Andros
Andros
Andros is a Greek island that is the furthest North out of the Cyclades archipelago. Archipelago is a group of islands that have their own government and acts independently from the mainland. Andros is also the island that is the closest to Athens.
During the history of Andros, many civilisations claimed control over Andros, including Venetians and Cretans. In ancient Greek, the capital of the island was Palaeopolis and had a famous temple that was dedicated to Dionysus, the son of Zeus. It now lies in ruinsafter the many wars fought over Andros.
Andros reclaimed independence on the 10th of May 1821 during the Greek Revolution. Theophilus Kairis raised the flag of independence at the St George Church.
Landscape and architecture
Andros is a small island of 40 kilometres long on average and the widest part of the island is 16 kilometres. The island is the typical Greek beauty of traditional buildings and architecture.
Alleys are narrow and paved with pebbles and you can enjoy a feast of flower displays as you explore the villages.
The villages located on the coast are adjacent to the pebbled beaches and striking blue seas. A holiday in Andros will involve hiking to reach your destinations. The beaches are mostly secluded and surrounded by cliffs. You can only reach the beaches from the village by walking along rugged footpaths to discover the treasured beaches.
The inland villages are built on mountainous terrain and boast many fruitful valleys that receive plenty rain, and water from other sources.
Holiday attractions in Andros
Ancient Greece left a mark on this Greek island. A mark that the inhabitants are nonetheless proud of. Andros consists of many historical and archaeological sites that display the heritage of the island.
If your holiday in Andros involves tours of the island, Basti will be one of your destinations.
In Basti, you can visit the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis. The archaeological site of Ipsili is also in Basti. Here excavations are taking place to discover artefacts of Ancient Greek.
A holiday in Andros will not be complete if you do not visit at least one of the museums. Andros has a museum for Archaeology, Maritime, Modern art and one for Folklore. There is a museum to suit the fancy of any person.
There are a few churches worthy of visiting such as the Church of Taxarhis and the three Churches in Chora devoted to the Virgin Agia Tsour, the Church of Agios Georgios and the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti.
While on holiday in Andros, be sure to visit the famous Sariza Spring with water flowing out of a lions’ head.
Andros cuisine
Cuisine that is local to the island will usually include olives or made with olive oils. Other local dishes are sausages and cheese dip, kopanisti, and froutalia omelettes. Andros is also famous for the locally produced wines from the Andros vineyards.
Restaurants in Andros have a family atmosphere and many of the restaurants and cafés are family owned. This is because the Greeks are very family orientated and family comes first.
Nightlife in Andros
Weekends in Andros tend to get very busy as people from Athens come to the island to enjoy a weekend away from home. The nightlife here caters for most holiday goers looking for some after dark fun, but should not be compared to the more commercial Greek islands.
There are many bars offering drinks and music until dawn and the lively atmosphere will compliment your holiday in Andros.
Conclusion
Expect to be swept away by the beauty of Andros and indulge yourself in the culture and hospitality of the island.