ANDROS

(Pocket Guide )
ANDROS

Andros is the northern most island of the Cyclades and second largest, after Naxos, with a breadth of 40 kilometers at its widest point and a length of 17
kilometers at its longest.

The island's main port is at Gavrio, which has frequent connections to Rafina. Ports at Batsi, Andros Town (Hora), and Korthi offer anchorage for fishing
boats and leisure craft.

The island has a number of rivers, canyons, gulleys, and springs; its vegetation is dense and varied and the landscape dotted with plane trees, walnut
trees, and oaks. Several routes are framed by woods or skirt streams and cascades. There are a number of cobblestone footpaths, or kalderimia, for
ramblers.

HISTORY

The island was likely named after a Cretan general by the name of Andros. It was also known as Lasia, a reference to its verdant landscape, and
Hydroussa, a reference to its water resources. In some sources, the island appears as Gavros, a name preserved today in the name of the island's port,
Gavrio. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of developed settlements on the island since at least the Mycenaean period.

The island achieved prominence in the Geometric Period (9th-7th centuries B.C.), as suggested by ruins of a settlement at Zagora on the northwestern
coast near Zaganiari. The island's size, location, sheltered harbors, dense vegetation, and water attracted settlers' interest early on and since 3000 B.C.
settlements flourished at Strofila and Makroyiali; at Plaka, there's evidence of settlements from 2000-1500 B.C., while Zagora peaked in 1000 B.C.
Ypsili, a settlement near Aprovatou, peaked a little later.

In Classical times, Palaiopolis served as the island's capital, and the city's coinage around this time suggests great prosperity. These finds, along with
the Hermes of Andros, are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum in Andros Town (Hora).

Andros came under Roman rule, before passing into the hands of the Venetians and then the Ottomans. The Byzantine churches on the island-two
examples are Taxiarhis at Ypsilos at Melida and Koimissis Theotokou at Messaria-date from the 11th century. The Monastery of Ayia (also known as the
monastery of Zoodohos Piyi) near Batsi was founded in the 14th century; foundations for the Moni Ayiou Nikolaou were laid in 1560 and the monastery
underwent restorations in the 18th century. The Moni Panachrantou was founded in the mid-17th century. The first established pre-independence
revolutionary school was housed in Ayia Triada at Korthi in 1813.

The banner of the revolution was raised on the island on May 10, 1821, by Theofilos Kairis and the island actively participated in the struggle for
independence.

In modern times, the island developed its merchant marine sector. Dimitrios Moraitis inaugurated the first route linking Greece to North America in the
early 20th century; in 1939 Andros's shipping registry ranked second, after that of Piraeus.

