ISLAND

Andros: The Princess of the Cyclades

Andros, the exclusion of Cyclades. An island with green hills and springs, natural beauty that attracts the eye giving a wonderful picture.
The features of the island are the ongoing mountain ranges,the canyons, the ravines and valleys with olive trees, oranges, figs, lemon trees and vines that compose the landscape of the island.
Andros is the northernmost part of the Aegean. The island is famous for its nautical tradition which gives a unique elegance and a special color to the houses in Chora. Currently, many families of shipowners, captains and seamen live in Andros, who choose the island because of its natural beauty.

To the east of the island is Chora. It is a mixture of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture, built on a hillside between two beaches. The main features of the country are the old town, the medieval Venetian houses, the ruins of the castle, the beautiful Square of the ‘’Afanous Nauti’’ above the sea level, the graphical taverns and the patisseries with the delicious pastries.
However, the museums and churches  in Chora much interest, which gives an intense religiosity residents of Andros.

Tour of the Island: A Different Journey

The tour of the beautiful island Andros will fill the tourists with unique images and emotions. More detailed, guests can start their tour on the island with the picturesque stone bridge. They will be leaded to the ruins of the Venetian castle of the island and admire the sections of the towers with loopholes that have been saved. The church Platianis dating from the 13th century, is a place where visitors can see up close the wooden iconostasis. Also, the church of St. George brings many tourists and believers.

The tourists can also visit the island's museums, including the Archaeological Museum which has a collection of finds from the island in antiquity and finds from the Venetian and Turkish period .The Museum of Contemporary Art is unique in Greece and every summer it becomes the center of cultural events. This is a great opportunity for the tourists to learn about the culture of the island and beyond.

The Maritime Museum of Andros, with things that are relative to nautical subject, and the Museum of  Folklore and Historical Art, where visitors can admire important works of post-Byzantine art and decorative objects, are some very interesting parts of the island.
Finally, the known ‘’Kydonieos’’ Foundation, which established the institution ‘’Ploes’’and every summer it is organizing many events and exhibitions.

Villages in Andros:

Andros is an island which consists of several villages, some of the most famous that gather many tourists are listed below.

Apoikia: This is a charming village and it is 5km away from Chora. It is characterized by the green scenery that anyone can see around him, the springs and mountains with

clear waters. Also,the visitors could taste the food in the wonderful tavernas and continue the trip to the other villages.
Apoikia is suited for those who want to explore the nature. There are spas for those who want to relax and experience something completly different. Also, sources in Sariza  are suitable for those who wish to bottle water, since the water is crystal clear and above all healthy.

Gavrio: The main port of Andros, Gavrio is located at the west coast, and 31km away from Chora. On the beach Katw Fellos,there was the ancient marble mining. The village has camping area for those who want to give their holidays a different style. The only thing that is sure is that visitors will love this part of Andros.

Messaria: Messaria is 4km away from Chora and was the center of the island during the Byzantine and Medieval times.The characteristic of the village is the lush Mediterranean scenery, which makes it ideal for the nature lovers. This settlement is very close to the sea and that’s why many visitors choose it for their residence. Also, tourists also make trips to villages Menites, Aladino, Pitrofos where they can find beautiful traditional taverns and cafes.

Batsi: A traditional village with a strong tourist industry. Situated around a bay with sand and green landscape. It is considered the cosmopolitan resort of Andros, which offers many opportunities of entertainment to guests.

Ormos Korthi: It is a picturesque fishing port with a beach composed of pebbles and golden sand. Located 4km south of Chora, it’s main feature are the nice and tidy houses with their flowery gardens and the picturesque streets that complete the fantastic scenery.

Paleopoli: It is a coastal region, which is 16km away from Chora and Gavrio too. This village has great historical significance and it is built on the ancient capital of the island.

Beaches

Andros has beaches with crystal clear water and beautiful scenery that prevails on the island. There are organized beaches that can offer all the modern amenities to visitors. More specifically, organized beaches can be found in Nimborio and Paraporti. The sandy beach of Achlon, the Gialia and Pisw Gialia are the closest beaches to Chora and that is the reason why it gathers the biggest part of tourism. For visitors who love water sports, Andros is ideal for boating and sailing in the Nautical Club in Nimborio.

Those who own a boat can sail around the island and discover remote but beautiful beaches. In the south of the village there are the three most beautiful beaches which are St. Peter, Kipri and Xrush Ammoudia. In these beaches the visitor has the opportunity to practice water sports.Beautiful beaches and clear water can also be enjoyed by the tourists in the bay Katw Fellos, located 7km north of Gavrio. Whichever beach the visitor will choose in Andros, they will stay happy and enchanted by the beautiful images that include hot sun and sandy beaches.