Where to Stay in Andros

Our Favorite Andros Hotels
Luxury accommodation: Casa Di Fiore
Another budget-friendly option is the Egli Boutique Hotel Couples: Aegean Castle
Families: Blue Bay
Beach (Families): Chryssi Akti
Beach location ideal for couples: Aneroussa
Andros Town: Micra Anglia
Well-located: Krinos
Near Gavrio Port: A hotel

See Also
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Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades chain and is situated fairly close to Athens. The charming capital of the island, Chora (also known as Andros Town), has a history tied to seafaring and was once home to famous shipowners and sea captains. Today, travelers from everywhere enjoy its tavernas, coffee shops, art galleries, and handful of excellent museums.

A mountainous island, Andros has many elevated regions, green fertile valleys, and groups of olive and cypress trees. There are plenty of sandy areas with clear light blue water – great for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are looking for beaches in remote and sparsely populated areas there are numerous options, though you will need a rental vehicle to get to them.

Andros Island is perhaps most renowned for its extensive network of walking routes and hiking trails; its ancient stone pathways and scenic walking routes have made the region one of Europe`s premier locations for trekking. Most renowned is The Andros Route, an award-winning nearly 100 kilometer continuous path that initiates in the village of Gavrio (where ferry transportation arrives) and concludes on the opposing side of the island in the village of Korthi. Considered to be a leisurely hike, The Andros Route is. A majority of the island`s numerous trails are indicated with directional signs and markers.

Accommodation options on the island range from luxury five-star hotels in the main town of Chora to basic and small guesthouses with few amenities.

a large body of water with houses and boats

Getting To and Around Andros

As there is no airport on the island, access to Andros is solely by ferry; a two-hour ride by traditional ferry from Athens, or 80 minutes on a fast ferry. Ferries to Andros depart from the port of Rafina on the mainland (not Piraeus port); Rafina port is quite close to Athens International Airport, and about 25 km east of Athens. The two nearest international airports are in Athens, or south of Andros on the island of Mykonos. Andros’ closest island neighbors are Tinos, Mykonos and Syros.

A vehicle for rent is suggested to explore the island of Andros. Driving across the island and over its hilly terrain, sometimes along steep hillsides, provides stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Public transport is available from the port city of Gavrio to the main villages on the island: the capital Chora, the beach resort of Batsi, and the small village of Korthi in the south. During the summer, these buses run more regularly and incorporate stops at some of the best beaches –Kypri Beach, Golden Beach (also known as Chryssi Ammos Beach), and Agios Petros Beach

Best Places to Stay on Andros

a beach with people sitting on chairs and umbrellas

Best Places on Andros for…

  • Where to Lodge on Andros for Novices: Chora
    The historic town of Chora on the island has impressive architecture and cultural attractions, offering various lodging options to suit any first-time visitor. The only five-star hotel on the island, Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel & Spa, is located in Chora, making it a great base for exploring the pedestrian-friendly town. Chora is compact and easily navigable on foot, however there are some steps to navigate as the traditional settlement (built on the peninsula) is elevated from the sea below. Chora’s maze-like streets and lanes have beautiful archways and fountains and provide enjoyment to explore, filled with restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and gift shops

    There are numerous cultural institutions to explore such as the Contemporary Art Museum and the Archaeological Museum located in Andros β€” both were constructed and sponsored by a wealthy maritime businessman originating from Chora. The Contemporary Art Museum houses his privately accumulated assortment of paintings and sculptures bequeathed by him and his spouse. In summer months, the museum’s new wing hosts temporary exhibitions.