SIGHTS
● Ayios Petros Tower at Ano Ayios Petros. Cylindrical tower, built from slate. The tower sits on a 9.40-meter diameter base and extends to 20
meters. It's believed to date from the fourth or third centuries B.C. or even the Mycenaean period.
● Makrotantalos Tower. The structure is also sometimes referred to as the Castle of Ostodosia. It's a typical example of Venetian defensive
architecture on the island. The tower is located at the rocky end of Pyrgos beach on the northern tip of the island's western coast.
● Vryokastro at Varidi. Sections of the island's fortifications are preserved here. The walls protected inhabitants from raids.
● Kastellaki at Gides. Small fortifications opposite the Kalokairini settlement.
● Fryktoria in the Ayia Marina area at Makrotantalos. Tower used to relay messages across the Aegean; only a section of its base is preserved.
● Monastery of Zoodohos Piyi. The Monastery of Zoodohos Piyi (Life - Giving Source), also known as Moni Ayias, is located at Kapsorahi along the
route linking Batsi to Gavrio. It's one of the oldest monasteries in the Cyclades.
● Byzantine - era Monastery of Sotiros in the Vitali district
● Archaeological site of Palaiopolis. Excavations initiated in 1830 uncovered, two years later, the Hermes of Andros - a headless female sculpture
removed to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
● Archaeological Museum of Palaiopolis: the museum has interesting finds from sites around the island.
● Ancient Zagora. The ancient settlement of Zagora is located on a remote mountain plain, about 160 meters above sea level, on the Zagora
peninsula.
● Ypsili Archaeological Site (also known as Aprovatou). Excavations have unearthed ruins of an ancient settlement and a fortified acropolis with an
Archaic temple.
● Apoikia and the Sariza mineral springs.
● Apatouria village, with its arched stone bridges, rustic cottages, and lush Pythara ravine.
● Stenies village, home to the island's sea captains, with picturesque alleys winding around homes; note the communal laundry, old pasta factory,
and the biggest watermill in the Balkans.
● Mesaria, the financial and trade center of the island under Byzantine rule; note the church of Archangel Michael.
● Lamyra, a verdant village known for its streams and springs.
● The Byzantine-era monasteries of Panachrantou and Ayios Nikolaos; the former perches on Mount Katafiyi and the latter is near Achla beach.
● The Foros cave in Mesaria's Aladinou district.
● Faneromeni Castle in the Korthi district; it was built during the Middle Ages for locals to take shelter during pirate raids.
● Dipotamata, a pretty valley that extends for seven kilometers in the northeastern area of the island, between Syneti, Palaiokastro, and Kochylou.
● Dovecotes around the island, but mainly around Dimos, are unique examples of vernacular architecture.
● The church of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity) at Korthi, which housed the first pre -independence school on the island. The church houses a number of
rare relics and manuscripts.
● The Byzantine-era churches of Ayios Ioannis Theologos and Ayios Nikolaos at Korthi and Ayios Georgios at Farali, along the secondary route to
Kapparia.
● Watermills, especially around Korthi, where over 40 watermills have been preserved near Dipotamata as well as at Aidonia, Vouni, and Piso
Meria.
● The Archaeological Museum in Andros Town (Hora).
● The Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros Town (Hora).
 ● The Maritime Museum in Andros Town (Hora).
● The Museum of Traditional Arts and Byzantine Icons in Andros Town (Hora).
● The Kaireios Library in Andros Town (Hora).
● The Kydonieos Foundation in Andros Town (Hora).
● The Olive Museum (Pitrofos).
● The Tower of Agadaki (Hora).

BEACHES
● Ayios Petros: organized sand beach.
● Liopesi: sand beach near Gavrio.
● Psili Ammos: organized sand beach near Ayios Petros.
● Ayios Kyprianos: pebble beach at Kypri.
● Lykeio: organized sand beach at Batsi.
● Kolona: sand beach at Batsi.
● Stivari: shingle beach at Stivari.
● Anerousa: organized sand beach at Aprovatou.
● Ayia Marina: pebble beach at Aprovatou.
● Ayia Eleousa: pebble beach at Palaiopolis.
● Ateni: sand beach at Katakoilo.
● Vori: sand beach near Arni.
● Lefka: sand beach near Fellos.
● Selki: sand beach at Makrotantalo.
● Kaminaki: sand beach near Makrotantalo.
● Vlyhada: pebble beach near Makrotantalo.
● Vitali: sand beach near Vitali.
● Mikri Peza: sand beach near Makrotantalo.
● Megali Peza: sand beach at Makrotantalo.
● Gides: sand beach at Gides.
● Tis Grias to Pidima, at Korthi.
● Mylos at Ormos.
● Small beaches at Vintzi, Ayia Ekaterini, Bouro, and Melissa featuring sea caves.
● Syneti, featuring sea stalactites.
● Ai Yianni, beach at Kremmydes; accessible only by boat.
● Plaka, on the island's west coast.
● Steno at Steno.
● Neiborio and Paraporti, the two beaches nearest Andros Town (Hora), can be reached on foot.
● Yialia and Piso Yialia off the road to Stenies.
● Ahla at the mouth of the Ahla River.
● Halkolimionas on the island's west coast.

