Seeking Wanderland

Andros, the second-largest island in the Cyclades, is the northernmost island in the region. Mostly hilly, with several fertile and well-watered valleys, it is a heavenly match for hikers, its untamed mountains are divided by plains crisscrossed by sparkling streams and historic stone mills, waterfalls pour down slopes, stepped and cobbled trails pass through magnificent vistas, wildflowers, and ancient ruins. Andros has a strong and rich naval culture and its Chora, the charming capital, combines Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture and is filled with neoclassical, medieval and island style mansions owned by prominent ship owners and captains.

Andros is a verdant island with exquisite beauty, a natural wonderland, the stone-paved pathways that wind through the island transmit the fragrances of thyme, crocus, and sage, whilst its scenery is densely forested with rich flora; among others a wanderer may find walnut, chestnut, oak, weeping willows, poplar, mulberry, cedar, and olive trees. The beaches of Andros are splendid with a lot of organized options, with turquoise waters and sandy coasts. Agios Petros, Batsi, Tis Grias to Pidima, Kipri and Chrissi Ammos beach are some of the most well-known beaches on the island, while Vlychada, Agios Sostis, Pyrgos, Achla and Halkolimnionas are some of the most remote and unspoiled examples.

Except from its outstanding landscape that inspires the guests to explore its treasures, Andros has significant cultural wealth. Some of the archaeological settlements of the island include: Palaiopolis, Andros’ ancient capital, which is located at a steep slope and underwater could still be seen its harbor’s barrier, Plaka, the beach located at the southwest coast of the island once excavated for its prehistoric settlement, and the Geometric settlement of Zagora. Several museums can also be found in the island, such as The Vassilis and Eliza Goulandris Foundation, which manages the internationally recognized Museum of Modern Art, which includes rare collections of paintings and sculptures, the Cyclades Olive Museum which is an excellent example of a tiny pre-industrial olive oil making plant, and the Archaeological Museums in Chora and Palepolis, which illustrate the island’s long and significant history.