Last updated: 6th April 2026
Being the northernmost island of the Cyclades group has kept Andros away from the endless hoards of tourists that descend on its more fashionable neighbours (Mykonos and Santorini, for those less familiar with Greece). That’s not to say it isn’t well-known amongst certain circles: it has a deserved reputation as a hiker’s paradise with over 300km of footpaths, of which 170km are fully signposted.
Easily accessible from mainland Greece via a 2-hour ferry from Rafina, Andros offers a convenient taste of Greek island life. From here, you can continue south to Tinos, known as the Holy Island for its many pilgrim visitors heading for the church of Evagelistrias, onto the much more famous Mykonos and beyond. However, whether you would want to is a question of what kind of Greek experience you’re looking for.
Those interested in more hedonistic pursuits, drinking, sunbathing and partying into the small hours, will do better elsewhere. Andros has its share of good beaches, but that’s not why you come here. Its unspoiled nature, relaxed atmosphere and sense of the outdoors bring regulars back year after year.
Andros, the greenest and one of the most culturally rich islands in the Cyclades, offers a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From elegant boutique hotels and historic guesthouses to beachside resorts and tranquil villas, the island provides the perfect base for exploring its beaches, mountains, and charming villages.
In the island’s capital, Chora (or Andros Town), visitors can stay in beautifully restored neoclassical mansions that have been converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses. These properties combine refined aesthetics with warm hospitality, and their central location makes them ideal for exploring the town’s museums, galleries, and stylish cafés. Chora is perfect for travellers seeking a blend of culture, comfort, and traditional elegance.
If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, head to the coastal villages of Batsi or Gavrio. Here, you’ll find a range of seafront hotels and relaxed resort-style accommodation, many with swimming pools and direct beach access. These areas are particularly well-suited to families or couples looking for convenience, great swimming spots, and a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.
For those who prefer more independence or a longer stay, self-catering studios and apartments are available throughout the island in places like Agios Petros, Korthi, and Menites. These accommodations often come with kitchenettes and private terraces, making them ideal for travellers who want to cook their own meals or enjoy a slower-paced, immersive experience.
Andros also caters to luxury-seeking visitors with several upscale villas and private retreats, especially in scenic locations such as Paleopolis and Aprovato. These offer a peaceful escape from the crowds, often featuring breathtaking views, infinity pools, and high-end amenities—perfect for honeymooners or those looking to unwind in style.
Some standout places to consider include Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel in Chora, a refined and romantic property with luxurious touches and excellent service, and Paradise Art Hotel, also in Chora, which offers classic comfort and panoramic views of the town and sea. For a beachside stay, Blue Bay Resort Village near Batsi provides spacious rooms, stunning sunsets, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Below you’ll find impartial reviews of places we’ve stayed at on Andros. Click the links to read the full reviews:
Review Rating: 4/5 Date of Visit: September 2020 My friend and I had initially planned to stay at Andros Holiday Hotel in Gavrio, but due to COVID-19, they chose not to open this season and instead relocated us to their sister hotel, the Mare Vista in Batsi. That said, Batsi is a good location, being…
Review Rating: 5/5 Date of Visit: September 2020 It’s hard to review a hotel from a single-night stay, but it’s also hard to fault Ostria Hotel even from such a brief visit. I needed a reasonably cheap room to overnight after arriving by ferry mid-afternoon from Syros. The next day, I was moving on to…
Review Rating: 5/5 Date of Review: August 2017 Andros Holiday Hotel was the first stop on my 2017 multi-island Greek adventure. It’s walking distance from the ferry port in Gavrio, set on a small peninsula at the south end of the village. View from the hotel restaurant looking south towards Giaros/Syros. On arrival, my friend…
Learn more about Andros by reading our recent blog posts:
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Highlights and Lowlights: A Greek Adventure to Remember Another incredible trip is in the books! What made this journey even more special was the uncertainty leading up to it, with foreign travel hanging in the balance due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Yet, against the odds, my flight wasn’t cancelled,…
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Monday 21st September 2020 Time to Pack Today is the last day of our trip; by 8pm I should be back home in my own apartment. But first, breakfast! After a decent quantity of food (and coffee), I returned to my room to finish packing, then met Ed at…
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Sunday 20th September 2020 Final Day of the Trip Today was not only our final day on Andros but also the last full day of my trip. Naturally, it’s a slightly sad occasion but we intended to make the most of it providing the weather didn’t let us down…
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Saturday 19th September 2020 Breakfast and Rain The weather forecast for today was pretty bad. There had been storms overnight and quite a decent amount of rain – it was still coming down when we got up for breakfast. Breakfast itself was quite a strange experience. Due to Covid-19…
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Friday 18th September 2020 Decisions on the Day Ahead Given the unpredictable weather forecast, we weren’t sure what today’s plans would end up like until we set off after breakfast. Ed had a small selection of cereal, juice, coffee and water in his room so after fuelling up, we…
This post is part of a series called Western Cyclades 2020 Thursday 17th September 2020 Morning Plans Having decided to leave Syros today instead of tomorrow, I went down to breakfast and told the staff at reception I would be moving on a day early. I then sat down to eat and had a much nicer experience than yesterday: refills…
This post is part of a series called Cyclades Island Hopping 2017 After an excellent breakfast at the hotel, we walked to the nearest bus stop (with the guidance of the hotel receptionist). We boarded the main bus between Gavrio and Andros Town, passing through the popular tourist resort of Batsi along the way. We were soon glad to have…
This post is part of a series called Cyclades Island Hopping 2017 The holiday began with a smooth outbound Easyjet flight (the benefit of departing at 5:45 a.m.: less chance of a delay). Athens airport was surprisingly nice; I suppose you can’t compare it with the smaller airports on some islands as it’s much busier, so it has had more investment.…