EVENTS

Andros Town (Hora):

● Ploes, annual music and arts festival organized by the Kydonios Foundation

Gavrio:
● Gavriotika, cultural festival held during the first fortnight of August that opens with five days of sports events—chess tournament, egg relay, sack
race—followed by exhibition of paintings by local amateur artists. On the closing day, visitors are treated to fish stew (kakavia) and wine.
● Karnavali, festival held on the last Saturday of the pre-Lenten carnival featuring a costume and float parade, fireworks, and dance.
● In August, a traditional glendi (music and food) is held in the village square at Ano Ayios Petros with violins, tsipouro, and wine.
● At Kypri, a traditional glendi is held on October 2 to mark the feast day of Ayios Kyprianos.
● Various events are organized along the Gavrio waterfront on December 6 in observance of the feast day of Ayios Nikolaos, the town’s patron.
The centerpiece is a parade by torch-wielding schoolchildren accompanied by the Philharmonic marching band.
Batsi:
● Folk dance groups from throughout Greece participate in a dance exhibition in Batsi’s main square every September.

Makrotantalo:
● Annual cultural event organized in August to highlight folk traditions; it features music and free wine, and is held at the Kallivari elementary
school.
● On September 7, a religious and folk festival is held at the church of Ayios Sozon in observance of the saint’s feast day. Services are followed by
food served in the courtyard.
● On August 29, the feast day of Ayios Ioannis Prodromos is observed with a folk festival featuring food and wine.

Ammolohos:
● Paniyiri (religious and folk festival) on August 15 in observance of the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin. After morning church services,
blessings are offered at homes where sweets and refreshments are offered; in the evening, traditional music, dancing and food—tsipouro, tripe
soup (patsas), and meze—are offered at an open feast in the elementary school courtyard.
Ano Gavrio:
● The feast of Ayia Sofia on September 17 is observed with church services, followed by blessings offered at homes where sweets and
refreshments are offered; in the evening, there’s dancing and food—tsipouro, local wine, and sugar-dusted almond cookies
(kourambiedes)—offered in locals’ front yards.
Palaiopolis:
● Paniyiri (religious and folk festival) on July 17 in observance of the feast of Ayia Marina. After morning church services, blessings are offered at
homes where sweets and refreshments are offered; in the evening, a dance featuring traditional music is held.
Aprovatos:
● Paniyiri (religious and folk festival) on August 23 in observance of the feast ninth day memorial of the Dormition of the Virgin. After morning
church services, blessings are offered at homes where sweets and refreshments are offered; in the evening, a dance featuring traditional music is
held.
Katakoilo:
● Paniyiri (religious and folk festival) on July 27 in observance of the feast of Ayios Pandeleimon. After morning church services, blessings are
offered at homes where sweets and refreshments are offered; in the evening, there’s dancing and drinking.
● Paniyiri at Pano Katakoilo on August 28 in observance of the feast of Ayios Ioannis Nisteftis at Kato Katakoilo. Evening prayer service is followed
by the breaking of bread, then dancing with live traditional music.
● Paniyiri on August 15 in observance of the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin and on September 26 in observance of the feast of Ayios Ioannis
Theologos; church services followed by blessings offered at homes where refreshments are offered, then dances with live traditional music at
local tavernas.
Fellos:
● Paniyiri (religious and folk festival) on March 25 in observance of Evangelismos, the Assumption of the Virgin. After services, blessings are
offered at homes where sweets and refreshments are offered.

USEFUL PHONES
MUNICIPALITY OF ANDROS 2282360200
CITIZENS SERVICE BUREAU (KEP) 2282029003
HEALTH CENTRE 2282022222
HARBOR POLICE 2282071213
POLICE STATION 2282022300
FIRE STATION 2282042099
TAXI STATION 2282022171
BUS STATION 2282022316
INFORMATION CENTRE 2282025162

