ANDROS
Sightseeing | Villages | Beach | Traditional Cuisine | Night Life
Andros is a paradise for nature-lovers. Springs, streams, beautiful foot paths that lead through villages across small stone bridges, waterfalls and traditional watermills hidden in the lush hillsides compose the unique atmosphere of the place.
For those who love archaeological sites Andros offers a great variety of museums (see Archeological Sites) and ancient monuments, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Archeological Museums in Chora and Palaiopoli, the Kydonieos Foundation, the Kaireios Library, the Maritime Museum of Andros, the Folk Art and Christian Museum and the museums in Ormos of Korthi…. Do not forget to visit the Ancient City of Andros and the Geometric Settlement of Zagora, where visitors can see the remains of various structures, including houses, walls, and gates.
The impressive churches and monasteries, scattered all over the island, are worthwhwile visiting. The most well-known monastery is that of Zoodochou Pigis in Batsi and the biggest is that of Aghias, located between Batsi and Gavrio and said to have been used as a school in Byzantine years. The Monastery of Panachrantou offers a stunning view of Chora (Andros town). Other sightseeing in Andros Town includes the Venetian castle, the Tourlitis Lighthouse, located on a large rock in the middle of the sea and the Churches of Panagia Theoskepasti and Panagia Thalassini.
Archeological Sites
The archaeological site of Palaiopoli, Agora, in Kato Palaiopoli (close to the beach of the village) gives you the chance to see findings that date back to the Mycenaean and Geometrical era. Ruins of the city that flourished in Archaic Times are still visible today, sunk in the sea . The numerous findings came to light after important excavations that still take place every summer at the area.
Of special interest is Zagora (near Chora), one of the most ancient settlements in Europe and the Prehistoric settlement of Strophilas at the West part of the island.
Another magnificent aspect is the Tower of Ag. Petros in the homonymous village: one of the best – preserved ancient towers in Greece with a most interesting indoor area (particularly for architects and mathematicians).
For the museum fans Andros offers several interesting museums. Find time to visit the Vasilis and Eliza Goulandris Museum in Chora (or Museum of Modern Art) which holds excellent exhibitions of famous painters and sculptors every year. Next to this, the Archeological Museum displays important collections including findings from the settlement of Zagora, sculptures of Archaic and Roman period, inscriptions and sculptures of Pro-Byzantine and Byzantine Period. Close to these there is also the Kydonieos Foundation which supports music, painting, literature and theatre and organizes exhibitions of Greek contemporary artists every summer.
An extensive collection of models of ships and several items relevant to the popular naval tradition of the island is included at the Maritime Museum.
The Kairios Library possesses some 3000 rare manuscripts and books, historical archives and art work of Theofilos Kairis.
The Epano Kastro, located in the Ormos Korthiou site has remains of a Medieval Town.
Ancient Ispili is located on a hill near the town of Batsi, and includes a number of structures. Excavation of Ispili is ongoing..
Andros has beautiful villages, each with its one special character, which await to offer their hospitality. Andros Town (Chora for the natives), the Capital of the island, holds the “indisputed scepter of nobility”: the medieval, neoclassical and island-type houses, the narrow streets, the interesting museums and the beaches form its distinct beauty. Close to Chora is located the district “Mesaria”, the medieval center of the island which hosts the Archangel Michael, an important Byzantine church built in 1158. “Menites” is a beautiful village with plenty of running water, gardens and big plane-trees. “Stenies”, the village of sea captains and ship owners, will certainly impress you with its beautiful houses “drowned in the green trees”. Higher above, at a close distance, you will find “Apoikia” a picturesque small village known for the spring of Sariza as well as for the Pithara, a place appropriate for nature lovers, plenty of lakes and waterfalls. At the northwest part of the island you will see the two main settlements Gavrio and Batsi. In Gavrio is located the port of Andros, while both have the main tourist infrastructure of the island. Picturesque villages with tavernas, restaurants, cafes, clubs can offer the visitor all sorts of services and entertainment. Going northern you will find a variety of settlements such as Chartes, Kalivari, Varidi, Amolochos, Vitali, Makrotantalo and Agios Petros. All of them are rural villages in a mountainous landscape, leading to beautiful secluded beaches. Going towards Batsi you will encounter the villages Katakoilo, Aprovatou, Arni and in the east coast the village Ateni. Halfway to Chora is located Paleopolis or “Old Town”, the ancient Capital of Andros, a beautiful village on the steep mountainside, with important ancient artifacts which you can see at the Archaiological Museum of Paleopolis.
In the southern part of the island you will come across the bay of Korthi, a quiet village with a magnificent famous beach, Grias Pidima. Nearby is situated the district Aidonia with towers, Piso Meria, the picturesque Korthi, Kaparia, Alamania and Chones. If you decide to visit the impressive castle “Phaneromenis” you will meet Piskopio, Lardia, Gianisaio, Mesa Vouni, Exo Vouni and Kochylou. At the end of “Dipotamata” valley is Syneti.
Andros has many beautiful and clean beaches. On the west side of the island are located popular beaches easily accesible and exploited touristically, such as Golden Beach, Agios Petros, Kypri, Agios Kyprianos, Vlychada, Phellos, Batsi, Agia Marina, Delavogias, Plaka and Chalkolimnionas. Those seeking more privacy and wild beauty they can find them at the beaches of north and south side. Those beaches are: Zorkos, Vitali, Ateni, Vori, Achla, Artemidi, Lefkes, Grias Pidima, Korthi, Gialia, Piso Gialia, Neiborio, Sineti. Below there are some pictures of the most beautiful ones.
click pictures to zoom
Traditional Cuisine
Do not miss the chance to taste the unique traditional cuisine of Andros and especially “fourtalia”.
This plate is an omelete which contains potatoes, eggs, zucchinis, local sausages, origano and local cheese. In addition, try the traditional sweets such as “kaltsounia” with honey, wallnuts and almonds and “amygdalota” with almonds and semolina. Also worth tasting the “spoon sweets”.
Finally, the island produces very good wine and a local snap called “raki” which can enchant you even with its smell
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Night life in Andros has something for everyone. Several bars are located in Batsi such as “Aqua”, ”Cocomero”,”Arpa”,”Capriccio”,”Nameless” and “Bario” and “Mickey” in Chora. There are also big clubs like “Cabo del Mare” in Chora as well as “Marabou” in Agios Petros, where nightlife continues till sun-up.
You can also find nice cafes mainly in Batsi, Gavrio, Korthi and Chora. One of the most popular is “SKALA” cafe in Batsi, where you can enjoy a drink until late at night. Finally, there is the choice of pool bars in Batsi and in Chora where you can sit by the pool overlooking the sea.