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The houses of Batsi above the beach, Andros
The island

Beaches, trails and villages of Andros

Two coasts

What are the best beaches on Andros?

Andros has dozens of beaches on two very different coasts. The west, where Batsi is, is more sheltered and more organised. The east is more open, wilder and often windier.

  • Batsi: the village beach, organised, with shallow water, sheltered from the north wind.
  • Kypri: golden sand and calm, shallow water, fully organised, with a beach bar.
  • Agios Petros: the longest beach on Andros, almost a kilometre of golden sand.
  • Chalkolimionas: sand and fine pebbles in the middle of the west coast, with an organised stretch and a free one.
  • Gria to Pidima (the Old Woman's Leap): near Korthi, a sandy beach with the huge rock of the legend. The last few metres are on foot.
  • Piso Gialia: a small cove near Chora, with fine sand and very clear water. You walk down on a path.
Sandy beach on Andros with a rock standing in turquoise water
Batsi beach from above, the row of umbrellas and the village, Andros
Sandy beach in a sheltered cove with deep blue water and a low headland, Andros

From Batsi you can reach both coasts in the same day, because the island is quick to cross by car. The main beach in Batsi is the only one you do not need to travel to: it is 10 metres from Bella Vista Design Studios.

Is Andros windy, and which beach is best when it blows?

Andros is a Cycladic island and the meltemi is part of its summer, especially in July and August. In practice that does not mean losing days, it means switching sides: when the north wind blows, the beaches on the sheltered side are the ones to go to, and with a south wind it is the other way round.

That is exactly why the village you stay in matters. Batsi is on the west, more enclosed side, and its bay is often calm when there are waves elsewhere. Ask us: we know where people head depending on the day's wind, because we live here all season.

What are the Andros Routes trails and "Leading Quality Trails"?

Andros Routes is the island's trail network, the work of volunteers within the Andros Research Centre. Since 2012 more than 240 kilometres of paths have been restored and waymarked, among them the Andros Route, a continuous 100-kilometre trail that crosses the island from end to end. In 2015 the Andros Route was certified by the European Ramblers' Association as one of the "Leading Quality Trails, Best of Europe".

It is the reason Andros fills up in March and in November too. The months at either end of our season are the best for hiking, and Bella Vista Design Studios is open in both.

The Leading Quality Trails, Best of Europe badge of the European Ramblers' Association

Certification

Leading Quality Trails, Best of Europe

European Ramblers' Association, for the Andros Route, 2015.

androsroutes.gr

Across the island

Which villages are worth seeing?

The sights of Andros are above all its villages, and each one shows a different side of the island. Four are worth the drive from Batsi, from the port where you arrive to the mountains.

  • Lane in Chora, Andros, with neoclassical houses and a bell tower behind

    Chora

    The administrative and cultural centre of the island, built on a narrow peninsula, with neoclassical mansions of seafaring families and museums.

  • Gavrio on Andros at dusk, the village and the port

    Gavrio

    The port where you arrive, 7 kilometres from Batsi. This is where the ferry from Rafina docks.

  • Korthi on Andros, the village and the bay with its boats

    Korthi

    The main base on the east side of the island.

  • Running water and a waterfall in a gorge on Andros

    The mountain villages

    Villages with running water, plane trees and springs, the opposite of the picture most people have of the Cyclades.

What will I eat on Andros?

Andros is one of the few Cycladic islands with plenty of water, and it shows on the table: local cheeses, froutalia omelette, meat and vegetables, along with fish from the bay. In Batsi the tavernas are within walking distance of the house, so you do not need to drive to eat well.

Both the studios and the apartment have a full kitchen, and shopping at the village mini market is done on foot.

How many days do you need on Andros?

The honest answer is that it takes several days to see the island. A week is a good length of stay, long enough to visit both coasts, the beaches, trails, sights and mountain villages without feeling rushed.

Visitors who come to hike usually stay longer, because a 240-kilometre network cannot be covered in a weekend. See also Batsi, the beach and getting here.

In their words

Reviews

A few words from people who have stayed with us.

Guest ratings

  • Google 4.7

  • Booking.com 9.3/10

  • Airbnb 4.85

  • Giorgos Google · translated from Greek

    A lovely apartment in a central spot in Batsi. The sea is 10 metres away, organised but with room for a free swim too. A mini market right next door and parking 150 metres away. […] Mr Giannis is extremely helpful and welcoming.

  • Natasha Airbnb · translated from Greek

    I had a wonderful stay. It was in an ideal location in the town, opposite the beach, with a wonderful view from the balcony. […] Giannis was a kind and generous host.

  • Γιώργος Google · translated from Greek

    We came for the Easter holidays. Batsi is an excellent location, and Mr Giannis's studio where we stayed was amazing, clean, with flawless service and a view of Batsi beach.

  • Κάλλια Airbnb · translated from Greek

    Excellent hospitality from the host. A spotless, brand new space, fully equipped with everything you could need. The room has a sea view and is perfect for relaxing. It is worth staying here, and it is certainly better than you imagine.

  • Eftychis Google · translated from Greek

    Amazing view in the centre of Batsi!! I went there for the Clean Monday long weekend and was completely satisfied with the place, the view and the fantastic owner!! I recommend it without reservation.

  • Monika Airbnb · translated from Greek

    An ideal apartment for your stay on Andros. […] We were given flowers by the lady who looks after the apartment, and there was a bottle of wine for us, which was a lovely surprise. We will stay there again as soon as we come back to Andros.

  • Nick Google

    We had a very comfortable apartment with everything you need including appliances. The view was magnificent. The proprietor Mr Yannis was wonderful and so very welcoming and helpful. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

  • Aris Airbnb · translated from Greek

    An excellent spot in Batsi, right in front of the beach with a very beautiful view. Mr Giannis was very helpful. The room was comfortable, clean and nicely decorated. There was a welcome drink (wine), as well as water in the fridge, coffee, tea and so on.

  • Tasha Google

    It was an absolute pleasure to have stayed here, the apartment gave a super homely element to our trip, we both felt so safe and comfortable […] Gorgeous views, quiet location, good lighting and cleaned to perfection.

The village of Batsi and its bay with sailing boats, Andros

Your base

A base in Batsi, the whole island ahead of you

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