Andros

Day 1: Chora, waterfalls and the east coast

Ease into Andros with a blend of culture and nature around the island’s elegant capital. You’ll sample Chora’s maritime heritage, a short green walk to waterfalls, and—if the wind allows—a famous landmark beach.

• Morning: Wander Chora’s marble main street to the square of the unseen sailor for sweeping sea views of the Tourlitis lighthouse. Cross the stone arch to the Venetian kastro ruins, then coffee and a sweet at a café facing the Aegean; arrive before 10:00 for soft light and fewer people.
• Midday: Drive 15 minutes to Apikia and stroll 10–15 minutes to the Pythara waterfalls along a shaded path; flow is strongest in spring, lightest by late summer. Lunch in Apikia or Stenies (try fourtalia), then a scenic drive back via the verdant ravines.
• Afternoon: If winds are light or southerly, head to tis Grias to Pidima (park and walk 5–10 minutes down a steep path; best before 16:00 for space). If the meltemi is strong (N 5+ Bft), switch to Chalkolimnionas or Batsi beach on the west for calmer seas and easier swimming.
• Evening: Golden-hour stroll back in Chora from Riva square and along the peninsula. Dinner at a traditional taverna; linger for the evening volta and gelato as the town lights reflect on the sea.

Day 2: West-coast sands and a monastery panorama

Today focuses on Andros’ calm, family-friendly west coast, with options for watersports and a late-afternoon climb to a spectacular monastery view. If the sea is glassy, you can swap the afternoon for a boat trip to Achla.

• Morning: Swim at chryssi ammos or agios petros; both are long, sandy and typically sheltered from the north wind. Claim tamarisk shade early in July–August, and keep a simple “beach kit” (water, snacks, umbrella) in the car.
• Midday: Try paddle-boarding or windsurfing at kypri/agios kyprianos; non‑drivers can reach these via the KTEL bus between Gavrio–Batsi–Chora. Casual lunch at a beach taverna; card payments are widely accepted but carry some cash.
• Afternoon: Drive inland to the 10th‑century Panachrantou monastery for the island’s grandstand view over Messaria and Chora; modest attire and quiet voices appreciated. Alternative on calm days: take the boat from Chora to achla beach (weather permitting), returning mid‑afternoon.
• Evening: Sunset and dinner on Batsi’s harbourfront—ideal for a relaxed swim-then-supper rhythm. Nightcap with rakomelo; families love the promenade atmosphere.

Day 3: Northern adventure and Korthi heights

Save your adventure for last: the north’s wild coves when winds are light, or a classic ridge-and-gorge hike that ends by the sea if it’s blowing. Cap the trip with a 360‑degree castle-top sunset.

• Morning: If winds are ≤3–4 Bft, take a high‑clearance car/4x4 to zorkos or vitali (slow on gravel; check you have a spare tyre); swim and snorkel close to the rocks only when the sea is calm. If windy, hike Andros Route 3 (Chora → Dipotamata gorge → Korthi; 4–4.5 hours, well marked) for bridges, watermills and big coastal views.
• Midday: Beach option: simple lunch at the lone taverna near zorkos/vitali or picnic under tamarisks. Hike option: picnic en route and descend to korthi bay for a restorative swim and a café frappe on the sand.
• Afternoon: Detour to the shipwreck cove of vori (only in calm conditions) or drive above Korthi to kastro faneromeni/pano kastro on the ridge near kochylou (short uphill walk; gravel access). Bring a windproof layer even in summer—gusts can be fierce on exposed ridges.
• Evening: Return via the scenic inland road (Arni → Batsi or Chora) for expansive dusk views. Farewell dinner—fresh fish or kakavia if available—and, on clear nights, a little stargazing; Andros has wonderfully dark skies away from towns.

Notes for all days:

• Check the daily wind forecast each morning (meteo.gr). On strong north-wind days, prefer south and west beaches; on rare south winds, seize the north.
• Spring (Apr–May) is green and cool for hiking; summer (Jul–Aug) demands early starts, shade and extra water; September offers warm seas and fewer crowds.
• Roads to remote beaches can be rough—drive slowly and never force a low-slung car down a track.

By Air

• Andros has no airport.
• Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway.
  • To Rafina port (for ferries): taxi 25–45 min; KTEL Attikis airport bus 50–70 min (pay on board; runs throughout the day).
• Mykonos (JMK) is a useful seasonal alternative.
  • Taxi 10–15 min to New Port (Tourlos), then ferry to Andros (about 1h30–2h10, seasonal schedules).
• Syros (JSY) has limited domestic flights; onward ferry links to Andros usually require a change (often via Tinos).

By Ferry

• Primary route: Rafina (Attica) to Gavrio (Andros).
  • Duration: approx. 1h10–2h depending on vessel.
  • Operators typically include Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries (and occasionally SeaJets). Multiple daily sailings in summer; fewer in winter.
  • Book ahead for July–August and weekends. Arrive 45–60 min early with a vehicle; 20–30 min as a foot passenger.
• Inter-island links: regular services from Tinos and Mykonos; occasional links from Syros (often via Tinos/Mykonos). Check current timetables.
• Arrival: Gavrio port with buses and taxis meeting most ferries (to Batsi, Chora/Andros Town, Korthi).

By Bus

• From Athens Airport to Rafina: KTEL Attikis bus from outside Arrivals; about 50–70 min, frequent daily (pay on board).
• From central Athens to Rafina: KTEL Attikis buses from Pedion tou Areos (Mavrommateon St) and also via Nomismatokopio (Metro Line 3) stop; about 60–75 min depending on traffic.

By Train

• If arriving by train to Athens Railway Station (Stathmos Larissis):
  • Metro Line 2 to Syntagma, change to Line 3 to Nomismatokopio, then KTEL Attikis bus to Rafina (total transfer time typically 70–100 min including waits); or
  • Taxi direct to Rafina (about 60–75 min, traffic dependent).

By Car

• Drive to Rafina port via Attiki Odos/A6; 25–60 min from central Athens depending on traffic (tolls on the motorway).
• Taking a vehicle to Andros is possible on conventional ferries (pre-book space in high season). Check rental-car ferry policies before travel.
• Parking at Rafina is limited; private long-stay lots operate near the port.
• On Andros: Gavrio to Batsi 10–15 min; Gavrio to Chora (Andros Town) 35–45 min; Gavrio to Korthi 60–70 min. Roads are paved but winding.