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Andros

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Lush Trails, Hidden Beaches, Real Greece

Andros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea known for its quiet charm and traditional villages. The landscape features rolling hills, olive groves and small beaches with clear water. Local culture remains strong here, with stone houses, family-run tavernas and festivals that reflect centuries-old customs. Visitors can explore winding mountain paths, discover hidden coves or relax in peaceful coastal towns. Andros feels less crowded than busier islands, making it a good choice for travelers who prefer calm surroundings while still enjoying Greek history, food and hospitality.

Island in Greece
Climate zone: Mediterranean

Mediterranean: Mid-latitude climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of coastal regions around the Mediterranean Basin.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 8.6
General Safety:9
Health & medical:8
Accessibility:7
Tap water:9
Read details
Tourist English: 4/5
English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist services, especially in Chora and Batsi. In smaller villages, some basic Greek is helpful, but most visitors get by easily with English.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Andros Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
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Read how our scores work
Excellent for hiking and quiet beaches. Walk island trails through villages, swim in clear coves and enjoy traditional tavernas.
Place score
7.9
Best at:
Sea
9
Natural sites
9
Islands
8
Cosy towns
7
Beaches
7
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 8
Families
🧓 8
Seniors
❤️ 9
Couples
♻️ 9
Sustainability
Greece – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Euro (EUR)
£1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info: Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Public drinking: Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings.
Easter
(March/April)
Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services.
Assumption of Mary
(August)
A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices.
Christmas
(December)
Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber
Other: Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Andros, Greece
🌤️
Jan
🌤️
Feb
🌤️
Mar
☀️
Apr
☀️
May
☀️
Jun
☀️
Jul
🔥
Aug
☀️
Sep
☀️
Oct
🌤️
Nov
🌤️
Dec
High season: June - Sep.
Shoulder season: April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness: 4 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Many hotels, restaurants and beach bars close from late October to April, with only basic services in winter
Meltemi winds July to August can cause ferry delays and make exposed beaches rough
August: most crowded month as Athenians and Greek holidaymakers fill the island, book accommodation well ahead

Why travel to Andros?

Andros is a paradise for anyone who loves both mountains and the sea. Unlike the arid landscapes of many Greek islands, Andros is lush and full of springs, rivers and even waterfalls. You’ll find everything from lively seaside towns like Batsi to elegant Chora, with its blend of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture, art museums and sea views. The island is crisscrossed by a network of old stone footpaths (kalderimia), perfect for hiking past Venetian ruins, monasteries and panoramic lookouts. The beaches are stunning and varied – from organized stretches with beach bars to wild, secluded spots like Achla or Vlychada. But Andros isn’t for everyone: public transport is limited, so you’ll want to rent a car to explore properly. Some beaches are only accessible by dirt roads or hiking and the island can be windy, especially in late summer. It’s a place for those who appreciate authenticity, nature and a slower pace rather than nightlife or mass tourism. Still, if you want to experience the real, unspoiled side of the Cyclades, Andros is unforgettable.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Batsi
  • 2 Tower of Agios Petros
  • 3 Foros cave
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Αχλα
  • 2 Menites Spring
🎈Events
  • Goulandris Museum summer art exhibition
  • Local religious festivals
  • Open-air cinema nights
  • Andros International Trail Race
  • Village panigiria (fairs)

Knowledge before you go

  • Rent a car. Essential for accessing remote beaches and mountain villages.
  • Hike marked trails to Pithara waterfalls and ancient monasteries through lush valleys.
  • Visit Chora's Tourlitis Lighthouse and Venetian castle connected by arched stone bridge.
  • Swim secluded coves like Achla Beach via coastal path; arrive early to claim best spots.

How to travel to Andros

Andros is easily reached by ferry from Rafina port near Athens (about 2 hours). Rafina is accessible by bus or taxi from Athens International Airport. There’s no airport on Andros. Ferries run daily, with more options in summer. Book tickets in advance for weekends and holidays.

Access summary

  • From Athens Airport (ATH): Bus/taxi to Rafina, ferry 1–2 hours.
  • From Athens city: Bus/taxi to Rafina port, then Andros ferry.
  • From Mykonos: Short transfer to port, ferry about 2–2.5 hours.

Where to stay in Andros

Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and guesthouses in Chora and Batsi to seaside resorts and traditional villas in villages and on the coast. Many places offer lush gardens and homemade breakfasts. Book ahead for July–August. Camping is possible but limited to designated sites.

How to get around Andros

Andros is a large and varied island – renting a car or scooter is highly recommended to reach mountain villages, remote beaches and hiking trailheads. Public buses connect main towns but are infrequent. Roads are generally good, but some beaches require driving on dirt tracks. Hiking is a great way to explore the interior, with well-marked trails crisscrossing the island.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-19 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 19% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Mykonos, Greece - 55 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£69
£182
£475
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£38
£116
£282
🍝 Food per day
£24
£58
£170
🚕 Transportation per day
£7
£8
£22
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£23
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£11.50
🍟 Fast food combo
£6.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£8
☕ Cappuccino
£2.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£4.30
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£1.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£12.50
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£1.60
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£7
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£35
🤧 Cold medication
£5
💇 Basic haircut
£8.50

Safety information overview

General safety
9
Andros is very safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Take care on mountain roads and hiking trails, especially after rain and always lock your car and accommodation when out.
Health & Medical
8
Basic medical care is available in main towns, with clinics and pharmacies in Chora and Batsi. For serious emergencies, transfer to Athens may be required. Bring any personal medications and sun protection.
Accessi­bility
7
Main towns and beaches are accessible, but steep streets, steps and dirt tracks can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Some boutique hotels and villages may not have ramps or lifts — check ahead if needed.
Tap water
9
Tap water is generally safe in main towns but may taste mineral-rich. In remote villages, stick to bottled water, which is widely available. Always carry water, especially when hiking.

Packing recommendations for Andros

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