Cyclades
Andros
Waterfalls, hiking trails, and a contemporary art museum — the Cyclades' best-kept secret.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
2h ferry
In pictures
Andros
Andros is the Cyclades island that Athenians have been keeping quietly to themselves for generations, and visiting feels like being let in on a well-maintained secret. It is the closest Cyclades island to Athens — two hours from Rafina port — yet remains almost entirely unknown to international tourists. The island is greener and more mountainous than most of its neighbours, with an extensive network of ancient stone-paved paths (kalderimi) connecting villages and a Museum of Contemporary Art (the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation) that is simply one of the finest collections in Greece, housed in a purpose-built building above the capital. The capital itself, Hora, is beautiful: marble-paved streets, neoclassical mansions, and a medieval kastro on a rocky promontory. Come in late June or September and you may be the only non-Athenian in the taverna.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very popular with wealthy Athenians, giving parts of it an exclusive, reserved feel. Doesn't look like a "typical" Cyclades island.
Hidden gem
The Pythara waterfalls near Apikia — yes, waterfalls in the Cyclades.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Andros — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Andros? +
- The best months to visit Andros are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Andros from Athens? +
- Andros has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 2 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Andros good for couples? +
- Andros is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Andros good for families with kids? +
- Andros is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Andros expensive? +
- Andros is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Andros? +
- You'll want a rental car on Andros — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Andros? +
- Very popular with wealthy Athenians, giving parts of it an exclusive, reserved feel. Doesn't look like a "typical" Cyclades island.