standard-title Andros Island

Andros Island

Andros is an unusual Cycladic island

Η Άνδρος είναι ένα ασυνήθιστο ΚυκλαδονήσιAndros is the northern island of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, 40km long and 16km wide max. It’s an earthly paradise with a mild climate and abundant vegetation due to the rainy winter season. In addition to the lush green nature, you will find many windmills and dovecotes buildings. Merchant shipping was the first force on the island. The essential settlements to visit are Chora, Gavrio, Batsi and Ormos Korthiou.

Andros has many beaches. Perrakis Hotel is in front of two of the most amazing. Chryssi Ammos and Kypri, located on the northwest side of the island. Just like the beach of Batsi. As for the Northeast, it is worth visiting Vori, Vitali and Achla beach, while in the south you will find the Mylos and on the north of the island, the beach Zorkos. On the eastern side you can visit the beaches of Neiborio and Paraporti, and finally, to the southeast, you will see the beach of “Grias to Pidima” (The Old Lady’s Jump) with the big characteristic rock.

Άνδρος και γαστρονομίαAndros is famous for its delicious local products and traditional dishes. In fact, it is well-known for its capers as well as for its cheese. Also taste it’s smoked pork sausages as even as the famous dishes, the “Lambriatis” the stuffed lamb at Easter but traditionally cooked and the Fourtalia.

Amongst the wines, excellent is the Synetiano, as well as the products, such as Petimezi. Try some Soumada and Pontzi, and also the sweets, such as Amygdalota, Kalsounia, Pastelieres and Pastitsakia.  All of these tastes can be discovered at the scenic taverns all over the island, as well as at the hotel’s Perrakis Cyclades restaurant, which honours the Andros cuisine.

Andros and Museums

H Άνδρος των ΜουσείωνThe Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation which organises modern art exhibitions in the summers. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Andros located in Chora, to see the exhibits of the headless Kouros, Hermes of Andros and the torso of Artemis, the findings from the settlement in Zagora, as well as sculptures from the ancient capital of Andros. The Naval Museum of Andros also in Chora, which presents the naval tradition of the island and the Andros ships.

The Archaeological Museum of Palaiopoli is located in the ancient capital of Andros. Excavations have revealed parts of the ancient market and the Early Christian basilica and also the Roman baths. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Palaiopoli in a village on the slope of Mount Petalos. On the way to the sea, there are paleochristian churches, the ancient wall and also the ancient port.

Andros and history

H Άνδρος και η ιστορίαThe settlement of Zagora, perhaps the most important archaeological site of the island, belongs to the geometric period. Visit St. Peter’s Tower, 4th-3rd century BC, is located in Gavrio, which is cylindrical and has a height of 20 meters. Otherwise, the Castle of Faneromeni, which was the powerful and most notable medieval state. “Grias to Kastro” (The Old Lady’s Castle) according to the tradition, an old woman committed suicide by jumping into the sea, and then a great rock emerged on the beach, which later named “Grias to Pidima” (The Old Lady’s Jump)

Η Άνδρος και οι Μονές τηςAndros is famous for its miraculous monasteries, full of precious and historical heirlooms. It is worth visiting the Monastery of Panagia Panahrantos in Andros, an old Byzantine monastery, on the mountain Gerakones in Korthi, which preserves a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary of Evangelist Luke, the skulls and bones of St. Panteleimon and the ancient codes in the library. It celebrates on 27 July and 15 August. The great Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi or “Agia” in Batsi, along with the church of Byzantine style. It is unknown when it was founded. It celebrates the first Friday after Easter Sunday.

Learn the history of the Holy Monastery of St’ Marina where the miraculous image of the Saint is preserved. Admire the image of Saint Nicolas embroidered with silk and the hair of a nun. It celebrates on July 17th. Admire the well-preserved Holy Monastery of Saint Nicolas, of an exceptional architecture, which it preserves the miraculous image of the Virgin of Blachernae. It has an ecclesiastical refectory for the holly skulls and bones of St’ Nicolas of Vounenis. It celebrates on 9 May, 6 December and 20 July.