  • Where to Stay on Andros for a Couple or Honeymooners: Chora
    Couples traveling together will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Chora`s cobbled lanes, restored mansions, and scenic chapels, as well as its two lengthy sandy beaches – one located at each end of town. Chora also boasts the highest density of cultural attractions on the island – an art museum, maritime museum, Andros Open Theater (a amphitheater holding 900 seated), and Cine Avli (a cinema featuring classic films throughout summer). For especially peaceful and dreamy boutique lodging in Chora, check Camara Suites
  • Where to Stay on Andros for Water Activities: Kypri Beach
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    a number of people on a beach with surfboards

  • Best Location on Andros for Families with Kids: Batsi
  • Batsi, with its wide, sandy beach situated next to a lovely harbor, is Andros’ main beach resort area. The southern half of the beach contains various lounge chairs, while the northern portion is uncontrolled, permitting swimmers and sunbathers to freely lay out their towels on the sand. The gently sloping sea is perfect for little ones to splash and play in the water. There are numerous lodging options in the village, although you won’t find any five-star hotels here. Chryssi Akti Hotel offers the best access to the beach (it almost borders the sand), and additionally boasts an outdoor pool.

  • Where to Lodge on Andros without Automotive: Chora
    Chora is easy to navigate on foot and has frequent bus connections from the ferry port in Gavrio. In Chora, there are many restaurants, boutique shops, museums, cinemas, and two long sandy beaches; all within a fifteen-minute walk of the center.

The 4 Best Towns on Andros for Tourists

1. Chora (Andros Town)

The capital of Andros is Chora or Andros Town, a scenic coastal town situated on a narrow rocky peninsula jutting out into a expansive bay, a 45-minute drive from the island’s ferry port in Gavrio. Chora has an impressive appearance and is proud of its maritime heritage, showcasing an abundance of neoclassical mansions once possessed by wealthy shipowners, as well as its predominance of white colonial structures topped with red-tiled roofs.

At the core of the town lies a charming pedestrian-only zone. This maze of picturesque alleyways filled with shops, eateries, art galleries, and coffee shops is the community`s focal point. Kairi Square is in the center of the walking area and has a marble-paved plaza with leafy shade trees; locals and visitors gather here to enjoy the charming taverns, sip lemonade or ouzo, and browse the boutique stores.

The island’s top museums are in Chora and are open every summer: the Andros Archaeological Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art which includes a library, rooftop bar, and gift shop. Andros Open Theater (a 900-seat hillside amphitheater) and Cine Avli (an outdoor cinema featuring classic movies) are excellent open-air venues to watch a performance or see a film.

Elsewhere in the town center of Chora located at the tip of a peninsula are other attractions such as the Monument to the Unknown Sailor and nearby on an isolated landmass connected to the peninsula through an arched medieval stone bridge are the remnants of an ancient Venetian seaside fortress offering picturesque views. A short 15-minute automobile trip from Chora is the Cyclades Olive Museum where guided tours give insights into a historic olive processing facility.

a stone wall with a lighthouse on top of it

Chora town has two easily accessible beaches, one on each side. Neimboro Beach lies to the north; closer to the town center is Paraporti Beach, a brief five-minute walk south from the traditional district of Chora and its central area.

Chora features a suitable selection of lodging ranging from budget motels to upscale boutique hotels.

2. Batsi

a person sitting on a bench in front of a building

Batsi (or Mpatsi) is located seven km south of the island’s ferry port at Gavrio, an appealing and popular coastal town built around a gorgeous bay with a beach featuring fine-grained sand that is shallow. The village boasts a picturesque harbor directly beside its cherished beach, with an array of delightful tavernas along the shoreline. Batsi serves as the main beach resort on the island and has a lovely promenade including bars, coffee shops, several markets, souvenir shops, an ice cream/yogurt shop, and a local bakery.

Kolona Beach is a much smaller beach directly across the bay from Batsi Beach, around a 10 to 15 minute walk away. It offers scenic views of the village and entire bay during the walk. Kolona Beach has a traditional Beach Bar without organized amenities – there are no sun loungers or umbrellas.

Also just south of Batsi are various beaches including the picturesque Aneroussa Beach home to a hotel-owned beachfront bar. Continuing a little farther south is Agia Marina Beach offering options for snorkeling. Both of these beaches are a 15-20 minute walk from the village of Batsi.

