Batsi, Andros Island: A Perfect Greek Village

Planning a trip to Andros Island and wondering what to do in Batsi? This coastal village is one of the easiest places to reach on the island and makes a brilliant base if you’re travelling without a car.

There are plenty of things to do in Batsi, Andros Island, from beach days and hikes to taverna dinners and sunset strolls.

I spent two weeks on Andros and loved my time in Batsi. I’ve visited lots of Greek islands over the years, including Folegandros, Paxos and Crete, and know what makes a place work. Batsi gets that balance right. It’s sociable without being rowdy and buzzy without being overwhelming.

Before arriving, I’d read that Batsi was over-touristed. But it felt far more relaxed and local than I anticipated. The whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and golden sand beach give it that classic Cycladic appeal, but without the chaos of Santorini.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to Batsi, where to stay, what to eat and the best things to do once you’re there.

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Getting to Batsi without a car is easy

You don’t need a car to get to Batsi. In fact, it’s one of the easiest villages to reach on Andros without one (along with Chora, on the eastern side).

Ferries from Athens to Andros run regularly from Rafina port, taking between one and two hours to reach Gavrio, Andros’ main port.  I took an early morning ferry from Rafina and was in Batsi before lunch time.

From Gavrio, you can get straight onto the KTEL bus to Batsi. The journey takes 15 minutes and costs €3.60 per person.

The bus left about 15 minutes after the ferry docked and had plenty of space underneath for my bags. The buses are timed to meet incoming ferries and will wait if there’s a delay, so there’s no need to stress about tight connections.

Pay in cash once you’re on board. A conductor will come round after departure to collect your fare.

Pro Tip: If you’re returning from Batsi, be aware that buses stop above Batsi village by the AB supermarket rather than stopping at the main stop at Batsi seafront.

Taxis are another reliable option. I found them to be reasonably priced, punctual and easy to organise via WhatsApp. As a rough guide, expect to pay around €1 per minute of travel, so Gavrio to Batsi would be about €15.

Where to stay in Batsi: Colona Beach, a hidden gem

Batsi has plenty of accommodation but be warned, staying right in the centre can be noisy at night. With bars and restaurants lining the seafront, the buzz that makes Batsi such a fun place in the evening can also make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

My top tip? Just ten minutes walk to the west is a much more peaceful area to find accommodation, at Colona Beach.

It offers the best of both worlds. Close enough to stroll into town for dinner or drinks, but tucked away in a quiet bay that feels completely separate from the busy centre. I’m a light sleeper, and this location was ideal.

The bay at Colona is absolutely beautiful. Calm turquoise waters, fewer crowds and a more relaxed feel than the main beach. It’s an easy place to fall in love with.

There are several excellent places to stay here, from simple studios to a hotel and even luxury apartments. Many offer sea views, private terraces and easy beach access.

I stayed at the fabulous Cozy Nest and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It sleeps up to three people, has a gorgeous terrace with views over the bay, is surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea, and even has a fun outdoor shower for rinsing off after a swim.

Waking up and stepping out onto that terrace each morning with a fresh juice in hand was a dream.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Batsi that’s calm, convenient and beautifully scenic, Colona Beach is the place to go.

Things to do in Batsi

Explore the backstreets

Start your day early and head away from the harbour to discover Batsi’s quieter side. Wander up the winding staircases that lead away from the front, uphill and into peaceful residential lanes.

This is where you can find some real beauty in Batsi. Lemon trees hang over garden walls, cats sleep in doorways and traditional Cycladic churches appear out of nowhere.

For a scenic snack stop, pick up a delicious and budget-friendly gyro from Aúra and eat it at the bright white Batsi Corner steps.  Afterwards, head up to Saint Philip Church for great views over Batsi village.

Batsi beach: not one but two places to swim, sunbathe and unwind

Down by the water, at Batsi’s harbour, you’ll see traditional fishing boats and colourful nets, a reminder of the area’s roots as a fishing village.

The main Batsi Beach is a long golden sweep that’s ideal for a walk or a swim. The shallows make it very accessible, but it’s also popular, with sunbeds and water sports, so don’t expect it to be quiet.

You can rent a canoe or SUP from €20 per hour or get dragged around on a giant sofa by a speedboat, if that’s your vibe.  On calm days, boat rental may be available too.

If you’d prefer something more laid-back, head over to Colona Beach instead. Just a short walk from the centre, this smaller bay is calmer, prettier and has a brilliant little beach bar.

