Andros, Cyclades, Greece. A travelogue of my journey through this marvellous Greek island.
By Devashree Sanghvi, Thecrazyindianfoodie.
Have you ever visited a place so beautiful that it takes your breath away and you feel like you belong there?
The Greek island of Andros made me feel that way. This mesmerizing Greek island absolutely HAS to be on your bucketlist this year!
Andros, Cyclades, Greece.
Sandy beaches, Rocky Mountains, winding roads, green valleys, chaotic coastlines, rugged terrain, beautiful streams and a host of things to do make the Cycladic island of Andros a MUST visit when in Greece.
Andros is the northernmost island in the South Aegean sea and at 40km long it’s also the second largest Cycladic island. Get lost in the lanes of Chora or drink fresh water from the Sariza springs, lounge at one of its many beaches or get struck by the beauty of Paleopolis.
The beautiful island of Andros, Greece.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ANDROS, GREECE :
- Visit the Foros Cave :
Located in Aladinou village, this spectacular cave will leave you spellbound by its sheer unique beauty. Trek up to the entrance of the cave and grab your helmets and flashlights as you embark on an exciting adventure into one of Greece’s first caves formed millions of years ago. The remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, small water cavities, pearl formations and unique rocks make for an experience you just cannot miss when in Andros.
Exploring Aladinou Cave/Cave Foros, Andros, Greece.
View from the top of Cave Foros, Andros.
2) Visit the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi or Agia :
Get transported to the Byzantine period with this beautiful, soul-satisfying monastery located between Batsi and Gavrio with just two nuns as its residents. Full of religious images, sculptures and manuscripts of the 14th-16th century the experience takes you back to the medieval ages where the church was the most important social institution.
Traditional place of worship at the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi or Agia, Andros.
3. Get lost in the streets of Chora :
The capital of the island, Chora is full of winding lanes, pretty streets, beautiful cafes and souvenir shops. The neoclassical buildings, cobbled alleyways and steps leading down to the sea get you to the historic square of the unknown sailor with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.
Streets of Chora, Andros, Greece.
4. Try delicious Cycladic cuisine in Batsi :
One of Andros’s most popular tourist destinations with blue waters and sandy beaches the promenade of Batsi is lined with amazing cafes and bars that will leave you spoilt for choice. We loved eating an authentic meal at Taverna Stamatis! You must try their local cheese and delicious salads apart from some traditional Greek yoghurt.
Batsi, Andros, Greece. Image Source.
5. Immerse yourself in Greek history at one of Andros’s many museums:
The Archeological museum and the museum of modern art are two major museums you must visit in Andros for a trip down Greek history. The modern art museum houses unique collections of paintings and sculptures & the archaeological museums showcase the history of the island with its Grand sculptures and Pre-historic findings.
Archaeological Museum, Andros, Greece. Image Source.
6. Go swimming in one of Andros’s 80 beaches:
With a large coastline, Andros has all kinds of beaches including organised ones where you can swim amongst crystal clear blue waters. Choose amongst the family beaches of Kypri, Batsi and Neimporio or the special Grias Pidima, Achla, Zorkos, Ateni, Paraporti and Fellos. If you want to combine swimming with fun, head to St. Peter’s, Golden Sand or Piso Gialia.
Golden Sand Beach, Andros. Image Source.
Apart from the above, there are still TONS of things to do in Andros like drinking fresh water from the Sariza springs or driving around its rugged terrain with mesmerizing views.
WHERE TO STAY :
We stayed at the Aneroussa Beach Hotel a boutique hotel located very close to Batsi with cosy rooms, a private beach, beach bar and complimentary breakfast. The rooms overlooking the spectacular Aegean Sea made for a remarkable experience. Read more on our experience here in a separate blog post soon.
Breakfast with a view at Aneroussa Beach Hotel, Andros, Greece.
WHERE TO EAT :
Andros has a unique and varied gastronomy with Byzantine influences. From the fresh Local Cheese to delicious salads, Greek Yogurt to Local liqueurs and wines, if you’re a foodie this is the place to be.
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes in Batsi where you can find amazing Cycladic-Mediterranean cuisine. We highly recommend Thiriotrofio in Gavrio, ‘OTL KALO in Batsi and Fresco Juice + Salad bar!
Traditional Greek Yogurt with honey at Taverna Stamatis, Batsi, Andros.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AROUND :
There are frequent ferries by FAST FERRIES from the port of Rafina near Athens to Gavrio, Andros and it’s a short 2-hour ferry ride. The ride is extremely smooth and comfortable as the ferries are more like cruise ships carrying thousands of people on board.
You can rent a car in Andros as it’s essential to be on a vehicle to explore its various facets. You can also hire a private taxi/tour bus if you’re a large group.
BEST TIME TO VISIT :
Between May-September.
If blue seas, crystal clear beaches, rugged mountains, deep valleys, delicious food and spectacular landscapes are your idea of a perfect gateway head to Andros, Greece Now!
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This is amazing! We’re planning to go here after seeing all your beautiful posts. Is it easy to find vegetarian food?
Dear Meena,,
Yes, it is indeed a very beautiful island. Do plan your trip soon! Yes, it is not difficult to find vegetarian food in Greece as there is a lot of fresh produce and many options like salads, pasta, fried cheese, flava beans, aubergines, roasted potatoes, etc. In some islands, you may even find vegan cafe’s so be rest assured. Have a good time!
Great Post!
for local organic vegetarian + vegan food this is a nice place to visit
https://www.facebook.com/AndrosOrganics/?eid=ARC3uo1VDsgalFNLXmksZqNrHkTllWZc8_nW22nUifbdNTSr3UqCeTOgLCMNJHIefdUeeHCiLlb4p3jq
https://www.happycow.net/reviews/andriakon-pantopoleio-andros-55358
+ of course, at any restaurant there are plenty of meat free options!
Thank you so much!
Wow! Looks absolutely gorgeous! I think I’m going to plan going here this summer! What other islands can I see with this?
Dear Kusha,
It is spectacular, isn’t it? The Cyclades are a large group of islands and each island has its own unique beauty. We visited the island of Tinos, Milos, Naxos and Serifos after Andros, all easily accessible by ferries from Andros. You can look at these or also go to Mykonos/Santorini!
This looks like a place where I’d like to get married! Do they have large hotels and facilities for having a big Indian wedding?
Dear Kripa,
It is indeed the perfect place for a dream wedding with blue waters, clear beaches and so much more! They have hotels and also rented bungalows and chalets that can be arranged for. Please reach out to me on thecrazyindianfoodie@gmail.com and I will connect you to the concerned people in Andros, who can give you more details as per your requirements.
Contact hotel Aneroussa, they will set up a nice civil wedding for you!
This is travel goals. I want to go here on my honeymoon! How expensive is it?
Dear Saumil,
It’s a perfect place for a romantic honeymoon! You can rent a beautiful beach facing chalet too that’s private. luxurious and pocket-friendly. Since Andros is yet not tourist flooded, you can get accommodation starting from Rs 4,000 per night in a decent place. Food too isn’t very expensive and renting a car to drive around is the best way to travel on a budget. You can try and do a 3N/4D stay here in under Rs 20,000 if you plan properly. If you need help planning drop me a message here and I will help you.
Wow! Looks like paradise indeed!
I know right! It is paradise indeed!
Been seeing all your posts Devashree. So so well articulated! Need to plan a trip to Greece soon. HUGE fan!
Thank you so much Devanshi. Means a lot. Readers like you motivate me to generate better content every day! Have a great day!
Such a well penned article and amazing pictures too! Next trip to Greece for sure!
Thank you!