Sailing in Andros - Hiking in Andros - Monasteries of Andros

Activities in Andros

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.

Here are just a few Andros island treasures:

The Walker’s Paradise, with an extensive network of well kept hiking paths that cover every inch of the island and take you through flourishing valleys, across crystal clear streams, past quaint villages, beautiful beaches and places of historical interest, is the ideal place for those who would like to go hiking in Andros. Andros Holiday Hotel offers guided hiking tours on footpaths of Andros with historical and cultural interest at selected times of the year.

Sailing in Andros

Favoured by benevolent winds and crystal clear waters, the Greeks and especially those who live on the islands, since antiquity, have been sailing the Mediterranean for trade and commerce. For most of us today sailing is a challenging and exhilarating sport. The Naval Group of Gavrio, in collaboration with Andros Holiday Hotel offers sailing courses in Andros for children and adults making it an ideal activity for the whole family. For more information please contact us or ask at the reception desk of the hotel.

Monasteries of Andros

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.

A Rich Archaeological Heritage

For archaeology enthusiasts, Andros offers many important sites of cultural interest. First in Paleopoli, there is the Ancient City of Andros and the Geometric Settlement of Zagora where the remains of houses, walls, gates and various other structures still remain. The archaeological museum is also found in Paleopolis and is well worth taking the time to visit. Also, don’t miss one of the best preserved ancient towers in Greece, that of Agios Petros (Saint Peter) in Gavrio. There is also an ongoing excavation of the site of Ancient Ispili near the town of Batsi.

Architecture

The fact that the architectural styles on Andros are not typically Cycladic but rather a mixture of different characteristics is what makes an architectural sojourn of the island so interesting. Because Andros is such a wealthy island and was home to many famous ship owners and seafarers who travelled the world and came in to contact with different cultures, you will find some architectural styles influenced from Italy and islands in the Dodecanese, especially in the villages of Chora and Stenies. You will also admire charming farmhouses, dovecotes, castles, fortified homes built to protect the island’s inhabitants from extreme weather conditions and pirate raids, watch towers, stone bridges and unique stone fences, water mills and a vast network of walking paths and donkey trails that were used by the islanders to travel from one village to the other.

Andros, an ideal island for Nature Lovers

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.

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GAVRIO 845 01, ANDROS, CYCLADES - tel: +3022820 71443 , +3022820 71384