Expect relaxed music, think reggae and soft rock, and excellent cocktails for €10. I recommend the refreshing strawberry daiquiri.  They also serve snacks if you get hungry between swims.

You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the bar, or bring your own towel and set up near the rocks where there’s some shade.

The sea was still cool in late June but absolutely swimmable.

Day trips from Batsi: scenic hikes

One of the main reasons I chose to visit Andros was for the hiking routes. I travel without a car and staying in Batsi means it’s easy to head out on foot. You don’t need a car to explore, just follow the trails from the centre.

One of my favourite hikes was Trail #16 to the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. The route took one hour and 20 minutes, and it’s very well waymarked thanks to the excellent work by Andros Routes. You can download route maps from their website.

Having hiked on other Greek islands like Paxos where the signage is limited, this makes a huge difference.

Along the way, I passed herds of goats (including lots of adorable kids), a few cows and fluttering butterflies. Once I reached the monastery, the views were spectacular but be warned, the Meltemi winds were in full force, and it was incredibly blustery up there.

Another great hike from Batsi is trail #11 to the inland village of Katakilos. This walk is more strenuous and takes longer, but you’re rewarded with countryside views and a few beautiful churches along the way.

Once at Katakilos, you can stop for food or a cold drink at O Ghreghos restaurant. The trail has optional add-ons via the mini circular routes Kali 1 and Kali 2, but I’d suggest skipping them. I tried them and didn’t find much of interest.

If hiking’s not your thing, Batsi still makes a great base for short day trips. Just ten minutes away by bus is Golden Beach. 

I spent a lovely day at Golden Beach, relaxing on the sunbeds.  This beach is a big stretch of soft golden sand, with calm waters.  The beach bar is chilled out and serves great snacks and drinks which you can order via staff on the beach without even needing to leave your sunbed – the ultimate in beach laziness.

It’s easy to get to Golden Beach on the regular buses that stop in Batsi (outside AB supermarket) and run along the west coast of the island.

Evenings in Batsi

I found on my trip to Batsi that the evenings had a great energy. The village lights up at night, with the whitewashed houses and hilltop churches twinkling above the bay.

Grab an ice cream and take a slow walk along the beach and harbourside. It’s a simple way to soak up the magical atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood to browse, most of the small shops stay open into the evening. You’ll find gifts, local foods and handmade souvenirs, as well as a few clothing and jewellery boutiques. Or grab a drink and settle in for a bit of people-watching.

The atmosphere here is vibrant but not rowdy. It’s ideal if you want somewhere with a bit of buzz without the chaos of bigger island resorts. For couples or solo travellers looking for relaxed, sociable evenings, Batsi is a great choice.

And if you’ve booked a stay near Colona Beach, you’ll get the best of both worlds.  You can dip into the liveliness of the centre, then stroll back to peace and quiet when you’re ready to call it a night.

Where to eat in Batsi: my favourite restaurant

Eating out in Batsi is a real highlight, with plenty of tavernas serving up fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes at fair prices. The atmosphere is warm and easy-going, making it a lovely place to linger over a long meal.

My favourite restaurant was Stamatis Tavern. We shared a table packed with delicious starters: crisp fried courgette, creamy fava dip and a local Andros speciality of baked cheese with vegetables.

For mains, we had generous helpings of mousakka and gemista. It’s the kind of place where you end up ordering more than you meant to because everything looks (and tastes) so good. Expect to take your time eating here.

Another great option is Mi Se Meli Taverna. It’s right on the water’s edge, with candlelit tables looking out to sea. The service was excellent and the food and cocktails were both delicious, but it’s the romantic setting that really stood out.

Don’t forget to visit Chora for more great restaurants on Andros.

Wrap up: Start your Andros adventure in Batsi

If you’re heading to Andros and want the perfect place to start your trip, Batsi is a brilliant choice. It’s lively without being overwhelming, full of great food and swimming spots, and easy to reach without a car.

To avoid the night time noise of the main central drag, book accommodation near Colona Beach. It’s just a ten-minute walk into town, but feels worlds away when you’re ready to rest.

We stayed at the Cozy Nest apartment right above Colona Beach and I genuinely wished I’d booked it for longer. This place felt like our own little slice of paradise. It’s right across from the dirt path down to the beach, so you can head out for a peaceful early morning swim before anyone else arrives.

You could easily spend a whole week in Batsi without ever needing a hire car.  Just ferries buses, sea swims and hiking. 

If you’re planning a longer stay on Andros, my Andros Island guide, coming soon, will include public transport tips, hiking routes, and suggestions for what to do.