The Cycladic Island of Andros is Home to the Most Picturesque Capital in Greece
Blue-domed churches, seaside mansions, and secret beaches. The quiet island of Andros has everything you love about Greece, minus the crowds.
When you think of Greece’s popular Cyclades, most people picture the sugar-cube villages of Santorini or the beach clubs of Mykonos.
But there’s another island in this famous group that might not be on your radar yet (but it should be). It’s a large, relatively untouched island that quietly delivers all the beauty of the more famous islands without all the fuss.
Meet the island of Andros.
One of the greenest Cycladic islands, Andros is full of flowing springs, mountaintop villages, and lush valleys. It also has the requisite picturesque beaches and seaside tavernas you expect from a proper Greek island.
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But when I visited recently, what surprised me most was the island’s dramatically elegant capital, Chora.
Perched on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Aegean Sea, the neoclassical mansions, graceful churches, and noble naval history of Chora make it one of Greece’s most beautiful seaside towns.
It’s unlike any other Cycladic town I’ve ever seen. And worth the trip alone.
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Whether you’re planning an island-hopping trip to the Greek islands or just looking for the perfect island to avoid the typical Cycladic summer crowds, Andros is a great pick.
How to Get to Andros
There’s no airport on Andros, so the only way to get here is by ferry. Luckily, Andros is well-connected by ferry and the trip is quick, easy, and scenic.
The nearest Greek airports with direct ferries to Andros are Athens (ATH), Mykonos (JMK), and Syros (JSY).
Here’s a quick recap of the ferry options:
Ferry from Athens: Ferries depart from Rafina Port, which is closer to Athens airport than the main Piraeus port. From there, the ride to Gavrio, Andros’ main port, takes about 2 hours.
Ferry from other islands: Andros is also well connected to Syros, Tinos and Mykonos by ferry, so it’s easy to add to an island-hopping itinerary. Here are the ferry times from the nearest islands:
- Tinos to Andros: 1 hour, 30 minutes (daily)
- Mykonos to Andros: 2 hours, 15 minutes (daily)
- Syros to Andros: 3 hours (this route is only a few times a week)
Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.
Where to Stay on Andros
There are a few main hubs on the island: Gavrio (the port town), Chora (the capital), and Batsi (a lively beach resort town on the west coast).
I don’t recommend staying in Gavrio since it’s primarily just a port town. Most visitors choose to stay in Chora or Batsi.
Batsi
Batsi is the main resort town on Andros with a lovely stretch of beach, a variety of hotel options, and plenty of tavernas and cafes.
You’ll find everything you need for a traditional Greece beach vacation here including car rentals, shops, and plenty of sun beds.
For something quieter and more traditional, Chora is a stunning place to stay, especially if you want to soak up history and charm. It’s not as beachy or central, but it’s incredibly atmospheric.
We’ll cover Chora in more depth below.
I was torn between the two, but ultimately chose Batsi. It turned out to be a great home base, and I especially loved my hotel.
Regardless of whether you choose Batsi or Chora, Andros has a lot of terrific hotel options. Here are just a few:
Krinos Suites Hotel (Batsi) – This is where I chose to stay and I highly recommend it. It’s a small luxury property with beautifully designed rooms, sea views, and thoughtful touches like locally produced coffee pods for the Nespresso.
My one-bedroom suite had a spacious terrace with a beautiful sea view. The owners were incredibly helpful in arranging transportation from the port and a rental car in town. They also had lots of good suggestions for things to do around the island.
Chryssi Akti, Sure Hotel Collection (Batsi) – For more of a resort feel in Batsi, this beachfront hotel with a pool is a great choice. Rooms are stylish and modern and some have sea views.
Camara Suites (Chora) – For a little more space in the heart of Andros Town, this traditional house turned luxury all-suite hotel is a gem. All suites feature a kitchenette and sea views. The only thing this hotel doesn’t have is parking (but public parking is available just outside of town).
Golden Vista, Beachfront Suites by Explore Andros (Chora) – Located just outside the center of town on lovely Neimporio Beach, these spacious, one-bedroom villas each feature a private pool and expansive sea views. And it’s close enough to town to walk for dinner.
How to Get Around Andros
Andros is a large and spread-out island. If you really want to explore beyond your base town, you’ll want a rental car.
