Att göra på ön Andros i Grekland - våra 14 bästa tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated August 2026 | What to see and do on the island of Andros in Greece? This Greek island, which you can find on a two-hour ferry ride from Athens, offers fantastic beaches, nice hiking trails and really good restaurants. Here are our best tips for things to see and do on Andros.

Andros in Greece

Andros is a really nice island for a holiday in Greece. The island is suitable for those who want to experience a little more genuine Greece, with beautiful beaches and good food, but without too many tourists and nightlife. If you want to stay up all night? Well, there are other destinations in Greece for you!

Att göra på Andros i Grekland - FREEDOMtravel resemagasin

The island of Andros is part of the Greek Cyclades archipelago and is located just east of Athens.

How to travel to Andros in Greece?

There is no airport on Andros, which in many ways helps the island retain its authentic feel. The big charter companies don't fly here and there are no huge hotels with lots of floors.

Despite this, getting here is relatively easy. You fly to Athens and then travel by ferry, which takes two hours. We travelled with Fast Ferries, and it was a quiet and stable trip. In our case we travelled without a vehicle, but it is also possible to bring a car on the ferry. If you are thinking of bringing a motorhome, our recommendation is that the island is best suited to smaller sized motorhomes - more on that further down!

What can you do on Andros in Greece?

So what can you see and do on Andros? We visited this island for a lovely week in September, and we've put together our top tips for the island.

1. Strolling in the main town of Chora (Andros town)

The main town on the Greek island of Andros is called Chora, but is often referred to as Andros Town. This is an incredibly charming little town, built on a steep peninsula that juts out into the sea. Here you can check out the ruins of a 13th-century castle, in a really cool location, and wander the cosy streets lined with restaurants and shops. If you like history, we can also recommend a visit to the archaeological museum.

2. Discover the cosy resort of Batsi

Another cosy place on the island of Andros is Batsi, where we stayed during our stay. This resort is small and quiet, while there are plenty of (unexpectedly good!) restaurants and bars. You'll also find beaches here, both in the centre of the resort and just outside.

3. Hire a car to explore the island

If you want to see more of the island, we highly recommend hiring a car. There are certainly some buses, including between Batsi and Andros town, but if you want to explore a little more, having your own vehicle to move around in is an incredible freedom.

The roads are of varying quality, and in places can be narrow and crowded. We thought it was perfect to drive a small car.

4. Learn about the terrace walls of Andros

You can see them everywhere on Andros – the terraced walls. These are walls created without mortar, by stacking stones on top of each other. You often see them along mountain sides in ”storeys” or ”terraces”. The walls are old, sometimes with a history dating back to ancient or Byzantine times, but most often renovated and rebuilt in stages.

The aim was to create arable land on the steep slopes. The walls held the soil in place, created flat plots and prevented rainwater from running off too quickly. Today, the knowledge, techniques and tradition of dry stone walling is an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site, entitled 'The art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques'.

5. Sunbathe and swim on Andros beaches

Many people come to the island of Andros in the summer, and for many it is the beautiful beaches that attract them. The island is relatively large and the number of tourists is fairly limited, which means it doesn't get too crowded. And yet many beaches offer cosy little beach bars! Some popular beaches include Golden Beach, Agios Petros and Zorgos.

6. Hike on certified trails

Another reason to visit Andros is hiking. There is a dedicated effort on the island, through a local organisation, to maintain and develop the island's hiking trails. There are no less than 240 kilometres of signposted and maintained trails and each trail has its own 'route angel', i.e. a volunteer responsible for keeping that particular trail in good condition.

The hiking trails on Andros are internationally certified and you can find all information about them on the website Andros Routes.

7. Take a trip to the Gerolimni waterfall

For a long time, the Gerolimni waterfall was a place known only to locals. Now tourists can also find their way here, guided by the company Explore Andros. The tour offers a nice hike, a beautiful waterfall and the opportunity to swim or swing in the water with a Tarzan liana!

