What to see in Andros

A walk through the city will allow you to see from close its main sights. Do not forget to visit:

• The churches of Koimisi tis Theotokou (or Assumption of the Virgin), Panagia Palatiani (Aghia Tsoura) with its wooden templon, Aghios Georgios(Metropolitan) built in the 17th century, Panagia Theoskepasti (patron of the island), Aghios Andreas ton Latinon and Panagia Thalassini built on a rock by the sea.
• Kaireios Library housed in a mansion built in 1919. The library includes Theofilos Kairis’ (1784-1853) collection, a theologian, philosopher and fighter of the 1821 War of Independence.
• Petros and Maria Kidonieos Foundation housing many painting and sculpture exhibitions.
• Empirikio Girokomeio (Nursing home for old people) and Empirikio Gymnasium, where exhibitions are organized by Vassilis and Eliza Goulandri Foundation.
• Theofilos Kairis house, located opposite the Metropolitan church.
• The Public Theater where theatrical plays are organized and movies are projected.
• Rivas square and Afanos Naftis statue created by Michalis Tompros.
• Kato (Mesa) Castle. It was built in the beginning of 13th century by the Franks and is connected to the land by a single arched stone bridge built in the 13th century.
• Tourlitis Lighthouse built on a rock at the port’s entrance.
• The Archeological Museum including findings (statues, bas-reliefs, jewels etc) excavated in Zagora, Korthi and Palaiopoli. In its yard you can see Kampanis marble spring (beginning of the 19th century) which was left there from Ottoman occupation.
• The Museum of Folklore and Christian Art built by Marios Vassilopoulos and Irini Mantzavelaki-Vassilopoulou.
• The Museum of Modern Art built by Vasilis and Eliza Goulandri Foundation. It includes works of famous Greek and foreign artists and it houses remarkable temporary exhibitions.
  Nimporio coastal settlement with cypress tree rows, running waters, scenic bridges and fields full of citrus
• trees and gardening.
• The arched stone bridge located close to Nimporio.
• Livadia settlement with cypress tree rows, running waters and fields full of citrus trees and gardening.
• Vrachnos settlement with an amazing view of Chora.

Gavrio is where all visitors enter the island and, although there is no known historical background to this town, it lseems it was an ancient port that connected Andros to Attica in the same way it does today. As the ship enters the port you can see the small town of Gavrio which has many kinds of shops, cafes, restaurants and tavernas on the seafront. Walking along the promenade you can find small sandy beaches. From Gavrio, buses depart to Hora. If you want to discover Andros under your own steam, you will find car hire firms and tourist offices at the portside. Also, if you are interested to buy land or property on Andros, here you will find many real estate agencies. A good idea is to visit Ano Gavrio, either by foot or car. The road takes you through glorious countryside and farmland, over babbling brooks and passes a fine example of the famed pigeon houses of Andros, the pigeon house of Manjoros is just past the first little bridge over a river and is easy to spot with its traditional quaint structure and decoration. Continuing along this road will lead you to the church of Agia Sofia, the main church of Gavrio.

Batsi: Next to Gavrio, towards Batsi, is the wonderful sandy beach of Agios Petros. Here is located the interesting Tower of Agios Petros which is worth a closer look. Batsi is probably the most developed tourist town of the island, although it must be said that it is nothing like the mass tourist developments that can be seen on other Cycladic islands. At Batsi you will find most of the hotels, apartments and the only camping site on the island. Batsi has a small marina where yachts and fishing boats berth. Around the marina and along the promenade you will find many restaurants, tavernas and clubs. Batsi, like Gavrio, belongs to the municipality of Hydrousa. The most beaches of Andros can be found here as well as many picturesque villages clustered on the slopes of the mountains and the bays.