Rental car: I opted for a rental car and really enjoyed exploring the island at my own pace. There are plenty of options for car rentals around the island.
The roads are in good condition, signage is decent, and having my own wheels allowed me to reach beaches, mountain villages, and remote monasteries.
Local buses: There is a public bus system, but routes are limited and infrequent. If you just want to go between Batsi and Chora, the bus is an option. If you want to explore more than that, you’ll want to get a car or book an organized day trip.
Day tours: If you’re staying in Batsi or Gavrio, a few local agencies offer day tours to Chora and other highlights. It’s a good option if you prefer not to drive, but you’ll sacrifice some flexibility.
Here are the best guided tours on Andros:
- Best of Andros Full-Day Tour – If you only have one day to spend on Andros, this is a great way to see the island’s top highlights.
- Monasteries of Andros Half-Day Tour – This 4-hour tour focuses on some of the island’s most beautiful monasteries.
- Andros half-day sightseeing tour – If you prefer a shorter tour, this 5-hour small group tour explores some of the island’s best villages.
Bottom line? Rent the car. You’ll see so much more of what makes Andros special.
Best Things to Do on Andros
The lovely folks at the Krinos Suites Hotel provided me with an extensive list of things to see and do on the island.
With just 3 days, I didn’t have time to see it all but having my own wheels allowed me to cover a lot of ground. Here are some of the best things to do on Andros:
1. Wander the Noble Capital of Chora
Andros’ capital is hands down one of the most elegant towns in the Cyclades.
Reminiscent of a craggy finger extending into the sea, Chora is a stately blend of neoclassical mansions, marble alleys, and tree-shaded open squares.
If you’re driving, free parking is available at a lot just outside the city center.
From there, it’s a short walk Stroll the main pedestrian path to Unknown Sailor Square, where the land drops dramatically into the sea.
Lookout for the Tourlitis Lighthouse, perched solo on a sea rock beyond the remains of the 13th-century Venetian castle that was destroyed in WWII.
Stop for coffee or a sweet treat in the central square, or cool off with a swim at Neimporio Beach or Paraporti Beach.
It’s worth dedicating a full afternoon here—and maybe even a second visit if you’re staying elsewhere.
2. Hit the beach in Korthi
Located in the southeast corner of the island, Korthi Bay is a quiet, picturesque bay with calm, sandy beaches.
The town of Korthi, which serves as a tourist and commercial center for the region, came highly recommended by the folks at Krinos Suites as a great, sheltered beach on what was a very windy day.
To reach the beach, drive through the small village and park near the boat dock. From there, take a walk to Agia Aikaterini church and the beach below.
Grab lunch at Vintsi, a local gem with great food and sea views. After lunch, wander the town’s main pedestrian street and treat yourself to something sweet at Tziotis, a fantastic pastry shop.
3. Explore the Villages Around Chora
The hills above Chora are sprinkled with traditional villages, each with their own unique character.
If you have a car, plan a driving loop to explore:
- Lamyra, Mesaria, and Menites – Known for leafy lanes, neoclassical homes, and a network of natural springs
- Stenies and Apoikia – Quiet villages surrounded by greenery. Apoikia is home to the Sariza Springs, known for its mineral water
- Apikia – The main draw here is the scenic hike to Pythara Falls. It wasn’t much more than a trickle on the day of my visit but apparently it gets better during the wetter months.
4. Monasteries & Spiritual Sites
Andros is known for its rich spiritual heritage, and many of the island’s monasteries are open to visitors. Here are a few highlights:
The Ancient Tower of Agios Petros – Near the port town of Gavrio, this Hellenistic-era tower is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a quick visit, but well worth it for history buffs—or anyone who appreciates a good photo op.
Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi – Located between Gavrio and Batsi, this peaceful monastery dates back to 842 AD. It’s the largest on the island and offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
So don’t miss Andros when you visit the Cyclades!
Andros is ideal if you’re looking for a more authentic Cycladic experience without the crowds.
With a mix of beaches, villages, and cultural sites, Andros offers slower pace, with few crowds and real local flavor.
It’s not a party island. It’s not flashy. But that’s exactly why I loved it.
Whether you’re island-hopping or planning a quieter Greek escape, Andros deserves a spot on your list.
Looking for more fabulous Greek Islands to visit? Start here:
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