and pebbly Stivari. In nearby Gavrio, the port of the island, you will come across some fine Andros beaches, such as the long, sandy Agios Petros and Fellos. Paleopoli is located on a beautiful bay, with a stunning beach, which you can reach on foot.
On the northern coast of Andros Island, you can swim at the beaches of Mikri Peza, Zorkos, Vitali and Ateni.
We suggest renting a boat, acquiring an Andros map and exploring the coast of the island on your own. This way you have access to the remotest and most pristine Andros beaches.
Local bars and restaurants
RELAXED NIGHTLIFE
In Andros, visitors will find a wide range of entertainment and dining venues. The majority of the Andros nightlife is located in the popular tourist resorts of Batsi, Gavrio and Andros Town. All three have many restaurants and tavernas, as well as bars and clubs to choose from.
For those looking for quieter Andros nightlife, Paleopoli is their best bet. Most Andros Island villages offer quaint tavernas and ouzeries. We suggest having a meal in Apikia and Ormos Korthiou. To get a real "taste" of Andros, you should sample the local cuisine, which is scrumptious.
Popular dishes include the island's specialty "froutalia" (omelet with sausage and potatoes), spicy cheese dip, sausages, fried zucchini blossoms, potato-balls, xerotyri (a locally-produced cheese), and a glass of famous Andros wine. Top your meal off with almond sweets, preserves, or kaltsounia (pastries with sweet cheese).
On Andros Island, Greece, visitors can experience the irresistible charm of the island's tradition. A number of festivals and fairs are held throughout the year.
In Andros Town (Chora), August 15 is celebrated with a big fair that includes music, dancing and feasting, while during the summer months, Andros Town also hosts several cultural events.
Gavrio is the location for the "Gavriotika" festival cultural performances, while in Batsi visitors can take part in the festival of the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis on July 27.
Ormos Korthiou is the location of two of the most important celebrations in Andros: the "Korthiana" fair and the festival of Agios Fanourios on August 27.
We recommend visiting Andros when the wonderful temporary art exhibitions at the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art and the "Ploes" musical events organized by the Petros and Marika Kydonieos Foundation are held.
Fantastic tavernas straight on the beach
Enjoy the local night life of Batsie, 15 minutes away
EXTENDED SUMMER SEASON
PERFECT WEATHER, IN A PERFECT LOCATION
Andros has mild weather throughout the year, with a bit more rainfall than other Cyclades Islands, which is the reason for the island's beautiful vegetation. In, general the weather in Andros is sunny and bright, apart from some showers in the winter months.
Winter weather in Andros is similar to the weather of other Cycladic Islands, with temperatures between 8°C and 13°C. Spring is one of the best times to visit Andros.
Temperatures rise, ranging from a pleasant 15°C to 22°C. As the summer comes round, the weather in Andros gets quite warm, but still remains enjoyable, with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Autumn time in Andros continues to be a wonderful season for vacations, as temperatures range in the mid-teens and the low 20s.
The Meltemi wind, which blows in July and August, cool down the hottest months, especially on the northeastern side of Andros Island.