The skippers’ island
A distinguished-looking island with a strong maritime tradition, cultural life, cosmopolitan resorts, wonderful natural surroundings and authentic rural landscape! It is one of the most interesting destination of the Cyclades in a short distance from the capital.
First impressions
The mountainous character of the island creates some of the most spectacular scenery in the Aegean. Verdant slopes and ravines with cool streams flowing from them, appear out of bare rocks. The main road network is a good one, and there also are many dirt roads which lead to the most remote beaches.
A glance at history
In the 10th century BC (Geometric period) Ionians established settlements in the Zagora and Ypsili regions, where tombs, temples and houses have been excavated. In the village of Paleopolis, significant remains of an ancient town which flourished there from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD can be found.
According to the French traveller Poukeville, during Turkish occupation Andros had developed a substantial naval presence with more than 40 sailing ships. The first ocean liner to make the journey from Greece to America was registered by the Andriot ship owner Moraitis.
The route from Gavrio to Batsi
The first point of contact with the island of sea captains is the port of Gavrio, which was built by the engineers of the Bavarian King Othon (1832 – 1862). The beaches in the bay are clean, but the water is very shallow and more people choose to swim at Fellos or further on to the west at Liopesi or Agios Petros. Taking the route south from Gavrio will reach Batsi, the most cosmopolitan resort on the island.
The sandy beach in front of the village has clean shallow waters, while the surrounding area has become fully developed to accommodate visitors with many restaurants, fish tavernas and hotels. The quieter beaches of Agia Marina and Stivari are a short distance away.
A stroll around Chora
With a centuries old maritime tradition and an intensely aristocratic character, Chora in Andros is one of the most beautiful towns of the Aegean. The Venetian castle, the churches of Agia Thalassini, St George, Theoskepasti and its museums are just a few of the attractions.
Embirikou Street full of restored mansions and shops as well as Kairi Square are the busiest parts of the main town. The view of the ruined Venetian castle, the restored lighthouse and the open sea from the Square of the Unknown Sailor (Plateia tou Afanous Nafti) is absolutely stunning.
Museums
Museum of Contemporary Art: In addition to the permanent displayed art works, it also hosts major periodical exhibitions each year. www.moca-andros.gr
Archaeological Museum: TEL.+30 22820 23664
Palaiopolis Archaeological Collection: TEL.+30 22820 41985
Maritime Museum: TEL. +30 22820 22264
Folk Museum: TEL.+30 22820 22187
Cyclades Olive Museum: TEL. : +30 6932731776 www.musioelias.gr
Main beaches
Korthi: The sandy beach of Kantouni is situated in the enclosed bay of Korthi. It’s also worth looking for the beach known as “Tis Grias to Pidima” with its characteristic rocky outcrop.
Gialia – Piso Gialia: At the seafront of the village Stenies, Gialia sandy beach is found, usually crowded with a water stream running into the sea. Piso Gialia is another beach a short distance away.
Ateni: If you follow the road all the way down to Ateni from Batsi, you will reach the sandy seaside (2.5 klm), exposed to north winds.
Vitali: From Agios Petros you can take the road uphill to the village of Vitali (1.5 km) from where you can get to its windy beach where you will find a taverna.
Zorkos: If you follow the asphalt road from Ano Fello to the village of Palaistou and continue on a little further, you will reach the very nice sandy beach of Zorkos.
Explore
Vourkoti – Achla: From the hill top village of Vourkoti a dirt road will take you to Achla beach, perhaps the loveliest on Andros.
Piso Limnionas – Vlichada – Pyrgos: From the village of Fellos proceed in a northwesterly direction for the completely unspoiled beaches of Limnionas and Vlychada, well protected from ‘meltemi’ summer winds.
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COPYRIGHT PHOTO: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece
COPYRIGHT TEXT: Germaine Alexakis/ Views Of Greece
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