Andros

The northernmost, greenest island of the Cyclades, with a well-marked trail network, stream valleys with old watermills and a modern art museum founded by a shipping dynasty — far from the crowds.

Andros is the northernmost and second-largest island of Greece's Cyclades. It's only about 2 hours by boat from the port of Rafina near Athens, yet it stays well off the mass-tourism trail. Unlike the other, drier islands of the group, Andros has high mountains and abundant springs, with plane-tree woods, waterfalls and old watermills in its valleys — hence its nickname, the "green island". Shipping in the 19th and 20th centuries made it the home of Greece's great shipowning families. The island divides into three areas. On the east coast is the capital, Chora (Andros Town), with its marble pedestrian street, neoclassical mansions, the stone bridge to the Venetian castle and the Unknown Sailor statue, plus the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art and the Archaeological Museum. On the west coast, the port of Gavrio and the resort of Batsi have the most beaches, restaurants and accommodation, with the ancient Tower of Agios Petros and the ancient city of Palaiopolis nearby. In the south lie Korthi Bay and Tis Grias to Pidima ("Old Lady's Leap") beach, with its rock pillar rising from the sea. Zorkos and Vitali in the north and Achla on the northeast coast are the island's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. The well-marked Andros Routes trail network (certified by the European Ramblers' Association) links monasteries, spring-fed villages and waterfall valleys, making the island a destination for hikers. Best time to visit: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct are ideal for hiking; Jul–Aug is beach season, but the Aegean north wind (meltemi) is often strong and ferries may be delayed. Getting there: ferries from Rafina to Gavrio take about 2 hours and continue on to Tinos and Mykonos. Buses on the island are infrequent, so renting a car is strongly recommended. Stay 3–4 days.

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