Andros

Andros is the favorite island of the Athenians given its relative proximity (it's a two-hour ferry ride) to the mainland. The northernmost of the islands that are part of the Cyclades Archipelago, the most famous and renowned in all of Greece which brings together wonderful territories rich in history, culture and fabulous beaches.

In terms of extension, it is the second largest of the entire archipelago after the legendary Naxos and one of the greenest islands in Greece with four perennial rivers, a true rarity given the typical conformation of the Greek Islands. It presents its visitors with a territory of high irregular peaks, green and deep valleys with meadows and cultivated land, abundant flowing water, steep coastlines with steep promontories, many large, small, hidden and intimate beaches with a clean and blue sea . The peculiarity of Andros lies in the fact that in a moment you will be in completely arid and almost desert areas and then you turn the corner and find pine forests, expanses of oaks, chestnut trees, streams rich in h2o and even villages almost frozen in time rather than super modern where you can find every comfort.

Far from mass tourism, it is perfect for those looking for a quiet, relaxed holiday in Greece in contact with Mother Nature even if the nightlife is not lacking but is concentrated only in the larger tourist resorts and is not unbridled but with a rather sophisticated flavor . In Andros you can discover enchanting coastlines, get to know the depths with interesting dives or go around by boat to find hidden corners where there will only be you.

Don't miss its beaches which are rarely crowded and which bring together all tastes from those who prefer sand, to those who prefer stones, to those who want them wild, to those who want them equipped. Starting from the west coast with the bay of Zorkos and that of Vitali, and then moving on to the beach of Vlychada or the beach of Fellos, for those who prefer less wild coasts then the beach of Agios Petros is perfect where there are many night clubs to relax. dawn, and further east the beach of Achia or Gyalia with their fairytale views, finally for sports lovers, the beach of Khorti where surfers gather to ride the waves. The identifying symbol of Andros is the popular beach of Tris Grias to Pidima "the old woman's leap" with its majestic and scenic monolith that emerges from the sea a few meters from the shore around which myths and fantastic explanations revolve. The first narrates that during the period of Ottoman rule the Turks, failing to conquer the castle of Kochilos, forced an old lady to go to the fortress to ask for help for her pregnant daughter and when they opened the door to help the woman they managed to raid and thus conquer the island. When the poor old woman realized the disaster she had caused, she decided to reach the cliff and take her own life by throwing herself into the sea out of shame for her gesture. The monolith would be the poor girl's body which, if looked at from a certain angle, has the appearance of a woman with a scarf on her head, the unfortunate old lady. The second, obviously with a tragic ending, tells us that an elderly lady, chased by the Turks, rather than get caught, decided to commit suicide from the rock. We will never know what the truth is but in any case it remains a story to remember connected to this flexible island.

And it will still surprise you with its villages such as Basti, the most touristy of Andros with its small port full of lovely restaurants, typical taverns and clubs, or the village of Menites in the Messaria valley, a very green area covered with trees where you can enjoy a regenerating walk . To the north you will encounter Strapories, Lamira, Mesathouri while to the south Aladdin, Koureli, Sasa and Falika where the most beautiful churches of the Byzantine period are concentrated such as the Monastery of Panagia Panachrantos.

Its capital Chora preserves beautiful houses and buildings in neoclassical style, homes in the past of captains and the Greek bourgeoisie where you can breathe an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, perhaps also because it is strictly a pedestrian area and closed to vehicles. To continue, Gavrio is the point where you arrive on the lively island full of cafes, shops and clubs on the seafront where you can spend hours in perfect harmony with the universe. In short, there is so much to see and you will certainly have no downtime.

Could a mythological explanation perhaps be missing? Of course not. Legend teaches us that Andros, nephew of Apollo, came into possession of the island thanks to a gift from the King of Crete Rhadamathus, brother of Minos and son of Zeus and Hera for the loyalty shown by Andros towards him.