Andros

Andros

Andros is the second largest Cycladic island and the greenest by far, only two hours from Rafina but it feels like a completely different country from the barren rocks further south. It’s all springs, walnut trees, waterfalls, stone bridges, and villages hidden in valleys — more like an Ionian island that got lost in the Cyclades.

It is an island of captains and shipowners, so the money went into neoclassical mansions and marble, not beach bars. Chora is stunning, built on a narrow peninsula with Venetian and neoclassical facades looking straight down to the sea, full of museums and galleries. Batsi is the lively port for swimming, Gavrio the ferry port, and in between you have mountain villages like Menites where water pours from lion-head fountains and Stenies where Andriotis stone houses are wrapped in flowers.

For hikers who like water and real villages

You’ll click here if you want green, not just blue. This is an island with running water, rivers, springs, waterfalls and stone bridges, so you can actually hike and not just bake. The Andros Route is the star, about 100km of certified old mule tracks linking villages, valleys and beaches, called one of the best in Europe for a reason. Plus shorter coastal walks to monasteries and quiet coves. Food is a big draw too, fresh fish shops, island vegetables, and if you like self-catering you’ll be happy. Beaches range from small coves to bigger sandy stretches like Zorkos, Golden Sand Chrissi Ammos near Batsi, and lots of secluded ones you reach on foot. Good balance, you get adventure and swim in the same day. It suits active travellers, families who like a bit of challenge, and anyone who wants a more local Cycladic feel without the resort crowds of Batsi. Chora is elegant, neoclassical and arty, Batsi is the easy fishing-village base on the west coast. Less ideal if you want pure party or ultra-long sandy beaches with rows of sunbeds, Andros is more about trails, springs, and exploring.

Getting there without the faff

This one is super close to Athens, and that’s the trick. You go from Rafina port, not Piraeus. Rafina is 5km from Athens airport, 20 minutes by taxi, or hourly bus for about 4 euro. Ferries are closed-type, early morning departures between 07:00 and 08:00, return from Gavrio on Andros around 15:00 to 16:00. There are four daily departures weekdays and six on weekends, earliest 07:05. Trip is about 52 miles, 84km, average 1 hour to 2 hours depending on company, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries. Cheap tickets from around 21 to 26 euro if you book ahead, more on the day. Be at Rafina at least 30 to 60 minutes before, it gets busy in summer. No flights needed to the island itself, there is no airport. Fly UK to Athens, 3.5 to 4 hours, then straight to Rafina. Best time for hiking is April, May, late September and October, cooler and greener. For swimming, June to September, sea warmest. On the ground, car or scooter is really useful here, road network is more extensive than many Cyclades, so you can reach remote parts and trailheads. Bus service exists but car gives you freedom. Batsi is best for first-timers wanting beaches and harbour, Chora for culture. Bring proper hiking shoes, swimsuit in backpack, and water, even with springs, and book ahead for weekend departures in August, Rafina to Andros fills fast.

Sources

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Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by admin