Andros Island, Cyclades, Greece: Why It’s Worth Visiting
Andros is the northernmost island in the Cyclades and is only a short ferry trip from Athens. This second largest Cyclades Island is unlike other drier islands in the area, as it is surprisingly green and fertile, with streams, rivers and waterfalls to swim in.
The island has a maritime heritage, neoclassical mansions, plenty of sandy beaches and spectacular hiking trails. Combining both culture and nature, Andros offers a quieter, more authentic Greek island experience.
I spent two weeks exploring Andros Island without a car, from Athens, and quickly fell in love with the place. I’ve visited 10 Greek islands and Andros is one of my favourites. Here are the best things to do on Andros, as well as all the details on where to stay and how to get around.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
How to get around Andros Island without a car
It’s possible to explore Andros without hiring a car. The island has a mix of public transport, e-bikes for rent, taxis, and tours that make getting around manageable, especially if you’re happy to travel at a slightly slower pace.
Regular KTEL buses link the three main Andros towns, Gavrio, Batsi and Chora. The journey from Gavrio to Batsi takes about 15 minutes and costs €3.60 per person.
Bus services aren’t that frequent, but on my trip they ran often enough to get me between the key towns and to places I wanted to visit, like the Foros Cave, Tis Grias to Pidima beach and several of the west coast beaches. Bus timetables change seasonally, so check the latest schedule at ktelandrou.gr.
For more flexibility, e-bikes are a brilliant option. I rented from Riva Rentals in Chora for €35 a day and had a fantastic ride through Apoikia and up to the Agios Nikolaos monastery, before hiking down to Achla beach.
If you prefer to avoid planning transport, there are some fantastic guided day tours on Andros, run by knowledgeable locals. This is a great way to give yourself a break from organising all the transport logistics yourself.
Taxis are handy too, especially at the end of hikes when you don’t want to retrace your steps. I found that prices worked out at about €1 per minute of driving. I used Vicki Manesi taxis, who can be reached via WhatsApp on +30 698 052 8250, and found them very reliable.
Andros is great for slow travel on foot. Many villages and historic sights are linked by hiking routes, so you can take your time and enjoy the beautiful landscapes at your own pace.
Is Andros, Greece, worth visiting?
For me, Andros is one of the most rewarding islands in the Cyclades. It has an ideal mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and cultural sights, without feeling overwhelmed by tourism.
One of the main reasons I chose to visit Andros was its greenery. Unlike many Cycladic islands, Andros is dotted with waterfalls, pine woods and natural springs.
It felt refreshing to walk along shady paths and then emerge onto open terraces with sea views. This combination of lush landscapes and coastal scenery is rare in the Cyclades and makes Andros island stand out.
I also came for the hiking. The team behind Andros Routes have done an incredible job reopening old paths and maintaining them. Trails are well way-marked, and their website offers clear route maps that made planning my hikes easy.
I’ve hiked on plenty of Greek islands, from Folegandros to Paxos but Andros was some of the best hiking I’ve done.
Andros strikes a balance between ease and independence. There are restaurants and bars when you want them, but the island still suits having a spirit of independent adventure.
Visiting in late June, I heard mainly Greek being spoken, and while July brought more visitors, it was still far quieter than Santorini, Mykonos or Crete.
Practicalities add to its appeal. Andros Island is only a short ferry ride from Rafina, Athens, making it an easy first step into island hopping without a car.
The one negative that I would say about visiting Andros is the meltemi winds, which can whip up across the Aegean in summer. On windy days, I found east coast beaches too rough for swimming, but the west coast was more sheltered, so there was always an alternative.
If you’re looking for an island that combines Greek authenticity with excellent walking, Andros is well worth a place on your island hopping itinerary.
7 best things to do on Andros Island, Greece
1. Swim at the bottom of a waterfall at Gerolimni Lake
If there’s one thing that sets Andros apart from other Cycladic islands, it’s Gerolimni Lake. Hidden along a shady trail, this pool sits at the base of a tall waterfall and you can swim in it, even in the height of summer.
I’ve explored plenty of Greek islands and I’ve never come across anything like this elsewhere. Swimming here is one of the most unique things to do on Andros Island.
The contrast between the island’s rocky hillsides and the cool river-fed water is striking. I found the water was very cold, even in summer, so be prepared for a bit of a shock when you first get in, and bring a towel to wrap up afterwards.
A rope swing has even been set up across the water if you feel like giving it a go. I didn’t attempt it, but Mr Flip Flops Included enjoyed dangling around from it.
The hike to reach the waterfall is almost as beautiful as the destination. Follow trail #6 from Agios Nikolaos Monastery, heading north along the Achla River to Achla Bridge. From there, continue alongside the river until you reach the waterfall.
It took me around one and half hours to hike from the monastery, and while the trail was quiet, there were a few small groups of people at the waterfall itself.
From Chora, I took a taxi to the monastery for €25, but you could also cycle, drive, or even walk from Chora if you’re up for a much longer (and hillier) hike.
Finding Gerolimni Lake waterfall can be a bit tricky though, and you have to veer off the official trail and scramble over boulders to get there. So if you’d prefer the reassurance of going with someone who knows the route, consider joining a guided river trek to the waterfall.
