If Andros had a crown jewel, it would undoubtedly be Andros Town, or Chora, the capital of Andros and one of the best places to visit in Andros. When we visited Chora, we expected another pretty Cycladic town with whitewashed houses and a few blue shutters. You know the type.
But Chora surprised us. It feels different from the rest of the Cyclades. More elegant. More sophisticated. It actually reminded me more of the neoclassical houses of Ermoupoli in Syros than the typical Cycladic vibes of, for example, Naoussa in Paros.
Built on a narrow peninsula stretching into the sea, Chora is a beautiful mix of Venetian, Byzantine, and neoclassical influences. There are hidden courtyards, impressive museums, and enough cafés to keep even the most dedicated coffee lover happy for a while.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to stay for several days, here’s a list of the best things to do in Chora, Andros.
1. Wander through the marble streets
My favorite thing to do in Chora? Simply getting lost. Walk to Girokomeiou Square and walk towards the end of the peninsula. Put away Google Maps for a while and wander through the maze of marble alleyways. You’ll find bougainvillea climbing over old doors, tiny churches and chapels tucked between houses, and sleepy cats sunbathing in places they definitely shouldn’t be.
Unlike Mykonos, Chora still feels authentic. You’ll hear Greek being spoken around you, locals chatting outside bakeries, and grandparents keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood from their balconies.
TIP: If you’re only visiting Chora for the day, try to stay until sunset. Watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink as the sun dips behind the island. The marble streets glow, the cafés fill up, and Chora somehow becomes even more beautiful.
2. Admire the famous Tourlitis Lighthouse
If you’ve seen photos of Andros, you’ve probably already seen the iconic lighthouse perched dramatically on a rock in the sea. The Tourlitis Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Cyclades and has a fascinating history.
Built in 1887 at the end of the peninsula that holds Chora, it was the first automatic lighthouse in Greece and one of the only lighthouses built on rock in Europe. It was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1996 by the Goulandris family. Although you can’t visit the lighthouse itself, the views from Chora are spectacular.
However, getting a good view is not always easy. You can head to the viewpoint on the Venetian Castle peninsula (but that is not allowed anymore) or go to the Mother of Lord Thalassini Holy Chapel for the best photos, especially at sunset when everything turns golden.
3. Get a view of the Venetian Castle
At the edge of Chora lies the remains of a Venetian castle dating back to the 13th century. Today, only ruins of the castle remain, mainly due to the bombings during WWII, but the setting is absolutely stunning.
From the square with the statue of the Unknown Sailor, you get the best view. While we were there, it was very windy, and waves kept crashing against the rocks below, and before we realized, we’d been standing there for twenty minutes staring at this beautiful sight.
A small (dangerous) stone bridge connects the mainland to the tiny islet where the castle once stood, but it is no longer allowed to cross the bridge. Which is understandable, but a shame, as you get the best view of the lighthouse from behind the castle.
4. Visit the Museums of Chora
For a relatively small town, Chora has an impressive number of museums. Here’s a list of some that are definitely worth a visit:
- Museum of Contemporary Art: Founded by the Goulandris family (the same family who paid for the reconstruction of the lighthouse), this museum hosts exhibitions featuring both Greek and international artists. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, it’s worth stopping by.
- Andros Archaeological Museum: Learn about the island’s rich history, from prehistoric settlements to Roman times. It’s small enough not to overwhelm you but interesting enough to make you appreciate just how much history these islands have seen.
- Maritime Museum: Andros has a strong maritime tradition, and this museum tells the story of the island’s shipowners and sailors. It turns out Andriots have been traveling the world long before digital nomads made it trendy.
5. Relax at Paraporti Beach
One of the best things about Chora is that you can combine sightseeing with swimming. Paraporti Beach is located just a short walk from the center and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The beach is partly organized, with crystal-clear water and excellent views of the town.
It can get windy (welcome to the Cyclades), but that’s often a blessing during the hot summer months.
TIP: If Paraporti is too windy, head to Neimporio beach on the other side of Chora. This sheltered beach is ideal for families and tends to have calmer waters. Or, if you don’t like sand, you can also go to the swimming platform by the Venetian Castle.
6. Walk up to the Mother of Lord Thalassini Holy Chapel
Probably one of our favorite things to do in Chora Andros was exploring the area around this tiny chapel, built on top of a rock. We couldn’t even get inside the chapel, but we just loved the location and the stunning views over the lighthouse.
If you love photography (like I do), then you definitely need to take some time to walk around here. And walk southwest along the water to see the beautiful statue of a mother and her child that is waiting for her husband to return from the sea.
7. Enjoy coffee and food like a local
Greeks take coffee and food seriously. Very seriously. And Chora has no shortage of fantastic cafés and tavernas where you can sit for hours without anyone rushing you. Order a freddo espresso or some meze and embrace the Greek way of life.
Find a café overlooking the sea (like Nostalgia 1950) or in one of the small streets, sit down, and enjoy watching life unfold around you. Chances are, you’ll leave wondering why your life back home feels unnecessarily rushed.
TIP: Some local specialties you should try are Froutalia (Andros’ famous sausage omelet), Amygdalota (almond sweets), Pastitsio, Rakomelo, and the fresh seafood and local cheeses.
8. Watch a show at the Andros Open Theater
If you want to experience a cultural evening out, we can highly recommend going to the Andros Open Theater. It is an outdoor theater made out of stone with a capacity of over 900 people. As it is open-air, you can only experience a performance during high season.
Each year in high summer, the International Festival of Andros takes place here. It’s usually organized at the end of July and the beginning of August, and definitely worth a visit for an authentic experience in Chora.