3. Korthi

Korthi (also known as Ormos Korthiou) is a tranquil fishing hamlet on the southeastern side of the island, that is an excellent spot for windsurfing. There’s a scattering of tavernas along the promenade, but the town seems a little faded and is noticeably less touristy than other villages, and perhaps a little too serene for some. There are no standard hotels in Korthi, though there are some vacation rentals – but those are limited. Korthi is a 30-minute drive from Chora.

The major attraction of the area is arguably the island`s most scenic beach, Tis Grias to Pidima Beach. This truly unique beach is tucked below towering cliffs beside an impressive rock formation. It is an undeveloped beach lacking amenities, accessible only via a short, somewhat steep path down. The beach is about a ten-minute walk from a small parking area at the end of a dirt road on the adjacent hillside).

4. Gavrio

Gavrio, on Andros’ western coast, is where the ferry port is located. The village of Gavrio generally does not have much appeal as it is primarily commercial, with car rental offices and ticket services that border the waterfront next to the port. There are a few decent restaurants here, though without a doubt, by far the best hotels are found elsewhere on the island β€” the vast majority of the highest quality hotels are either to the south in Batsi, or across the island in Chora, the capital and most historic town on the island.

The beaches that are nearest to Gavrio and most easily accessible are also towards the south; specifically Agios Petros Beach, known for its party-style seaside bars, and Chryssi Ammos Beach, popular with families β€” both beaches are a five-minute drive from Gavrio. A few minutes further down the coast, Kypri Beach provides a good variety of water sports rentals and lessons.

  • Best Hotel near Gavrio
    Hotel Perrakis β€’ Hotel phone: +30 2282 071456

a row of wooden chairs sitting on top of a beach

Andros Travel Tips

  • When is the Best Time to Visit Andros?
  • Generally, the best time for swimming and exploring sights is from June to mid-September. Andros sees most visitors in August when Greeks travel there to spend time at their summer homes scattered across the island.
  • How do you get around Andros?
    Travelling by vehicle is the easiest method for moving around the island. The highway stretching along the west coast ferry port in Gavrio to the east coast capital city of Chora offers scenic views especially where it follows the shoreline. The island`s public transportation network run by Ktel is also an option but requires more scheduling preparations and flexibility. You can find their bus timetable here.
  • How Big is Andros?
    Andros is 40 km long and at its widest point 16 km wide. The drive from the ferry port in Gavrio to the capital city of Chora takes around 50 minutes. The route is very scenic as it follows the coastline for the first 20 km or so before turning inland as it crosses the island. An alternate route from Gavrio to Chora is available, though it’s a longer and less-traveled route over the mountains and through sparsely populated areas.

12 Best Hotels in Andros

1. Aegean Castle Andros

Hotel phone: +30 2282 042100
This gated and adults-solely community provides magnificent vistas of the Aegean Sea along with the encircling hillsides and ample privacy. All suites have their own terrace including a king-sized day bed and ocean views; Honeymoon Suites highlight a romantic round bed. Features like a rainfall shower, coffee machine, satellite TV, and mini fridge are standard in all guest rooms. Their rooftop saltwater pool is inviting, with gorgeous views, a cabana area, and plenty of sun loungers on the sunny pool deck. Complimentary homemade breakfast is provided. Aegean Castle is in Agia Eleousa, a rural area on the island’s west coast. The closest town is Batsi, ten minutes away, offering a good choice of restaurants. Car rental is recommended.
β€’ Hotel website β€’ View price quotes for Tropicana Hotel

2. Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel phone: +30 2282 022207
This luxury hotel is the only five-star accommodation in Chora, containing sixteen guest rooms and four suites spread throughout a complex of mansions from the nineteenth century. Their most spacious suite can lodge a family of five and boasts a private swimming pool, two bathrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen. Guest Rooms are decorated in muted grey hues, with oak floors and high ceilings. Their wellness spa menu includes hammam therapies and nail care, and a glass-walled cocktail pool sits adjacent to the on-site eatery and bar. Reception operates continuously, and hotel parking and room service are available. Turn-down service is provided. Wheelchair accessible rooms are present along with a full-size elevator in the main building. Excellent central location, though on a busy intersection, with easy access to numerous cafes, and boutique shops in Chora town center`s core.
β€’ Lodging website β€’ Check rates for Micra Anglia

3. Aneroussa Beach Hotel

Hotel phone: +30 2282 041044
The real attraction at this hotel is its impressive location, perched above the ocean with a gorgeous private beach and clear emerald waters, plus an on-site beachside cafΓ©/bar. The beach is nestled beside a rocky cliff, with golden sand and complimentary sun loungers. The hotel gardens and grounds are colorful with flowers and shrubs, and every guest room features ocean views and a balcony. Complimentary breakfast can be enjoyed on their outdoor terrace. The standard guest room interiors are a little dated but do provide the basics. Fifteen-minute walk to Batsi, the closest town to access numerous tavernas and cafes. Car rental is suggested.
β€’ Hotel website β€’ Check prices for Aneroussa Beach Hotel

4. Casa Di Fiori Andros

Hotel phone: +30 694 262 7550
a large brick building with a clock on the front of it This contemporary all-suite lodging exudes elegance, luxury, and pristine condition. It overlooks a lush green valley and tree-shaded hillside near Chora. The suites provide airy, spacious designs in ivory hues, private terraces, and fully stocked kitchenettes. Two new suites (the bungalows) boast privately owned exterior pools. Their gourmet breakfast and attention to detail truly impress. A five-minute drive transports one to the pedestrian-focused area of Chora where numerous local tavernas and stores are found. A supermarket lies 140 meters from the hotel. Paraporti Beach is roughly two km away.
β€’ The lodging website and check the rates for Casa Di Fiore

5. Blue Bay Resort Village

Hotel phone: +30 2282 041150
Set on a seaside hilltop near the ocean, this beautifully renovated hotel enjoys a tranquil, isolated location just a short three-minute drive from the village of Batsi. Guest rooms exhibit contemporary accents with natural wood furnishings, light hues, and ocean views. Deluxe Suites incorporate two bedrooms and two bathrooms with independent access, accommodating a family of five people. All suites comprise air conditioning, a mini fridge, coffee maker, kettle, and a balcony. Outdoor facilities include a pool with poolside bar along with a kids` pool. A complimentary breakfast is part of the amenities. Several smaller beaches lay within walking distance of the hotel. Pets are permitted, and car rental is suggested.
β€’ The hotel website and prices checked on Booking.com for Sunrise Hotel are provided

6. Camara Suites

Hotel phone: +30 697 202 8853
This beautifully restored centuries-old mansion exudes history and is decorated with handcrafted furnishings, family artifacts, and nautical motifs. There are four suites, each with a king-sized bed and windows opening to the ocean below, letting in the sound of the waves. At the back of the hotel is an area to swim in the sea, and the hotel offers complimentary access to a pair of sea kayaks. Camara Suites is located in the pedestrian-only region of Chora, steps from cafΓ©s and shops, and near the Andros-Venetian castle and the Monument of the Unknown Sailor, 150 meters away. A five-minute stroll to Paraporti Beach and its summertime Beach Bar.
β€’ Website for the hotel β€’ Check prices for Camara Suites

7. Chryssi Akti Hotel

Hotel phone: +30 2282 041236
a hotel room with a balcony overlooking a beach Banff has a small dense downtown which covers a few blocks on the lower end of its main thoroughfare – Banff Avenue. This area is the center of activity and is where most of the restaurants, shops, bars, and other amenities are located including its main supermarket. Adjacent to downtown, lies the Bow River and the Bow River Trail which meanders alongside the beautiful river’s edge with plenty of benches to take in the impressive scenery. Canoe rentals are also available further along the Trail. Central Park is a beautiful green space beside the Bow River and is steps from the heart of downtown.
β€’ ο‚· The hotel website provides more details about amenities and facilities. Guests can also view and book rates directly through this link.