ORGANIZATIONS CATALOGUE

ACCOMMODATION

ENOIKIAZOMENA DOMATIA LYGIZOU

STYLIANOU ROOMS PERASMA
NIBORIO,2282022945 STAMATOULA GAVRIO,2282071622, 6978315302
MAINITES,2282024380, 6948503669

FILIO GUESTHOUSE VALSAMIA STUDIOS VILLA PITSA

GAVRIO,2282071420, 6977269489 FELLOS,2282072149, 6992700042 BATSI,2282042398, 6974625077

MALTABE STUDIOS VILLA ALISACHNI ESPERIDES

CHORA ANDROU,2282023775, 6932631646 PALEOPOLI,2282041149, 6973218355 BATSI,2282041289, 6946469833

AEGEA BLUE 9 MUSES ZAFEIRA STYLIANOU

AGIOS PETROS,2282770850, 6974442487 CHORA ANDROU,2282024777, 6945582215 MESSARIA,2282022975, 6937479191

PERASMA AELIA MAISTRALI STUDIOS

GAVRIO,2282071622 AGIOS PETROS,2282071594, 6977871871 BATSI,2282041817, 6936937775

Villa Zefiros LIKIO STUDIOS IRENE'S VILLAS

GAVRIO,2282071774, 6977222530 BATSI,2282041050, 6976881646 CHORA ANDROU,2282023344, 6976602149

DANAIDES AMORANI STUDIOS SUNSET STUDIOS

BATSI,2282023355, 6973087924 BATSI,2282041706, 6974956637 BATSI,2282041660, 6945384914

VILLA NEFELI FAROS STUDIOS ALLEGRIA STUDIOS

BATSI,2282041965, 6974815661 CHORA ANDROU,2282022762, 6932373344 AGIOS PETROS,2282072110, 6944344644

VILLA MINA GALAXY HOTEL VILLA ALEXANDROS

KORTHI,2282061049, 6944106234 GAVRIO,2282071228 BATSI,2282041021, 6937534115

STUDIO IRENE Nicolas HOTEL KORTHION

AGIOS PETROS,2282071675, 6945779338 KORTHI,2282061595, 6932354220 KORTHI,2282061218

KATSIOTIS ENOIKIAZOMENA DIAMERISMATA -

CHORA ANDROU,2282022052, 6932898663 BATSI,2282041337, 6974255820 BATSI, 6972864947

RODAUGI VILLA MANIATH - CHRYSI AMMOS Anastasia villas

CHORA ANDROU,2282022066, 6976213383 AGIOS PETROS,2282071688, 6932464337 GAVRIO,2282072287, 6937972014

3 ALFA IROS SUITES ANEMOESA

BATSI,2282041716, 6974430953 CHORA ANDROU,2282025150, 6932542891 BATSI,2282041552, 6936161851

VILLA VIEW GOLDEN BEACH MAINADES

CHORA ANDROU,2282024158, 6946856932 BATSI,2282041236 MAINITES,2282051888, 6973732335

MIRSINI SEA VIEW RASTONI SAINT LOUIS

BATSI,2282042225, 6948486769 CHORA ANDROU,2282022666, 6977073566 CHORA ANDROU,2282023965, 6944650169

TA PLATANIA ALIKI RIVA

PALEOPOLI,2282042007, 6977805170 BATSI,2282041255, 6977694664 CHORA ANDROU,2282024412, 6974460330

VILLA LIMANAKI VILLA KOULA AIOLOS

BATSI,2282041166, 6947370878 BATSI,2282041556, 6972462675 MAINITES,2282051311, 6974314580

VILLA LONTORFOU Blue Era Apartments AMORANI STUDIOS ΙΙΙ

KORTHI,2282061478, 6977269636 BATSI,2282042465 BATSI,2282041706, 6974956637

PANSION MOSCHA VILLA PERIVOLI ANDROS RANIA ROOMS

MESSARIA,2282022391, 6973319253 LIVADIA,6945770769, 6945770769 KORTHI,2282061368, 6937236362

STUDIOS MARFO BLUE DOLPHIN KALIMERA STUDIOS

BATSI,2282041793 , 6944675252 BATSI,2282041206, 6977466034 CHORA ANDROU,2282024382

AGNANTI ALCIONI STUDIOS AFROESSA

PALEOPOLI,2282041748, 6974768519 NIBORIO,2282023652, 6973403934 MESSARIA,2282022807, 6977927571

IROS STUDIOS SKREKOS VILLA MARIANNA

CHORA ANDROU,2282025150, 6932542891 BATSI,2282041643, 6944412663 BATSI,2282041450, 6945443211

BLUE BAY ANDROS PRIVE SUITES ARCHONTIKO VARDIA

AGIA MARINA,2282041150 GAVRIO,2282072131, 6977999144 GAVRIO,2282072422, 6979256441
AGIA MARINA ΑΚΤΙΟ IDROUSSA
APROVATO,2282041963, 6944694228 GAVRIO,2282071607, 6974146497 BATSI,2282041601, 6972842888

