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What if one of the prettiest and most diverse Greek islands was only 2 hours from Athens?
That’s right! Andros is a special place I’ve been lucky to visit a few times over the past few years.
It is also a very popular spot for the Athenian elite, and has retained a charm that is hard to find in lots of places.
Offering both stunning beaches, cultural sights, hiking trails and one of the cheapest ferry crossings in the Aegean, I think you will love it.
If you’re looking for solid recommendations on things to do for your first trip (or return trips) you’ll get it here.
Plus, everything I mention includes prices updated for 2026 so you know how to estimate your cost for you Greece trip.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR ANDROS
- ⛴️ Port: either a rental car or private transfer taxi. Most platforms don’t operate on the island (Uber/Welcome Pickups) so you’ll need a taxi
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⛴️ Ferry tickets: There are a lot of ferry providers but I prefer Ferry Scanner for their simple UI.
- 📱Grab an eSIM to stay connected with Airalo starting from $1.5 per day
How to reach Andros
First things first… arrivals. Andros has no airport, but that is fine, because you’ll have no trouble reaching it via ferry.
These depart from Rafina (not Piraeus) and take about 1–2 hours.
There is a Fast Ferry option that can go up to €40 each way, or a very reasonable 2-hour crossing for around €25. The ferry from Rafina to Andros has historically been one of the cheapest around Greece at under €20. The new price is still very good though.
Once you arrive in Andros, you’ll be in Gavrio (on the northwestern side of the island), which is roughly a 45-minute drive to Chora (the main town of the island). Yes, Andros is a large island, so make sure to think ahead about how you want to move around.
Transportation around Andros
The winner here is a rental car. Some Greek islands do better with scooters, some with ATVs (hello Alonnisos), and some just need a vehicle.
In my opinion, Andros is one of those places where you’ll prefer to have your own vehicle. There are a lot of mountainous passes to explore, long distances to cover, and a car makes you less dependent on public transportation or taxis. The price of a car rental is usually much cheaper than getting taxis every day anyway.
🚗 Andros is a big island, which means you’ll need to rent a car. I prefer booking through platforms like Discover Cars, which takes some of the stress, questions, and uncertainty when it comes to insurance, paperwork, and coverage.
Pros and Cons of Andros
Not every Greek island is the same, and some cater to different people.
You’ll probably enjoy Andros more if:
💌 YOU ENJOY
- you enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday
- you want a budget destination that has a lot of free things to do
- you enjoy hiking, beaches and nature
- you want something close to Athens
⚠️ NOT IDEAL FOR
- you crave extensive nightlife
- you don’t want to drive or reach everything on foot while staying in one place
10 Things to Do in Andros
Explore Chora
In case you don’t know, Chora is the classic name for the main village on many Greek islands.
The Chora of Andros is incredible. It is easy to explore on foot, has picturesque spots everywhere you turn, plus lots of tavernas, coffee spots, museums and activities.
Staying in Chora during your trip is a great option (albeit slightly more expensive usually), and you’ll have more dining options while also being able to move around on foot during the day.
Visit one of the many beaches
There are a ton of stunning beaches in Andros. While you might think this is true all over Greece, it is especially true here.
Never in my life have I been tempted by so many beach spots on one island. Some of the most famous are Tis Grias to Pidima (with the rock formation in the middle) and Achla, which has traumatized many a tourist with its rocky steep “road” and is honestly easier to reach by boat.
But there are also a lot of beaches in Andros that are quite difficult to access.
I highly recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle for that reason, because you’ll need it to reach the more hardcore terrain options.
Some of my less accessible favorite beaches in Andros are up north, like:
Vitali: The winding dirt road makes it a bit difficult to reach.
Zorkos: Further north from Vitali and also accessible via a dirt road.
Fellos: On the west coast of the island, further north from the port. Generally, you won’t find lots of tourists here, but you will find crystal-clear waters, shade and sand.
Golden Sand: Perfect for families and very easy to reach, near the main port.
Go hiking on the Andros Trails
Probably one of my favorite things to do in Andros is hiking. I was lucky to do a short hike on my last visit, on a trail called “The Watermills of Frousei,” also known as Route No. 14.
In addition to the lush vegetation and serene path, the trail is full of ruined watermills and usually takes about 2 hours for 5 km. You should also pack a swimsuit so you can dip into the cold spring water.
Overall, there are about 500 km of historic footpaths, and Andros Route (the volunteer organization that started the restoration of these traditional mule paths) has created a 100 km route spanning the length of the island.
In 2015, they even received the prestigious “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” certification.
If you plan to visit in late spring, like April or May, you’ll find the rivers and springs still full of water, making Andros an ideal place for active holidays.
📍Cost: Hiking on the island is completely free, apart from the gear and transport that is. But if you want a guided experience, I do recommend reaching out to the Explore Andros team.
Visit Batsi Village
Batsi is one of the most popular seaside villages, with a charming port, lovely beach and lots of seafood restaurants to indulge in. Make sure you also wander through the cobblestone streets.