The local guide will not only make sure you get to the waterfall without stress but also share insights about the island’s nature and history that you’d miss on your own. This can be especially worthwhile if you’re travelling solo.
2. Get out on the water in a boat
One of the best ways to see Andros Island, is from the water. A boat trip lets you take in the island’s coastline and the glistening turquoise sea at a slower pace.
You can hire a boat yourself from Chora or Batsi, but the meltemi winds around Andros can make the sea choppy and the waves unpredictable.
I’ve hired and driven boats on other European islands, but Andros is one place where I’d recommend joining an organised boat tour with a skipper. It’s a much more relaxing experience when someone else is at the helm.
A half day trip out on the water will take you past secluded coves and paradise beaches like Achla Beach. The boat tour includes time for snorkelling, swimming, and exploring spots that are otherwise hard to reach on foot.
If you’d like to enjoy the coastline without worrying about the weather or navigation, book a boat tour of Andros. The family that run these tours are very friendly and will be able to share their local knowledge of the best swimming spots. A boat tour on Andros has to be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day on the island.
3. Explore Andros on foot with a hike
With around 100 km of waymarked paths, Andros Island, in the Cyclades, is one of the best Greek islands for hiking. I found the trails impressively well signposted and easy to follow, which took a lot of stress out of heading out for a hike.
There are a range of routes of varying lengths which take you through mountain villages, shady gorges and along old mule tracks. One constant companion that you’ll come across are the Andros goats. I lost count of how many I saw, including young kids springing from rock to rock with much more agility than I have.
If you’re planning your own hiking days out, the Andros Routes website is a great resource. It offers free maps and suggestions for hikes across the island, broken down into different sections of Andros.
Don’t forget to take plenty of water with you, as there may not be many opportunities to fill up on the way.
Two of my favourite hikes were the one mentioned above, along the Achla River, and route #8 from Pithara waterfall/Apikia to Glaikia beach, via Stenies. The gardens and houses along that stretch are some of the prettiest scenery I came across whilst hiking on Andros.
4. Visit a paradise beach
A visit to Achla Beach is an absolute must when you’re on Andros Island. This is the sort of place you picture when you think of a desert island beach. The bay curves gently around turquoise water, with wide stretches of pure white sand that seem to go on forever.
I reached Achla Beach after a hot, one hour and 20 minutes hike from Agios Nikolaos Monastery.
The walk down was great, but the return climb was another story. It’s almost entirely uphill through lots of spiky scrubland, and with the summer heat beating down on me, it was quite a test of my stamina and patience. You do not want to attempt it without plenty of water.
If you’d prefer to avoid the sweat, taking a boat trip is a much easier option. They will take you up the coast to visit the gorgeous Achla Beach and instead of hiking you’ll be able to swim and snorkel along the way.
What makes Achla Beach so special is the landscape. The Achla River runs into the sea here, creating a mix of freshwater and saltwater.
There’s also a small church on the beach that makes a brilliant photo backdrop. Together, the river, the church, and the long white beach create a scene that feels unique to Andros.
5. Check out Andros’ other best beaches
Andros has no shortage of beaches, ranging from wide sandy stretches to quiet pebble coves. Each one felt to me like a special discovery. Exploring a few different spots is one of the best ways to experience the island.
The west coast is often the best choice if the meltemi winds are blowing across Andros, as they were during my two week stay. Beaches here are likely to be calmer than those on the east coast.
The easiest beaches to reach by bus are also those of the west coast, as the Gavrio to Chora bus has many stops along this route. I recommend Golden Beach if you’re looking for a west coast beach which is easy to reach by bus (only ten minutes from Batsi) and has some facilities, like sunbeds, but also natural stretches.
My other favourites include lively Batsi Beach and the smaller Batsi Colona, which is tucked just around the headland. Try the daiquiri cocktails at the small beach bar at Colona, they’re made for a relaxing day by the water.
Tis Grias to Pidima is another great choice, known for its striking stack of rocks, rising just off the beach shore. It can also be reached by bus.
Further afield, you can check out Zorkos, and Vitali. These take more effort to reach but reward you with space and scenery. You’ll need to take a taxi if travelling without a car, as the bus doesn’t run this far.
Andros is a great choice if you’re searching for a Cyclades island with plenty of good beaches to choose from.
6. Find out about Andros’ culture
Andros isn’t only about beaches and hikes. The island has a cultural side, with museums and monasteries that give you a glimpse into its history and creativity.
In Chora, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a highlight. I visited during an exhibition dedicated to the Greek artist Takis and was fascinated by his electronic dials and light installations.
The museum is split across two buildings, facing each other, and one ticket gives you access to both. What I particularly liked about it is that it’s open in the evening, so you can visit after a day at the beach.
For a step back in time, head to the Archaeological Museum in Chora or make the journey to the ancient settlement of Zagora. Both offer insight into Andros’ past and how life has evolved on the island.
There are also several monasteries that are popular with visitors to Andros. Agios Nikolaos Monastery is quite small, it doesn’t take long to look around but it’s worth stopping by if you’re starting one of the hiking routes that begin here.
