ANDROS ISLAND
Andros is an island that can please many tastes and it is quite rare for anyone to be at a loss of things to do during their stay. First of all, the scenery is outstanding with lush vegetation, natural springs and pristine beaches. Andros has an abundant supply of water reserves and receives a considerable amount of rainfall each year, which explains the verdant landscape. Some geologists claim that Andros’ water supply actually originates from the mountains of Evia, reaching Andros through underwater aquifers found beneath the sea. Whatever the case may be, the water of Andros is famous, especially the spring of Sariza which is bottled, both still and sparkling and sold throughout Greece.
There are about sixty villages with interesting architectural styles. Andros is a very wealthy island due to the long line of ship owners and seafarers that come from there and some of the villages like Chora and Stenies have stunning homes to admire.This green and succulent island in the Cyclades is a pleasant surprise for most visitors, especially the southern part, of the island who expect a typical Cycladic landscape of rocky, barren hills and mountains with little vegetation and dry earth, especially in the summer. The terrain is mountainous with 3 verdant valleys and about 200 beaches, mostly sandy, to choose from. There are interesting caves to explore, biotopes and natural habitats, especially that of Ahlas, waterfalls, lush green forests and fertile valleys rich with citrus, olive, fig, almond and walnut trees to name a few.
BEACHES
Andros has dozens of sandy and rocky beaches, since the coastline is 176 km. The most popular sandy beaches are Nimborio in the Country, Golden Sand in Kypri and Ahla which is accessible by boat, starting from the port of Chora, or from the dirt road that only cars with four-wheel drive can cross it . Of course there are rocky beaches that are popular, such as Yalia in Stenies village, the Chalkolimionas in Stavropeda and the beach of the village Sineti. We also propose the beaches of Grias Leap (by car) and Bouros (by boat), both located in the Bay of Korthi. Remarkable for its unspoiled natural beauty is the Zorgosbeach, on the north of the island with amazing water and in an imposing location! To the north of the island are the beaches of Vitaly and Pisolimionas . The korthiou bay and the sandy beach of Mylos are ideal for lovers of serfing and windserfing.
MONASTERIES
Andros has many impressive and important churches and monasteries. Probably one of the most well-known monasteries of Andros is that of Zoodochou Pigis, which in Greek means “life giving spring”, in the village of Batsi, which is also Andros’ most “touristy” village. Equally worthwhile is the Monastery of Panachrandou, which rewards you with a stunning view of Chora, and the Monastery of Sotiros near Vitali. Also a must see and do are the many festivals that take place during the year to celebrate various saint’s name days. The festival of Aghia Marina on July 17, Aghia Paraskevi on July 26 and the festival of all festivals, the festival of the Virgin Mary of August 15.