8. Walk to the "Bridge of Love"

When we arrived in Andros we were told about the "Love Bridge" or "Bridge of Love" and of course we wanted to visit this place. You drive to the village of Episkopio and then walk a short and very nice distance, until you reach the bridge.

Originally called the 'Bridge of Episkopio', the bridge got its new name when it was made famous by the film 'Little England', where a scene was shot on the bridge. Nearby, there is also a long row of old stone houses, which are a bit exciting to explore.

9. Step into the Foros cave

Another interesting attraction on the island of Andros is the cave of Foros. This is a cave filled with stalagtites, stalagmites and intriguing formations and is definitely worth a visit.

During the visit you will be equipped with a helmet, and it is a good idea to wear sturdy shoes, such as sneakers. The temperature in the cave is a bit cool, and if you are freezing, you can bring a thin sweater or a summer jacket.

You go down into the cave with a guide, and our guide was fantastic engaged, which contributed to a very nice and interesting visit.

10. Check out the Panachrantou Monastery

There are several monasteries on the island of Andros, of which the Monastery of Panachrantou is one of the most interesting. The monastery is located with dramatic views at a high altitude and can be reached by car. However, from experience we can say that it is less good to trust the gps in this case. The road we took up was both extremely steep and extremely narrow - there is apparently a much better route via Korthiou.

The monastery is believed to have been founded around 960, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Nikiforos II Phokas, following his campaign against the Arabs in Crete. Legend has it that a painting of the Virgin Mary was found in a cave here, and although the painting was moved several times, it always came back - hence the choice to establish a monastery on this site.

The monastery still functions as a monastery, although only a few monks live here today. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours, and we must say that this is a fascinating place. The building feels almost like a fortress and the views are incredible.

11. Discover the countryside of Andros

One of the advantages of the island of Andros, if you want a quiet holiday, is that it is a very genuine Greek island. Most of the island is rural, and if you set off by car you can quickly familiarise yourself with small villages, where you will sometimes find a taverna or perhaps the start of a hiking trail. Almost everywhere you go, be prepared to meet goats, sheep, ducks and geese.

12. Visit a farm on Andros

If you want to get really close to rural life, it might be an idea to visit (or maybe even live on!) a farm. We visited the small farm Oak Farm, which rents out cosy accommodation via Airbnb, and can also organise various rural activities such as cooking and meeting farm animals. At the time of writing, the farm's website is not yet up and running, but you can find the farm on Instagram at @oakfarmandros.

Åsnor — The farm has two donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and of course dogs and cats.

13. try local dishes

When you visit Greece, you will naturally want to enjoy Greek food and Greek dishes. In addition, there are local specialities that are typical of the island of Andros or the Cyclades archipelago.

One of the most famous dishes on the island is Foyrtalia, which can be described as a kind of potato omelette. The dish can be ordered at various restaurants on the island or - even better - experienced at a local farm. We got to help prepare the dish (well, we sliced some potatoes!) at Oak Farm, and then enjoyed the dish along with Greek salad and fritters on courgette flowers. Fantastically good and cosy!

Another local delicacy you won't want to miss is the local cheeses. There are different varieties, but perhaps the most typical is the one called volaki, which is usually rounded and almost cone-shaped. We had this cheese served in different ways, and each time it was delicious.

14. Enjoy good Greek food in cosy restaurants

There are many great restaurants on Andros, serving traditional but also innovative Greek cuisine. Our absolute favourites were the restaurants Oti Kalo (Batsi), Mastello (Batsi) and Sea Satin Nino (Korthiou), but there are many more great places. All our tips can be found in the report below.

More to do on Andros in Greece

Want even more tips on things to see and do in Andros? Here are some more suggestions.