Panachrantou Monastery sits high in the hills with panoramic views across the Andros countryside.
7. Visit a cave and drink from natural springs
One of the most fun activities on Andros Island is a trip to the Foros Cave, just outside Chora. It’s only a 15-minute bus ride, followed by about a half an hour walk through the village of Aladino, which is worth strolling through in its own right.
Just before the cave you cross a lovely old stone bridge, a picturesque spot that adds to the experience.
The cave itself is quite small, but the enthusiastic guides bring it to life. On my visit we ended up with a private English-language tour as no one else was there at the time.
You’re given a hairnet and helmet before heading inside to hear stories about the stalactites and stalagmites. The tour takes around half an hour.
Afterwards, continue on foot to Menites, a village famous for its lion-head fountains where fresh spring water flows straight from the surrounding hills.
It’s a peaceful and green place to pause and refill your water bottle, and there are a few restaurants nearby serving traditional Andros dishes if you’re feeling hungry.
Whilst the bus will get you to the caves, depending on when you want to return, it might be quite a wait to get the return bus. You can hike back to Chora, as I did, taking about an hour and half. If you want to have an easier day and take a break from the logistics, book this combined tour of the Foros Cave and Menites.
Where to stay in Andros
When planning your trip to Andros Island, the two best places to stay are Batsi and Chora. Each offers a different atmosphere and makes a great starting point for exploring the island. I stayed in both during my trip and enjoyed them equally.
Batsi
Batsi is a lively but relaxed beach town, with enough buzz to feel sociable without being hectic. The beachside restaurants are lovely to wander in the evening, and the wide sandy beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. I loved how Batsi had a lively feel at night but without being over the top touristy.
Several hiking routes also start near Batsi, so you don’t have to stay put on the beach. Regular buses link Batsi to Gavrio port in about 15 minutes, and on to Chora in around 45 minutes. This makes Batsi one of the most convenient places to stay in Andros if you’re travelling without a car.
Batsi accommodation
I stayed at a wonderful place in Batsi called the Cozy Nest. My favourite part was the outdoor space. Not only does it have a gorgeous terrace with views over the bay, but it also has an outdoor shower. There are bright bougainvillea all around the building.
Inside is a clean, spacious room that sleeps three and a separate kitchen and bathroom.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s calm, convenient and beautifully scenic, Cozy Nest is the place to stay.
Chora
The capital of Andros, Chora, feels more traditional and less touristy than Batsi. Many locals told me it was the more authentic choice of the two, and I could see why. With a pedestrianised main street lined with shops and plenty of restaurants, Chora is ideal for evening strolls with an ice cream in hand.
Chora is also a brilliant base for hiking. Many trails begin here, and during my two-week stay I set out on multiple walks. With a good choice of restaurants and quieter evenings than Batsi, it’s a good option if you’re looking for a more local feel.
Chora accommodation
A blend of elegance and comfort, Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel & Spa is set in the heart of Chora, just a short walk from the town’s cafes, galleries and beaches.
Housed across restored neoclassical mansions, it offers stylish rooms with oak floors, curated touches and sea-view balconies.
There’s a peaceful pool, spa treatments using natural products, and an on-site restaurant serving local flavours with a twist. This is one of Chora’s top-rated hotels.
FAQs about Andros Island
How long is the ferry from Athens to Andros?
Ferries to Andros leave from Rafina port, not the bigger Piraeus port that you might be familiar with. Journey times vary: the fast ferry takes around an hour, while the conventional ferries are closer to two hours. I’ve tried both and found each useful.
Is Andros easy to explore without a car?
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy exploring Andros without hiring a car. There’s a small local bus network that links the main towns, plus hiking trails that lead you through villages and down to beaches. Whilst the buses don’t cover the whole island, if you base yourself in a central spot like Chora or Batsi, you’ll find plenty to do within reach.
Can you fly direct to Andros, Greece?
No, it’s not possible to fly directly to Andros, Greece. Instead, you can fly to Athens on the mainland and then take a ferry. Alternatively, you can fly into Santorini, another Greek island, and get a ferry to Andros from there, changing at Mykonos island.
Where next: plan your Greek island hop from Andros Island
What I love about Andros Island, in the Cyclades, is how it feels both close to Athens and yet a world apart once you arrive. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you get home, the long village dinners, the trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and the wide open beaches.
Before you finalise your itinerary, think about where else you might want to hop. Ferries from Andros connect smoothly to Tinos and on to Mykonos, making it easy to shape your own Cyclades island-hopping trip.
I’ve used both the fast ferry and the slower boats from Athens and found both useful. Remember, the ferries for Andros usually leave from Rafina port rather than the bigger Piraeus port. You can compare schedules and book tickets easily on Ferryhopper.
After soaking up Andros, consider venturing further afield in the Cyclades. Folegandros island is perfect if you’re craving even quieter beaches and wild landscapes, while Athens makes a handy pre- or post-ferry stop for a bit of history and city energy.
Get your ferry booked and let that be the first piece of your Greek island-hopping adventure sorted.