Andros, Greece is a unique island in the Cyclades

Where is Andros?

Andros is 2 hours away from Athens and is the second-largest island in the Cyclades. Andros differs greatly from the islands you already know. It has an area of 380 sq.Km. It is 6 nautical miles from Evia and less than a nautical mile from Tinos. The island is about 40km long, a width of 17km, and is approximately 36 nautical miles from Rafina with which it is connected by ferry. The coastline of Andros is rocky with a total length of approximately 176km. According to Andreas Embirikos, Andros Island is “the dazzling queen of the Aegean… the most beautiful of all the world.” If you are looking at how to get to Andros click here.

Andros, Greece landmark is the Tourlitis lighthouse — *Andros retains the only lighthouse in Europe built on a rock. The Tourlite in the capital of Andros, Chora*

The island is a miniature of Greece

The morphology

Andros is a miniature of Greece. It has high mountains, many ravines, small rivers, valleys planted with vines, running water, cypress, oak trees, fruit-bearing trees, olives, and hot springs. The island has rich geographical contrasts—a combination of dry Cycladic landscapes with rich vegetation and abundant waters. The most famous mountains on the island are Agios Saranda (715m), Kouvaras with its highest peak, Petalos (996m), Gerakonas (736m), and Rachi (681m). The island, especially in the winter months, has a large number of rivers and streams. The most important is Achla. Achla comes from mount Petalos and flows to Achla Beach. The Arnipotamos, flows into the bay of Lefka and the Great River of Livadia, which flows into Paraporti. Significant streams are the Dipotamata and Lourion.

Andros of the running waters

Andros is also famous for its many sources. The biggest is Zenio source in Petalo. Part of this water source runs to Paleopolis, Pitrofos, Menites, Lamira and reaches Gialia. Other sources are Krya Vrysi on the northern side of Petalos, the source of Spanou and the source of Koumoulou in the Menites. A spring source is Sariza in Apoikia, with delicious, light water like the well-known Evian waters.

Andros of the sea

Andros, Greece and its coastline with its crystal clear waters — Andros and its coastline with its crystal clear waters

The coastline of Andros is generally rocky. An exception is the bay of Gavrio. The most impressive cape is Kambanos at the northern end of the island. Artemide, Gria, Akamatis, Kato Kosmos, Steno, Agios Sostis, and Peristeri on the west coast. Andros has a mild climate, with winds usually dominating almost every season. The wind, apart from the sea, is a strong element of the island. The location has the highest annual rainfall in the Cyclades. Higher temperatures on the island occur at times when there is no wind. The winds blow mainly from NW and northern directions, weakened to the west coast (Batsi – Gavrio). They start in May with slight intensity and duration, blowing more intensely in August and weakening in October.

The fauna of Andros

Andros, Greece Pithara is a magical place in Andros — Pithara is a magical place in Andros

Andros has many shelters and food for many bird species. Owls, nightingales, partridges, woodcocks, turtledoves, carderines. Also rare predators like the short-toed eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the Falco Eleonorae, a dark-haired, medium-sized hawk with long wings. The Falco Eleonorae is one of the most endangered species in Europe. Half of the world’s population lives in the Aegean. The island is in the path of Falco Eleonorae which is coming for reproduction. Then it migrates to spend the winter in distant Madagascar. In the dense vegetation of the island, many small animals find shelter. Ferrets, badgers, wild rabbits, hedgehogs, hares, and snakes: Efios (Dolichophis caspius), Fournofaisa (water snake), Balkan whip snake (Hierophis gemonensis), the Viper (the only poisonous). Also many terrapins, geckos, frogs, and toads.

Andros, Greece The Bridge of Love at the Episkopio in Andros, known from the film Little England — The Bridge of Love at the Episkopio in Andros, known from the film Little England

The Green Andros

Andros is full of abundant trees such as plane trees, willows, poplar trees, arbutus, oak trees, and pine trees. Maples and among them pistacia, oleander, figs, mulberry trees, olive trees, reeds, agnus-castus, crops, bay leaves, brushwood. In spring, wildflowers make an incredible carpet of colors. Anemones, orchids, bells, and irises sprout everywhere. The fragrances from the gardens and the orchards are mixed with thyme, and oregano and create an aromatic atmosphere. Visit our Facebook page to learn about the island.

Andros, Greece | The 4 central points of the island

Chora | The capital of the island

Andros, Greece The old town in Chora, Andros — *The old town of Chora, Andros*

Chora, it’s the capital city of Andros. It is located in the northeastern part of the island. It is built on a small peninsula that seems to “cut” the sea in two. The peninsula from the main road that crosses the Chora leads to Afanis Naftis Square and the sea. It ends up on the small island, on which the medieval Venetian castle is built, as well as the rocky island of the famous and unique Turlitis Lighthouse. Chora is surrounded by two sandy beaches. The main beach of the capital is the Neimporio in the west and the Paraporti in the east … Read more

Gavrio | The gate of the island

Andros has as a main Port the Gavrio. The island’s gate is built in the middle of the windless natural bay on the northwest side of the island. It is 32 km away from Chora and 45 km from Korthi. To the north of it, there are many beautiful and picturesque villages like Amolochos, Ano & Kato Fellos, Sidontas, Makrotantalo, Chartes, Varidi, Kalivari, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the island like Vitali, Zorgkos, Vlichada. Gavrio has many tourist accommodations, hotels, taverns, cafes, and bars.

Batsi | Wait… almonds

Andros, Greece View from the harbour in Batsi — View from the harbor in Batsi

Built by the sea, with many hotels, bars, taverns, and lively nightlife. The windless beach with fine sand is fully organized and is a great solution for families and lovers of water sports. The blue lines of the horizon and the shrubby green make up an image that easily points to images of carefree and summer happiness. It is no coincidence that the tourism development of the island started in Batsi.

Korthi | My first love…

Andros, Greece View of the Bay of Korthi — View of the Bay of Korthi

Ormos Korthiou or Gialos for the rest of Andros is located in the southern part of the island, between the mountains of Gerakonas and Rachi. The settlement is flanked uniquely by the view of most of the surrounding villages. The castle of Faneromeni dominates the area (Pano Castro). Swimming is offered at the long beach (Milos), as well as the windless harbor of Agia Aikaterini and behind the hill, the famous beach of “tis Grias to Pidima”.