AITHRA VASSILIKI STUDIOS NICOLAS

AGIOS PETROS,2282072312, 6945011763 CHORA ANDROU,2282023547, 6932783447 KORTHI,2282061595, 6932354220

VILLA PARADISE VILLA BONATSA AEGEAN CASTLE

BATSI,2282041328, 6977775968 BATSI,2282041530, 6945876711 PALEOPOLI,2282042100, 6975595962

EFSTRATIOS PETROU ALTHEA Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel

BATSI,2282041355, 6972105432 APROVATO,2282042404, 6979091997 CHORA ANDROU,2282022207, 6974844322

ERATO APARTMENTS ILIOS STUDIOS AL MAR

BATSI,2282041943, 692626013 BATSI,2282041004, 6972090615 BATSI,2282042330, 6973755940

EDEM SUITES ANEMOS STUDIOS VILLA ARNI

CHORA ANDROU,2282024116, 6932865051 BATSI,2282041287, 6944783998 BATSI,2282041360, 6944524063

VILLA JOANNA VILLA GEORGE

BATSI,2282041141, 6958611586 BATSI,2282042398, 6974625077

RESTAURANTS

MARJO CAFE-ITALIAN RESTAURANT OTI KALO O GIAKOUMIS

BATSI,2282041287, 6944783998 BATSI,2282041975, 6972692585 BATSI,6944684332, 6944684332

MEZEDOPOLEIO O NONAS EFTYCHIA CAFE CREPERIE GREGOS

CHORA ANDROU,2282023577, 6939198914 GAVRIO,2282071580 KATAKILOS,2282042247, 6973042614

ENALION PANAGIOTIS PETRAKIS NOSTALGIA

NIBORIO,2282022105, 6977757333 GAVRIO,2282071206, 6977911355 CHORA ANDROU,2282024496

STYLIANOS VOLIKAS MASTELLO CAVO THEMELOS

BATSI,2282041315, 6974524758 BATSI,2282029198, 6974145661 BATSI,2282029426, 6976861385

TA DELFINIA BARBAROLA DROSIA

BATSI,2282041635, 6977140784 STENIES,2282023111 MAINITES,2282051451, 6972216110

PAME VANGELI ENDOCHORA DODONI

GAVRIO,2282072564, 6972250089 CHORA ANDROU,2282023207, 6932462487 BATSI,2282041649

ANDROS PUNTA PLAYA SEA SATIN NINO I PITA TIS AGORAS

KORTHI,2282025125, 6977016938 KORTHI,2282961196, 6946985543 CHORA ANDROU,2282022302, 6944109761

GYALIA CAVO D'ORO KTIMA GOUNARI CAVO STARA

STENIES,2282024452, 6948899595 BATSI,2282041776, 6944534019 CHORA ANDROU,2282024697, 6977428581

DODONI SAILS O GIANNOULIS

GAVRIO,2282072144, 6979777875 GAVRIO,2282071333, 6944756585 AGIOS PETROS,2282071385, 6947023308

BARKAROUTSOS PARAPORTI AMMOS

GAVRIO,2282072029, 6942275109 LIVADIA,2282023515, 6932204912 BATSI,2130269082, 6970485220

I PAREA GEUSEIS ME THEA KOKKINI

CHORA ANDROU,2282023721, 6946368126 LIVADIA,2282024154, 6976259752 GAVRIO,2282071678, 6974233739

DA FRANKO CAFE BISTRO JONNY'S FOOD TO STEKI TOU ANDREA

CHORA ANDROU,2282025303, 6972883512 CHORA ANDROU,2282022299, 6987255127 FELLOS,2282072070, 6973532101

TO FOURNARAKI TA SKALAKIA PANORAMA KAFE

CHORA ANDROU,2282022822,
KORTHI,2282062333, 6972184659 MESSARIA,6979044463, 6979044463
6937486572

TOU JOSEF MENOU STAMATIS