TIP: During our walk, we also passed by the Alex Cinema, an open-air cinema during the summer months. Since we love these (we went to the one in Ermoupoli in Syros), we were going to recommend it but read many bad reviews, from a rude owner to illegally downloaded movies.
9. Go shopping in the cute boutiques
Chora has plenty of small boutiques, mainly located in the main pedestrian street, selling anything from handmade jewelry, ceramics, and clothing to Greek delicacies, art, and souvenirs.
Take your time to look through the many beautiful and authentic products. Thankfully, you’ll find very few tacky souvenir shops selling “I love Greece” hats but more unique and handmade souvenirs. Chora really has managed to maintain a certain elegance that extends even to its shopping scene.
Read more: What to pack and wear in the Cyclades
10. Discover the hidden churches
One of the things I love most about Chora is that there always seems to be another church waiting around the corner, just like on all the other Cycladic Islands.
Some are tiny and almost hidden, while others are larger and more ornate. The Holy Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, perched dramatically above the sea, is particularly worth visiting. The views from here are also some of the best in Chora.
How to get to Chora on Andros?
Chora is the capital of Andros Island and is, unlike many Cycladic capitals, not near the port. It is located on the eastern side of the island, about 35 kilometers from Gavrio, the main ferry port (where you arrive if you take the ferry from Athens to Andros). Depending on traffic (and the number of goats claiming the road as their own), the drive from Gavrio takes around 40–45 minutes.
If you come by car, we advise you to park near the city hall (or the Alex cinema). This is also where we parked, and from there, we explored the old town on foot.
Read more: A full guide on taking ferries in the Cyclades
Best time to visit Chora Andros
The best time to visit Chora really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after warm weather, lively terraces, and plenty of restaurants and shops being open, May to October is ideal. June and September are particularly lovely, with pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and perfect conditions for both sightseeing and beach hopping. We visited at the beginning of September and loved it!
July and August are the busiest months. Chora never feels as overcrowded as places like Mykonos or Santorini, but you’ll definitely notice more visitors, especially Greek holidaymakers. The atmosphere is wonderful, though, with outdoor events, bustling tavernas, and long summer evenings spent strolling through the marble streets.
Luckily, Chora doesn’t completely shut down in winter. Since many locals live here year-round, you’ll still find cafés, bakeries, supermarkets, and a handful of restaurants open. Don’t expect buzzing nightlife or packed terraces, but an authentic side of Andros where you can enjoy the town almost entirely to yourself.
Read more: Best time to visit the Cyclades
Our favorite places to eat in Chora Andros
As the island’s capital, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants in town, from traditional tavernas to more modern dining spots. Here are some of our favorites:
- Nostalgia 1950: a traditional Greek taverna in the heart of Chora, where they serve delicious local dishes on a terrace under the shade of trees on a calm square. Try the Louza rolls, cheese pie, Tzatziki, or anything else on the menu really.
- Fresco All Day Bistro: a lovely coffee shop and bistro, with a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Come here for a relaxing and healthy breakfast or lunch, or just to grab a delicious coffee.
- I Pita Tis Agoras: if you want a fast and affordable meal, come here for a delicious gyro pita or souvlaki platter, right in the center of Chora.
- NeoBar Cocktails & Pizza: the beautiful view combined with the warm and relaxing atmosphere is enough already, but also the pizza and cocktails are great. All you need for a perfect evening out.
- Biriki: probably the best coffee in town, but they all serve great homemade lemonade, a good selection of beers, and delicious sweets or small dishes. It is also a wonderful spot under the shade of the trees.
- Lithi All Day Bar: a great place for brunch and coffee in a stylish atmosphere with a view, or to get some work done.
- Patisserie Lygizos: the place to try out the traditional Amygdalota (almond biscuits). But all their other pastries are delicious too, such as the almond or chocolate cake.
How much time do you need in Chora?
Chora is not very big, so you can see the highlights of Chora in half a day. But we’d recommend spending at least one or two days here so you can really explore and feel the beautiful capital of Andros.
That would give you enough time to also spend some time at the beaches, explore the town at a leisurely pace, visit the museums, and enjoy long lunches or dinners.
Where to stay in Chora Andros?
Chora is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for culture, charm, and beautiful sea views. You’ll find everything from boutique hotels and stylish apartments to traditional guesthouses tucked away in the marble alleyways.
Staying in Chora means you’ll be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, museums, and two lovely beaches, making it an excellent base for exploring the island. While it isn’t located near the ferry port, the extra drive is more than worth it. Here are a few of our favorite accommodations in Chora:
- Anemomiloi Andros: this lovely accommodation with a pool and delicious breakfast has a great location on the edge of the fabulous town and close to the heart of Andros Chora town. The rooms (including family rooms) are very clean and comfortable. It even comes with parking.
- Alkyoni Studios: located across from the beach and 10 minutes walk from town, this lovely and modern studio has everything you need for a wonderful stay.
- Lasia Boutique Apartment: this hidden gem has the perfect location in the center of Chora. The 2-bedroom apartment is fully equipped and beautifully designed (a perfect mix between luxury and the traditional Cycladic style).
Our final thoughts on visiting Chora in Andros
During our visit to Andros, we really loved our time in Chora (even though it was very windy). It’s elegant without being pretentious, lively without being crowded, and beautiful without trying too hard.
In many ways, it feels like the Cyclades of twenty years ago, a place where life moves slowly, and people still take the time to enjoy it. Don’t come for the typical whitewashed houses, but for the lighthouse, the neoclassical houses, and the welcoming atmosphere.