Andros, the wild and elegant haven of the Athenians, withdrew

Chora

And if you are not just passionate about the sea, you can alternate between excursions and excursions. On the way to the town of Andros, the Chora River passes for example the village of Minites, whose attraction is an ancient spring. According to legend, since the village was dedicated to the god Dionysus, wine flowed from fountains decorated with lion’s head motifs.

In the main center of the island, there are no white houses with shutters and blue roofs typical of the Cyclades, but Venetian buildings and grand villas in the Byzantine and Ottoman styles, while restaurants and shops line the main streets, with blinding white marble in the hottest hours. Among the latter, it’s worth making a trip to Waikiki, a charming little shop where ethnic ladies and Athenian tourists familiar with the island buy cotton clothes. On the waterfront are the remains of an ancient 13th-century Venetian fortress built on a small island.

Andros has been home to many shipping companies. That’s why, not far from the main center, stands the colorful village of Stenies, pedestrian streets that climb up the hill, where homes are a haven for retired boat captains. On the other side of the island, to the north, is the port of arrival Gavrio, a bit of charm, while Batsu, a typical fishing village, which today is the site of trendy restaurants. The village’s whitewashed streets wind along a bougainvillea-dotted hill between renovated houses and old villas with lavish gardens.

Panakrantou Monastery

Among the excursions not to be missed is the excursion to the Panakrantou Monastery, which dates back to the era of Byzantine domination: with the advent of the fortress, the monastery was founded in 961 and houses the skull of Agios Panteleimon, to which healing powers are attributed. .

There are still a few luxury hotels you can stay in, because Hotel Andros is elegant yet discreet, wild and seductive. The most booked is undoubtedly Onar, not far from Achla Beach: an environmentally sustainable luxury resort, which protects the privacy of the famous people who come to spend their holidays here. In the center of Batso are the suites of the Krynos Hotel: the owner, Vasilis Vasilopoulos, is an Athenian architect who studied in Italy, and a lover of conviviality and good food. You are sure to feel welcome and at home. Once again, Ow Andros opened in 2018, offering luxurious rooms with a private pool not far from the beautiful Fellos Beach. A special corner that combines hospitality and food is offered by Mèlisses, Greek for “bees”. In a corner not far from Batsu, in the ancient bay of Palaiopoli, where the ancient city can still be seen underwater, are some private rooms and apartments furnished by mixing antique Cycladic furniture with objects of the French and Italian period. There is a rich calendar of events and workshops, from cooking classes to painting classes.