Achla Beach lies in the northeast of Andros, north of Chora and below the village of Vourkoti. It is rightly called one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It has fine white pebble and sand, a unique emerald colour to the water, and a sheltered cove whose sea stays calm even in strong wind. At one end stands the little chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

Achla is more than a beach: an important wildlife habitat with centuries-old plane trees just metres from the sea. Here the Achlas river — one of the three great rivers of Andros — reaches the sea, flowing even in August. Behind the beach a green ravine opens up, with small waterfalls and pools for swimming under the plane trees — a rare sight in the Cyclades — home to freshwater crabs, terrapins and rare birds.

Access is by a fairly passable dirt road beyond Vourkoti, passing the Monastery of Agios Mamas. The approach by sea is also striking, past caves and rocky islets where the rare Eleonora's falcon nests in September.

Wind & Sea Conditions

Faces east, set in a deep gorge. Suitable even when strong winds blow from the southeast, south, southwest, west or northwest.