8. Hotel Perrakis

Hotel phone: +30 2282 071456
Situated on the road connecting the ferry terminal at Gavrio with the town of Batsi, Hotel Perrakis offers affordable and basic guest rooms furnished simply. Amenities include a sea-view restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, a bar/lounge, and an outdoor pool with a poolside bar. Every guest room has a balcony facing the ocean. A five-minute walk reaches two organized beaches outfitted with beach bars – Golden Sands Beach to the north (350 m), and Kypri Beach to the south (400 m), where water sports rentals and lessons are available. Renting a car is advisable.
β€’ Accommodation website β€’ Check pricing for Hotel Perrakis

9. Krinos Suites

Hotel phone: +30 2282 042038
This high-end hotel provides well-furnished Guest Rooms including dark wood accents, sleek tile floors, and spacious bathrooms. All rooms feature natural Coco-mat beds and premium cotton sheets. Large bathtubs are accessible in every suite class apart from Standard. An excellent complimentary breakfast buffet is offered on their covered outdoor patio. The hotel is near Batsi Beach, just uphill in a tranquil area. (Note that several flights of stairs must be climbed to access the hotel.) A two-minute stroll to the beach, shops, and eateries; parking is accessible at the hotel, but limited.
β€’ The Hotel website and Krinos Suites prices

10. Paradise Design Apartments

Hotel phone: +30 2282 041328
a white building with a sign on the side of it This accommodation sits at the southwestern tip of the Batsi Beach promenade. Recently renovated, it has a beachside atmosphere with turquoise-colored accents and blue tiled bathrooms. Most of the guest rooms bear views of the ocean, and all rooms have a balcony. The Deluxe Suite includes a king-sized bed and living room, both spaces granting sea views. Their Family Suite incorporates a different bedroom and a kitchenette. The hotel presents an onsite mini-mart with snacks, beverages, and sundries. Situated steps from harborside cafes, bars, and shops, and a five-minute walk (200 m) to Batsi Beach. Fifteen-minute drive to the island’s ferry port in Gavrio.
β€’ Accommodation website β€’ See prices for Paradise Design Apartments

11. Votsalo Seaside Estate

Hotel phone: +30 694 451 0198
Three family-friendly seaside houses arranged in a shady organic garden, directly across the road from Gialia Beach in the peaceful village of Steinies, a 7-minute drive from Chora. Each seaside house has two bedrooms and two washrooms, a small hot tub on the terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with oven, clothes washing machine, and air conditioning. Behind the complex is a sizable fruit and vegetable garden, a barbeque grill area, and a picnic location. A rustic outdoor cafΓ© provides drinks and snacks. There is a 2nd nearby beach, Piso Gialia Beach, accessible by a ten-minute nature walk (note there are some steep steps) for swimming, plus a Beach Bar. Renting a car is advisable.
β€’ Hotel website β€’ View price quotes for Votsalo Seaside Estate

12. Anemomiloi Andros Boutique Hotel

Hotel phone: +30 2282 029067
a large white building with a sign on it The hotel is set in a residential area outside the pedestrian-only zone in Chora. All Guest Rooms and Suites have a kitchenette with a stovetop, mini fridge, and coffee maker. Family Suites can accommodate four and have a small upstairs bedroom with a balcony. Rooms at the front of the hotel have a beautiful panoramic view of the tree-covered valley below. Their outdoor pool and pool area are modest and perhaps due for an upgrade, but are nonetheless appealing. Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, and parking is available on site. Pets are allowed. A ten-minute walk to the shops and taverns in Chora town centre; the closest beaches, Paraporti Beach and Neiboro Beach, are a twenty-minute walk away.
β€’ The Hotel website and Anemomiloi Andros prices

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