PITROFOS,2282051050, 6944392672 CHORA ANDROU,2282022778, 6974901344 BATSI,2282041283, 6974043954

DOLLY''S BAR- MICRA ANGLIA

CHORA ANDROU,2282022207,
6974844322

ENTERTAINMENT

VRACHOS CAFE LAAS DEEP BLUE CAFE

BATSI,2282041219, 6981278958 GAVRIO,2282071201, 6937134487 BATSI,2282029108

KAFODEION MARABOU CLUB CAPRICCIO BAR

GAVRIO,2282071345, 6937048820 AGIOS PETROS,2282071201, 6936940999 BATSI,2282042051, 6944528525

AGORA CAFE SAN PARAMYTHI MOOMBA OPEN BAR - CAFE

CHORA ANDROU,2282022367, 6976808066 GAVRIO,2282072412, 6973504402 NIBORIO,2282024369, 6980338650

SKALA CENTRO BAR SWELL CAFE

BATSI,2282041656, 6945235272 KORTHI,2282062011, 6944328634 NIBORIO,2282024353, 6944879749

APOMERO CAFE LOUKOUBOMB NEPTUNO

GAVRIO,2282071680, 6976643883 BATSI,2282041186, 6937267799 CHORA ANDROU,2282025070, 6973013528
TRAVEL AGENCIES - RENTALS

AMMOLOCHOS ESCAPE IN ANDROS EUROCAR ANNA VRETTOU

AGIOS PETROS,2282071236, 6973081230 GAVRIO,2282029120, 6976421555 GAVRIO,2282071312

A.M.T. - ANDROS MARINE TRAVEL RENT A BIKE DINOS RENT A BOAT RIVA
CHORA ANDROU,2282029090 BATSI,2282041003, 6948892334 CHORA ANDROU,2282024412, 6974460330

COLOURS TRAVEL ANDROS4U PLOES TRAVEL

GAVRIO,2282029185, 6936675000 AGIOS PETROS,2282071096, 6988349405 CHORA ANDROU,2282029220, 6948402488

BATIS TRAVEL
GAVRIO,2282071489, 6977172132

ACTIVITIES

INSTITUTION OF PETROS AND MARIKAS

COPPER BEACH BAR OLIVE MUSEUM
PITROFOS,6974145661, 6979639812 PITROFOS,6932731776 KYDONIEOS
CHORA ANDROU,2282024598

TOWER OF AGADAKI KAIREIOS LIBRARY THE MONASTERY OF SAINT IRENE

CHORA ANDROU,2282022262 CHORA ANDROU,2282022262 APOIKIA,6982038281, 6982038281

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART MARITIME MUSEUM OF ANDROS

CHORA ANDROU,2282022444 CHORA ANDROU,2282022264

LOCAL PRODUCTS

ANDRIAKON PANTOPOLEIO ORGANIC

APOSTAKTIRIO ANDROU KRISILIAS
PITROFOS,6948603223 FOOD AND WINE STORE CHORA ANDROU,2282023464
GAVRIO,2282071341, 6934775676

LEONIDAS ZAIRIS LASKARIS DIMITRIOS GALANOS

MESSARIA,2282022926 CHORA ANDROU,2282022305, 6977709037 VAKONI,2282051002, 6977730606

TYROKOMIKA ANDROY KREVASARA ZACHAROPLASTEIO LYGIZOS GARYFALLOS

KORTHI,2282061304, 6973497566 CHORA ANDROU,2282024380 MESSARIA,2282022074, 6943687070

AKROPOL HERMES ARCHONTISSA TOU AIGAIOU

CHORA ANDROU,2282022390 CHORA ANDROU,2282022233, 6937041146 BATSI,2282041834, 6977238639

ANTHOS KRINOS PIGI SARIZA SOURCE

GAVRIO,2282072303, 6939129840 KORTHI,2282061230, 6972322704 APOIKIA,2282022183, 6947428314

PASTRY OF FYRIOS ZACHAROPLASTEIO KALLIVROUSIS

MESSARIA,2282051465, 6932479726 CHORA ANDROU,2282024432