Boat trips can be done at various locations, such as half-day speedboat trips, tours to different beaches and short evening cruises.
Dyka you can do in different places, and of course, snorkelling.
An olive oil museum is for those who want to know more about the history of olives and olive oil on the island.
Quad bike can be hired and are suitable for some of the island's roads.
Water sports are available to try, such as windsurfing, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), wakeboarding, water skiing and kayaking.

Where to stay in Andros?

You can choose both different resorts for accommodation on Andros, and different types of accommodation. We stayed at Paradise Design Apartments in the village of Batsi, and we really liked both the hotel and the location. The hotel itself is a little smaller, with a stylish design and a very nice and personal welcome from the owners.

Breakfast is served in the small restaurant next door. There you can choose between tea and different types of coffee, which are combined with freshly squeezed juices, omelettes or sandwiches and toast with jam or honey. Best of all is the Greek yoghurt, which can be served with honey or fruit. So incredibly good!

Are you coming to Andros by campervan? There is a single campsite on the island, Andros Campingand we checked it out. The campsite, which is within walking distance of the harbour in Gavrio, is lovely with excellent service buildings, a small restaurant and a lovely pool.

Please note that the campsite can accommodate motorhomes up to a maximum of 7 metres. It is also worth noting that the roads on the island are narrow and of varying quality, so it can be concluded that the island is generally best suited to motorhomes of a slightly smaller size.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

If you have time and opportunity to explore more of Greece, here are some tips for more places not too far from Andros:

All our top tips for Greece. Click on the image!

More tips on things to do in Andros?

Have you visited this beautiful island in Greece? If so, what are your top tips on what to see and do on Andros?

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Andros

How to get to Andros?

Andros has no airport. The most common way to get there is to fly to Athens and then take the ferry from the port town of Rafina, east of Athens. The ferry to Andros takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the boat.

When is the best time to travel to Andros?

May, June, September and October are often the best months, with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. July and August are warmer and busier, but Andros is generally quieter than many other Greek islands.

What is Andros known for?

Andros is known for its greenery, hiking trails, beautiful beaches and charming villages. The island differs from many other Cyclades islands by having lush valleys, natural springs and a rich cultural heritage. Andros also has a long maritime tradition.

How big is Andros?

Andros is the northernmost and second largest island in the Cyclades. The island is about 40 kilometers long and has about 8,000–9,000 inhabitants year-round.

Do you need to rent a car on Andros?

It depends on what you want to experience. If you want to visit several beaches, mountain villages and hiking trails, renting a car is the most convenient option. There are also buses between the largest towns, but they do not reach the entire island.

What are the nicest beaches on Andros?

Some of the most popular beaches are Golden Beach, Zorkos Beach, Achla Beach and Agios Petros Beach. There are both sandy beaches, pebble beaches and more secluded coves.

What is there to see on Andros?

Besides the beaches, the main town of Chora is a must-see, with its narrow alleys, museums and the small castle perched on a cliff in the sea. Many also visit mountain villages such as Menites and Apikia, the waterfalls at Pythara and the island's many hiking trails.

Is Andros a good hiking island?

Yes, Andros is considered one of Greece's best hiking islands. There are hundreds of kilometers of marked trails that run through valleys, olive groves, mountain villages and along dramatic stretches of coastline.

Is Andros child friendly?

Yes, Andros is great for families with children. Several beaches have shallow water and the island has a calmer pace than many other Greek holiday islands.

How many days should one stay on Andros?

Three to five days is enough to discover the island's highlights. If you want to combine swimming, hiking and excursions at a leisurely pace, a week is a reasonable stay.

Is Andros expensive?

Andros is often slightly cheaper than some of the more famous Greek islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos. Accommodation, restaurants and car rentals are available in a variety of price ranges, making the island suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Can you combine Andros with other Greek islands?

Yes, that's fine. Andros has ferry connections to several other islands in the Cyclades, including Tinos, Mykonos and Syros. Many people also choose to combine a few days on Andros with a visit to Athens.