The other thing Batsi is famous for, even though I can’t personally attest to it, is the nightlife. If you’re looking for nightclubs and chill bars to finish your night, this is probably the place to go on the island.
Stop at Agia Sophia Church
The church right next to the popular beach of Tis Grias to Pidima is worth a stop, especially during sunset.
You can also attempt to go in or around the stone structure on the side, which I’m assuming was an old mill. I haven’t checked if the church is still operating, but if so, it must be a popular place for weddings.
Swim at Pythara Waterfalls
From Chora, this place is relatively easy to reach and makes for a cool escape (not that you are ever too far away from a nice beach in Andros). You’ll find the waterfalls in the village of Apikia, and you only need to walk about 1 km from the village.
I do remember struggling a bit to find the initial sign, but it is there, and the place can get quite busy during peak summer.
The other popular waterfall spot is Gerolimni, which you can also visit through an organized tour with Explore Andros.
Go underground at Foros Cave Aladinou
Once again, Andros surprises visitors with yet another interesting place to visit: the Foros Cave, one of the oldest and most significant caves discovered in Greece.
It is also very close to Chora (just 4 km away), so you don’t have to travel far to reach it.
The only way to enter is with an organized pre-booked tour, which usually lasts about 15–20 minutes. They provide all the equipment you need, including helmets and flashlights. Expect to see beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.
I once experienced a temperature drop of more than 20 degrees while driving through some of the mountainous areas of the island, with heat waves down at the beach and cold winds and fog up in the mountains.
📍Cost: The entry fee to the cave is €5 or you can book a guided tour that includes nearby villages, directly from Explore Andros.
Go on a road trip
Did I mention you’ll need a car in Andros? While you’ll be able to find taxis, getting around with your own vehicle is the best way to explore the countless beaches, small villages and hikes around the island.
The road from Gavrio (the port) to Chora (the main town) hugs the coast and can be stunning on a clear day. That said, it is also quite windy, and you’ll need to watch out for aggressive driving from other drivers.
Hike to the castle in the morning
If you want a different viewpoint, some adventure, or great photos… head to the Castle of Chora (the Venetian Castle) early in the morning.
For starters, if you begin early, you’ll enjoy a delightful walk through the streets of Andros, which tend to remain quiet even in the middle of August. The castle was built in 1207 and later destroyed by the Germans in 1943, so not much remains of the original barracks and towers. There is, however, an archway (built after the war) that you can use to cross over. Head to the other side for amazing views of the lighthouse (Tourlitis), or go inside the little cave.
From my experience, the walk across the bridge feels more manageable than it first appears. That said, it is both steep and narrow, so if you have mobility issues, this might not be the walk for you.
Snap a photo in front of the Holy Church of Saint Barbara
This is a sweet white chapel situated just on the edge of the town, before you reach the square with the Monument to the Unknown Sailor and the Castle. Unfortunately, like most churches in Andros, it is usually closed to visitors.
Taste some local delicacies
Andros has a few food options that you will not find on other islands around Greece, so it is a good idea to know about them ahead of time and order them.
In terms of savory dishes, you have to try:
- Fourtalia: Looks like an omelette and usually comes with potatoes and local sausage. Very hearty and filling.
- Volaki cheese: One of the island’s most popular local cheeses.
And for sweet treats:
- Amigdalota: Everyone around Greece knows these almond cookies — a particular style of sweet made here. The go-to spot on the island is Zairis, the local patisserie.
You should also do a honey tasting:
For something a bit different, especially when visiting with kids, why not stop at 3Melisses, an organic honey farm on the north side of the island.
This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path location that might not appeal to everyone, but I think it’s worth mentioning if you crave authentic experiences away from the crowds.
In addition to their great honey, which you can taste and buy, you can enjoy coffee and refreshments. Since it is a family business and doesn’t run typical tourist tours, it is worth calling ahead to make sure they’re there.
Take a boat trip
Some spots on the island are best reached by boat, one of which is Achla Beach. Unfortunately, every time I visited, the wind was too strong, so I missed my opportunity.
📍Cost: If you’re looking for boat tour prices and operators online, you might disappointed. Andros still does things a bit more traditionally. I highly recommend reaching out to to Explore Andros – a company I’ve worked and travelled with that I would recommend.
Visit Goulandris Museum
There are a lot of museums in Andros, but I would start with the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re surprised there is such a cosmopolitan modern art museum on a small island, I understand the confusion.
The picture becomes clearer when you learn that the Goulandris family comes from Andros. The name might not be familiar to you (yet), but it belongs in the same conversation as Onassis or Niarchos, as they are a prominent shipping dynasty.
Together, Basil and Elise Goulandris established a foundation in 1979 and used part of their fortune to support cultural development on the island and beyond. You can actually spot their names attached to various projects, statues and public features around Andros.
The Contemporary Museum in Andros was specifically built to house the works of Andriot sculptor Michalis Tombros, but you might also know the more famous Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens, one of my absolute favorite museums in Greece. It houses works ranging from Van Gogh and Pollock to contemporary Greek artists.
