Gavrio
The village goes through a remarkable development the last few years. Besides the port, it has adequate tourist facilities and many entertainment choices. Together with nearby Batsi, it is the main destination of the visitors.
Here is the starting point for excursions towards the northern part of the island, for startling beaches like Fellos and Zorkos and picturesque villages like Vitali, Amolochos, Makrotantalo, etc.
Towards the south the consecutive golden beaches will impress you. In Agios Petros area don't miss seeing Agios Petros Tower, an ancient rare building, still standing in good condition.
Historical facts about the island
?he name of the island most probably originates from General Andros from Crete, legendary colonizer of the Minoan times. Archeological excavations prove the existence of developed settlements, dating back to Mycenaean times or even earlier. The island becomes historically known during the Geometric period (9th-7th century B.C.), as it is proved by traces of a settlement found in Zagora, at the south-western part of the island, close to Zaganiari.
The capital of Andros island, during the classical times, was Paleopolis. The prosperity during that period is shown by the big production of coins. Relevant findings together with Hermes of Andros statue are exhibited in the Archeological Museum in Hora. In 7th century B.C. Andros island participated with Chalkideans to the colonization of Chalkidiki and coastal areas of Thrace in northern Greece.
Andros, following with the rest Aegean islands the fate of continental Greece, consecutively fell under Roman, Frank and Ottoman occupation. Dating back to 11th century, Byzantine style churches are found around the island, like Taxiarchis in Ipsilou, Melida and Messaria and Kimisi Theotokou (Assumption) in Mesathouri. In the 14th century, the "Agias Monastery" (Zoodochos Pigi) was built near Batsi, while Agios Nikolaos monastery was founded in 1560 and rebuilt in 18th century. Panachrantou monastery was founded in mid-17th century. At Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) in Korthi, a school has been established in 1813, before the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans. It was founded by Samuel Plasimis and it incorporates a separate building, serving as the teacher's house and library.
On May 10th, 1821, Theofilos Kairis declared the War of Independence, thus marking the starting point of the island's recent history, during which Andros reached the peak of its economic prosperity, thanks to its ships. It is worth noting that Andriot Dimitris Moraitis initiated Greece-North America line in the beginning of the 20th century, while Andros was in 1939 second to Piraeus regarding ship registration.
Welcome to Andros
The Island Where Greek Tradition Still Remains and Excitement Exist!!
Andros
Ydroussa
As your Journey begins at Port Rafina you will need about 2 hours by Ferry to arrive at one of the most Traditional Islands of the Cyclades Beautiful Andros. Port Rafina is located about 20 minutes from the new Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" Save the hustle and bustle-traffic, for a 2-3 hour drive to Port Pireaus. By ferry you have the chance to visit first stop-Andros Island , Tinos and Mykonos. Plan your stay days or weeks and move on to the next destination.
Andros is the Northern most and second largest Island of the Cyclades. It covers about 374sq.km and its about 36 nautical miles from Port Rafina.
A weekend trip would do... to get a taste of the Island, plan a week or two to discover and feel the Tradition of the Island. Andros isn't just your typical Cycladic Island, white-washed and blue. Here you will be amazed at the scenic greenish mountains, long Sandy clean Beaches and Bays along the coastal road and those which you will discover during your trip.
Andros has four ports Batsi, Chora, Korthi Bay and the Central Port of Gavrio. At this time you can reach Andros on modern comfortable ferries that depart from Port Rafina. From Andros you can island hop to most of the Cyclades.
The traditional Andros Sweets are Galzounia (Rich with Walnuts, covered with powdered sugar) and Amigdaloto (Almond sweet covered with powdered sugar). Local cuisine includes favourite omelette made with potatoes and home made sausage called "Andriotiki Fourtalia". Wherever you decide to dine in Andros you will find fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. You will find a variety of fabulous local wines and a local delight of (Greek moonshine) called "Raki". Local residents offer a great deal of Greek hospitality, usually offering Raki and a sweet.
While planning your trip to Andros keep your baggage minimal, for which you will find
Extremely fresh vegetables, fish and meat.
Fresh milk and Cheese.
Citrus Fruits, Figs, lemons, limes.. .......
Olives and Pure olive oil.
Honey fresh from the Bee-hives.
Enormous amount of Almonds & Walnuts.
Whatever your Heart is Seeking you will find in Andros:
Museums
Archeological sites
Windmills - Watermills
Pigeon Houses
Fresh-Water Springs
Monasteries and Small churches
Swimming, Fishing, Yachting, Sailing and Wind-Surfing
Hiking
Camping
Good food and lots of night life and local entertainment.
Through out the year and especially during the months of July and August - Municipalities Andros, Korthi and Ydroussa you will enjoy Tournaments, Exhibitions, local dances & festivals and events from the local Associations.
Andros summer slideshow
CHRYSSI AMMOS
Chryssi Ammos (golden sand in Greek) lies at the western coast in the Gavrio area. We can reach it taking the central road to Stavropeda after Agios Petros. It is a fine blond, sandy, wide beach with shallow waters. You can find shade and during summer months there's a canteen.
Archeological Museum of Andros
Andros Archeological Museum was designed by architect Stamos Papadakis and built in 1981 with a grant from Vasilis and Eliza Goulandris Foundation.
Some of the most important exhibits are:
Collection of findings from ancient town Zagora
Collection of sculptures dated from archaic till roman period
Collection of inscriptions
Collection of pre-Byzantine and Byzantine sculptures
Andros Archeological Museum has a projection room, while from time to time there are exhibitions of modern art at the atrium, in co-operation with the Museum of Modern Art of Vasilis and Eliza Goulandris Foundation.
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