Some practical info about Andros
Where to go
To all 84 villages. Particularly Stenies, the picture perfect village of the Captains, Lamyra, for its stately Manor homes, Vourkoti, the highest village in the Cyclades, where the temperature drops as you enter a ring of clouds, Menites, with its gushing waters and lion-headed fountains, the sleepy sea-side town of Corthi, the fishing port of Batsi, the watermills of Dipotamata, the coteris of Kapparia and Episkopio, the underground cave in Aladinou, the olive-museum in Pitrofos, the underwater ruins and archeological museum of Paleopolis, the waterfalls of Achlas river.
Eat & drink
See and be seen at chic Endoxora in the main street of Chora. Go incognito to Nona’s Fish Taverna in the old docks of Plakoura, be eccentric and eclectic at Chez Jozef in Pitrofos. Be gourmet at Sea Satin in Corthi, or break your diet looking at the sea in Lithodomi. Take a detour to Kossis in Ano Fello for an over-the-top, farm to plate adventure. Be chill and neighborly, at our personal favorite eatery, Gefsis me Thea, or as we say, Foffo’s in Livadia. Drink ginger cocktails at the old slaughterhouse, NeoBar, and wicked Negronis sitting on the steps of Lithi in Chora, both overlooking the beach of Paraporti. Insider’s Tip. Hang out inside, at the bar in Endochora, for steamed mussels and icy gin tonics.
Socialize
Browsing billion-dollar art collections at the Basil and Eliza Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art in Chora. Eating popcorn loudly at the outdoor cinema catching last year’s films, or enjoying a night of Jazz in the open-air theatre, or getting nostalgic at the Andros Social Club established in 1925. Gate crashing the private Omilos Yacht Club. Crowd gazing while sipping ouzo, under the Plantain tree, Platanos on the Square. Trying not to sneeze over 16th century archives at the Kairios library. Hiking along one of the many ancient trails of Andros Routes, voted best of Europe www.androsroutes.gr. Enjoying the mystical light and holy chanting during Vespers (Esperinos) at the Monasteries of Agios Nicholas and Panachrandos.
Where to hug
Under the stars, at the feet of the statue of the Unknown Sailor, or across the bridge in the ruins of the Venetian Fortress, in the small courtyard of the church of Agia Thalassini. In the icy rock pools of Pithara in Apoikia. Underwater, while exploring the shipwreck on the wild beach of Vori. After climbing 290 stairs up from Piso Gialia Beach, or rolling down the sand dunes of Ateni beach. In the branches of the fig trees that grow wild all over Andros. At sunset on the flat, salty rocks of Chalkolimionas bay. At the sight of the cakes in Zairis Pastry shop in Messaria.
Post Isolation Travel Dreams
I’ll be here if you need me
Where to swim.
Andros has a ton of beaches. You can spend weeks on the island and still discover new places to swim. Some, like Apothikes, Copper Beach and Golden Sand are organized, with umbrellas, loungers, and hip canteen bars, serving delicious drinks and snacks, and all-day music. Along the north east coast you can discover the island’s most spectacular beaches. Achla, a must-see destination, Zorkos, Vitali and Vori. For emerald waters check out Sineti. If you are looking for water-sport facilities to entertain children then Agios Petros or Ormos Korthi are for you. Insider’s tip. Make a point of visiting the secluded Plaka Beach, with its multiple small bays and afternoon sun. Be sure to admire the boat huts built by local fishermen and the sheep pens on the craggy windswept peninsula.
this is how we do it
“Shhhh...
Discover the undiscovered island of the Aegean”
Where to light your fire.
Where to hug.
Where to socialize.
If you’ve discovered Andros, someone let you in on a secret. One of the most unspoiled islands of the Aegean. The island of the shipowners. Its wealth and long maritime history have protected it from the onslaught of mass tourism. Andros stands apart, unabashedly authentic, cosmopolitan and low-key.
Andros is not just sun and sea, relaxation and adventure, great for families and adventurers alike, it also boasts a vibrant and lively cultural scene. The layers of its complex history, from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic period, through Byzantine and Venetian rule, to the Ottoman Empire and into Modern Times, is evidenced throughout the island. There is so much to admire and explore, from stone fortresses, hilltop monasteries, ancient water mills and olive presses, to underground caves, neo-classical mansions and world-class contemporary museums. In Andros there is always something going on, a festival, an orchestra, an exhibition, a celebration, a yoga moment, a cooking class, a sailing event… On this island you are spoilt for choice.
Where to reset.
We are thrilled to share the Andros experience with you. Andros is large, rugged, mountainous, green and gorgeous. The coastline is studded with magnificent beaches and coves. The interior is lush with valleys, mineral springs, waterfalls, farms and orchards, beautiful villages, monasteries and archeological sites.
Where to get lost.
Where to dig.
Where to fly.
Photo credits: Vassilis Makris, Stephane Gripari.