andros the island everyone passes by
Overview & Reasons to visit
Andros is the most northerly of the Cycladic Islands and the nearest to Athens and most visitors pass by on the way to better known islands. It is one of the larger islands and is notable for its fertile soil so is blessed with many trees and plenty of water especially from springs including the famous Sariza spring which is the source of the eponymous bottled water which can be found all over Greece.
The area around Batsi on the west coast has good beaches and so has acquired lots of hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. South of Batsi the road go to the picturesque resort of Korthi or leads to the capital, Chora on the east coast.
Chora has several beaches but is more susceptible to the northly winds but this is more than made up for by the authentic Greek town atmosphere combined with cultural facilities. Chora has plenty of excellent tavernas, coffee shops and an extended street with a varied selection of shops catering to both local and tourists.
Chora is a great place to pass the time of day and evening in a traditional way, there are no discos, music or sports bars but still has a vibrant atmosphere.
Culturally there are 3 museums including a museum of Modern Art, and outdoor theatre and 2 cinemas. There are a number of beautiful churches and a ruined Venetian castle and not forgetting a Russian communist era statue of the Unknown Sailor
How to reach
There is not an airport on Andros so is best reached by ferry via the port of Rafina on the east coast of Attica there is currently no Metro line to Rafina but can be reached by a cost effective bus service from Athens or from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport
Airport Bus timetable is available on the KTEL Attica site KTEL Bus takes approximately 30 minutes, tickets are approx. 4€ are bought from driver, the buses stop at their own stop opposite the Airport Hotel not at the main bus stops near arrivals . Alternative is taxi which are best pre-booked for return from Rafina.
Andros can also be reached from other Cycladic Islands via Tinos or Mykonos. Seajets, Fast Ferry and Superferry all offer services. There are numerous agents at Rafina selling tickets, All ferry go to the port of Gavrio on Andros
Travelling Around
The first step on arrival in Andros is normally onward travel to your accommodation. Ferries arrive at the port of Gavrio there is accommodation in Gavrio but most visitors will be staying in tourist areas around Batsi or the capital Chora. Many accommodations will offer pickup from port but there is a very efficient bus service that goes down the coast via Batsi and then across the island to Chora and are timed to meet the ferries cost currently is 5€. The trip is very scenic! Taxis are available at the port and there are also car hire outlets.
The buses can be used to travel around the island on a limited basis but to explore the island properly you will need your own transport
Bus Time Tables are on KTEL Androu website but are best viewed as an rough guide not an exact indication, check times before you travel!
Sights & Beaches
Sights in Chora include the medieval castle and museums of Archaeology and Modern Art. There is a main shopping street in Chora and plenty of tavernas & cafes. There are extensive ruins at the site of the old capital of Palaiopolis and Zagora.
Batsi and the surrounding area has good beaches and plenty of tourist facilites. Korthi has a good beach and some shops but is largely populated with locals who have reurned after living abroad.
Thecentral parts of the island offer many opportunities for walking in wonderful scenery.
Apoika is the source of the famed Sariza springs water which is bottled and sold all over Greece
Beaches
The best and most accessible beaches are on west coast around Batsi including Chrisi Ammos & Agios Petros and have sunbeds , water sports etc and are sheltered from the prevalent winds.
There are a succession of beaches south of Batsi but your own transport is needed to access these
Korthi has a good sandy beach with cafes and restaurants in the village.
There are beaches on either side of Chora, Niborio shallow beach with lots of facilities popular this Greek families and a water sport centre and Paraporti which is more exposed. there are several smaller picturesque beaches including Gialia which has an excellent taverna which can be accessed by road or a steep but rewarding walk over the headland at the end of Niborio beach.
History
Andros has been inhabited from the Neolithic Period (4500-3200 BC) during the Classical period Palaiopolis was the capital of Andros. During the Peloponnesian war, Andros originally was part of the Athenian League but after the defeat in Sicily island revolted, the outcome was the oligarchy and Andros fought with Sparta.
After the Romans ruled the island they were replaced by the Byzantines and silversmithing became important along with the export center of silk and fabrics.
The island then fell to the Venetians. Marino Dandolo in order to protect the island from pirates built towers and castles. He built the Lower Castle in Chora, then the second larger and stronger fortification, the Upper Castle.
In 1566 Andros fell to the Ottomans and during this period Andros had privileged treatment leading to economic prosperity especially in shipping. In the 1770s Andros passed into the hands of the Russians.
During the 19th century after the Revolution shipping dominated the economy. This continued into the 20th century but with interuptions during 2 World Wars with Chora being bombed in 1944.