Where is Andros Located?
Andros is located just two hours from Athens and is the second-largest island in the Cyclades, covering 380 square kilometers. The island is quite different from other Cycladic destinations, offering diverse landscapes. It lies six nautical miles from Evia (at the Kafireas Strait, also known as Cavo D’oro) and less than one nautical mile from Tinos. Andros is approximately 40 km long and 17 km wide, with a distance of about 36 nautical miles from Rafina, its main ferry connection.
With a coastline of around 176 km, the island is mostly rocky, but it also features beautiful sandy beaches. According to poet Andreas Embirikos, Andros is “the stunning island, the queen of the Aegean… the most beautiful in the world.” In addition to its natural beauty, Andros is known for its rich customs, traditions, and cultural heritage, making it a truly unique Cycladic island.
Andros: A Miniature Version of Greece
The morphology of the island
The geography of Andros resembles a miniature version of Greece, with its tall mountains, deep ravines, small rivers, fertile valleys, vineyards, natural springs, and an abundance of trees, including cypress, oak, fruit orchards, and olive groves. The island has a striking contrast between the dry Cycladic landscape and its lush greenery, shaped by its many water sources.
The highest mountains in Andros include Agioi Saranta, Kouvara with its highest peak Petalo, Gerakonas, and Rachi. During the winter months, the island is covered by numerous torrents and streams. The most significant rivers are Achlas, which originates from Petalo and flows into Achla Beach, Arnipotamos, which empties into Lefka Bay, and Megalos Potamos in Livadia, which flows into Paraporti Beach. Notable streams include Dipotamata, Louri, and the Pyrthara waterfalls. A beautiful natural site worth mentioning is Gerolimni, a stunning freshwater lake.
Andros, the island of flowing waters
Andros is famous for its numerous natural springs. The largest is Zenio in Petalo, whose water branches out to Palaeopolis, Pitrofos, Menites, Lamira, and reaches Gialia. Other notable springs include Krya Vrysi on the northern side of Petalo, Spanou Spring, and Koumoulos Spring in Menites. One of the most well-known therapeutic springs is Sariza in Apikia, producing a light, refreshing table water similar to the famous Evian water.
Andros, the island of the sea
The coastline of Andros is mostly rocky, except for the deep bay of Gavrio. The most significant capes include Kampanos at the northernmost point, Artemidi, Gria, Akamatis, Kato Kosmos, Steno, Agios Sostis, and Peristeri on the western coastline. Andros has a generally mild climate, but strong winds are present throughout the year.
The island has the highest annual rainfall in the Cyclades, resulting in abundant surface and underground water reserves. The highest temperatures occur when the seasonal northern Meltemi winds are absent. These winds, which blow mainly from the northwest and north, are weaker on the western coast (Batsi – Gavrio). They start in May with low intensity, peak in August, and gradually weaken by October.
Andros, the island of wildlife
Andros provides abundant food and shelter for many bird species, including owls, nightingales, partridges, woodcocks, turtledoves, and goldfinches. The island is also home to rare birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle, peregrine falcon, and Eleonora’s falcon, a dark-colored, medium-sized falcon with long wings. Eleonora’s falcon is one of the most endangered species in Europe, with half of its global population nesting in the Aegean. Andros serves as a breeding ground before these birds migrate to Madagascar for the winter.
The island’s dense vegetation is also home to various small animals, including weasels, badgers, wild rabbits, hedgehogs, hares, and several snake species such as the four-lined snake, water snake, tree snake, and viper, the only venomous snake on the island. Additionally, Andros has many amphibians and reptiles, including freshwater turtles, geckos, frogs, and common toads.
Andros, a green oasis in the Cyclades
Andros is filled with an abundance of trees, including plane trees, willows, poplars, arbutus, oaks, and pine trees. Maples, mastic trees, oleanders, fig trees, mulberries, olive trees, reeds, chaste trees, and laurel also thrive here.
In spring, the island transforms into a colorful paradise, with wild anemones, orchids, bluebells, and irises blooming everywhere. The air is filled with a blend of aromas from herb gardens and wild thyme, creating a truly intoxicating atmosphere.
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The four main areas of the island
Chora | The capital of the island
The capital of Andros, Chora, is located in the northeastern part of the island. It is built on a narrow peninsula that seems to split the sea in two. The main road running through Chora leads to the Square of the Unseen Sailor, the Lower Castle (Kato Kastro), and the sea. Nearby, you will find the beautiful church of Panagia Thalassini.
The peninsula extends to a small islet, where the medieval Venetian castle stands, along with the famous and unique Tourlitis Lighthouse. Chora is surrounded by two sandy beaches, Neiborio to the west and Paraporti to the east, while the Gialia beach is also within close reach.
Gavrio | The gateway to the island
The main port of Andros is Gavrio, the island’s entrance, built at the innermost part of a sheltered natural bay on the northwestern side of the island. It is located 32 km from Chora and 45 km from Korthi. To the north, you will find many charming villages, including Amolohos, Ano and Kato Fellos, Sidontas, Makrotantalo, Chartes, Varidi, and Kalyvari, as well as some of the island’s most stunning beaches such as Chrysi Ammos, Vitali, Zorgos, Vlychada, and Kypri. A few kilometers further north is the secluded beach of Pisolimnionas. Gavrio offers a variety of tourist accommodations, hotels, tavernas, cafés, and bars.
Batsi | The picturesque fishing village
Batsi is a seaside village with many hotels, bars, tavernas, and a vibrant nightlife. Its sheltered sandy beach is fully organized, making it an excellent choice for families and watersports enthusiasts alike. The blue hues of the sea combined with the lush greenery create an idyllic setting that embodies relaxation and summer bliss. It’s no coincidence that tourism in Andros first developed in Batsi. Just 12 km away, you will find the beautiful Ateni Beach.
Korthi | My first love…
Ormos Korthiou, known as “Gialos” to the rest of Andros, is located in the southern part of the island, nestled between the mountain ranges of Gerakonas and Rachi. The village is uniquely framed by views of the surrounding settlements. The area is dominated by the historic Faneromeni Castle (Pano Kastro). For swimming, visitors can choose from the long beach of Mylos, the sheltered harbor of Agia Aikaterini, or the famous “Grias to Pidima” beach, as well as Agios Ioannis beach. Near Korthi at Kohylou is also home to the Bridge of Love, a location featured in the beloved film Little England.