The art collection they amassed is said to be worth over 3 billion dollars and has been the subject of various legal battles in recent years, since they had no children to inherit the collection and reportedly left no will.
📍Cost: Tickets to the Modern Art Museum cost €8 in 2026. The museum is open from June most days apart from Tuesdays. There are two time slots one in the morning and one evening/afternoon.
Keep in mind
Here is some more information you might find useful while planning your trip.
- Andros is second only to Naxos in terms of size in the Cyclades and is in the top 15 largest islands in Greece, so you’ll have plenty of space to wander.
- The island owes its wealth and prosperity to merchants and maritime trade. This is why you’ll find so many beautiful homes that have stayed within families for generations.
- I would recommend spending at least 5 days here if you want the chance to see multiple areas around the island.
- There is no airport in Andros.
- It is one of the greenest (and most mountainous) islands in the Cyclades.
- You might experience a lot of wind. Like nearby Tinos, Mykonos and most of the Cyclades, Andros gets the seasonal meltemi winds. Here they can be particularly strong on the north and east coast. If that happens, you still have plenty of options to take cover on the south and west coast.
History of Andros
According to Greek mythology, Andros was a grandson of the god Apollo and his father Anio was king of Delos. He also had a brother named Mykonos, who ruled over the neighboring island. Andros was also a place of worship for the god Dionysus, lover of wine, fertility, and vegetation.
The beautiful springs in the village of Menites, where visitors stop for a refreshing dinner under the shade of the plane trees, are according to one account part of the ancient spring of the temple of Dionysus found in the area.
Where to Stay in Andros
I’ve stayed in Andros twice during the hot summer months. Once was on a trip with a friend, and the other for work, kindly hosted by CTN Andros.
Options range from luxury resorts to small bed and breakfasts near the beach, depending on your preferences and budget.
- Camara Suites: A gorgeous, ideally located, and historical, fortified tower in the center of Andros with seriously impressive architecture. If you are a lover of luxury, and want the best view, and a backdrop that is Instagram-worthy everywhere you look, stay here.
- Belvedere Andros: Near Batsi, this property features an outdoor pool, clean and spacious apartments and great balcony views.
- Sunsetview1 Studios: A very well-priced option in Batsi, with picturesque blue and white holiday apartments next to the water.
Cost of travel in Andros
How much should you budget for Andros?
Compared to other Cycladic islands like Mykonos or Santorini, I find Andros to be surprisingly reasonable.
Accommodation prices can still climb during peak summer (especially in August), but overall this is one of the more affordable Greek islands considering how much space, nature and beach access you get.
Here’s a rough estimate of what to expect in 2026:
|
Expense |
Estimated Cost (2026) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Ferry from Rafina |
€25–€40 each way |
Depends on ferry company and speed |
|
Car rental |
€35–€70 per day |
Higher in August |
|
Fuel |
€20–€50+ |
Depends how much you explore |
|
Hotel / Studio |
€70–€180 per night |
Budget to mid-range summer pricing |
|
Beach sunbeds |
€15–€40 per pair |
Some beaches still free |
|
Taverna meal |
€15–€30 per person |
Seafood costs more |
|
Coffee / Freddo Espresso |
€4–€6 |
Pretty standard around Greece now |
|
Museum entry |
€5–€12 |
Depends on museum |
|
Cave tour |
Around €10–€15 |
Foros Cave guided entry |
|
Boat trip |
€25–€70+ |
Depends on destination |
A couple travelling comfortably with a rental car, tavernas and mid-range accommodation could realistically expect to spend around:
- €220 per day for 2 people
- more if staying in luxury hotels or dining out constantly
For backpackers or lower-budget travelers:
- around €60–€90 per person/day is still possible ONLY outside peak season.
Even the cheapest accommodation will be a minimum of €40 per day, plus €30 per day for a car rental and €20 for food, if you are eating in bakeries.
If you’re bringing your own car with a ferry, it does get cheaper, but most rental companies won’t allow you to bring rentals on boats.
One of the nice things about Andros is that many of the best experiences — hiking trails, mountain drives, hidden beaches and village walks — don’t cost much at all.
Short on time? Top Greece recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Greece: The easiest way to stay connected in Greece is with an eSIM you install before departure. I’ve tested several options. Use my code BACH20 for 20% off with Superalink
🚖 Airport Tip: Skip waiting for a taxi and book your Athens airport transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. For under $50 you’ll have peace of mind and comfort. This guide Athens to City Centre will give you more cheaper options
🏺 Best THINGS TO DO: Greece has a ton of interesting cultural sights, here are some ideas of my favorite things you can plan in regions that you might not know about:
50+ Amazing Things to Do in the Peloponnese (By Region and Interest)
30+ Things You Can do in Crete Island in Greece (Read Before you Book)
How to Get from Piraeus Port to Aegina Island (2026 updated)
Best Rated Food Tours in Athens (and Suggestions from a Local)
⛴️ Ferry tickets: There are a lot of ferry providers but I prefer Ferry Scanner for their simple UI.
