Andros Island
Andros is the favorite island of the Athenians due to its relative proximity (two hours by ferry) to the mainland. The northernmost of the islands that are part of the Cyclades archipelago, the most famous and noble of all Greece which collects wonderful territories rich in history, culture and fabulous beaches.
In terms of extension, it is the second of the whole archipelago after the mythical Naxos and one of the greenest islands in Greece with four perennial rivers, a real rarity given the typical conformation of the Greek Islands. It presents itself to its visitors with a territory of high irregular peaks, green and deep valleys with meadows and cultivated land, flowing water in abundance, steep coasts 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 turn the corner and find pine forests, expanses of oaks, chestnut trees, streams rich in h2o and still villages almost frozen in time rather than super modern where you can find any 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 not in any case unbridled but with a rather sophisticated flavor . In Andros you can discover enchanting coasts, get to know the depths with interesting dives or go on a boat trip to find hidden corners where only you will be there.
Do not miss its beaches which are rarely crowded and which bring together all tastes from those who prefer sand, to those who prefer stones, those who want them wild, those who want them equipped. Starting from the west coast with the Zorkos Bay and that of Vitali, to then move on to Vlychada beach or Fellos beach, for those who prefer less wild coasts then the perfect Agios Petros beach where there are many night clubs to dawn, and still to the east of Achia or Gyalia beaches with their fabulous views, finally for sports lovers, Khorti beach where surfers gather to ride the waves. The identifying symbol of Andros is the popular Tris Grias to Pidima beach "the leap of the old woman" with its majestic and spectacular 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 Kochilos castle, 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 her, she decided to reach the cliff and commit suicide by throwing herself into the sea for the shame of her gesture. The monolith would be precisely the poor thing's body which, if looked at from a certain angle, looks like a woman with a scarf on her head, the unfortunate old lady. The second one obviously with a tragic ending tells that always an old lady chased by the Turks rather than get caught decided to commit suicide from the rock. What the truth is we will never know but in any case it remains a story to remember connected to this ductile island.
And yet it will surprise you with its villages such as Batsi the most touristic of Andros with its small port full of charming restaurants, typical taverns and clubs, or the Menites in the Messaria villages a valley very green area covered with trees where you can enjoy a regenerating walk . To the north instead you will meet Strapories, Lamira, Mesathouri while to the south Aladino, 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 in the past homes 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 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 certainly won't have downtime.
Could a mythological explanation have been 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.