Let’s be honest. Gavrio isn’t usually the reason people book a trip to Andros. Everybody arrives in Gavrio (often by ferry from Rafina in Athens), as it is the only ferry port on Andros. But most visitors step off, pick up their rental car, and immediately drive to Batsi or the capital Chora without giving Gavrio a second thought.
And while I understand the temptation (there is so much to do in Andros and those beautiful beaches of Andros are calling your name), Gavrio deserves more love than simply being “the place where you set foot on the island or leave Andros.”
We took the time to explore Gavrio and found that this laid-back port town has a charming waterfront promenade, some excellent tavernas and shops, beautiful beaches nearby, and a surprisingly authentic atmosphere. And it is a great base to stay in Andros to explore the rest of the island.
So, whether you’re staying for a few nights or just passing through, here’s everything you need to know about what to do in Gavrio, Andros.
1. Stroll along the waterfront
One of the nicest things to do in Gavrio is simply to walk along its waterfront promenade. We saw fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, locals enjoying their morning coffee, and plenty of cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea.
Life moves slowly here, which is exactly how it should be on a Greek island. Grab a coffee, sit by the water, and watch the ferries arrive and depart. It may sound simple, but in Greece, sitting down for freddo cappuccino is considered a legitimate activity, and honestly, it’s one of my favorites.
2. Go shopping for local products
Gavrio doesn’t have the big shopping scene like some other port towns in the Cyclades (such as Ermoupoli in Syros or Parikia in Paros), but it has several small shops selling local products and unique holiday essentials.
You’ll find a lot of different things such as local honey, olive oil, handmade soaps, traditional sweets, beachwear, local souvenirs, fresh produce, and bakery treats. It’s also one of the most convenient places on the island to stock up on groceries if you’re staying in a villa or apartment.
Some of our favorite shops you need to explore are To Rodi (affordable and unique clothing and gifts), Inti Jinti (especially for candles and perfumes), Lada Vasiliki (jewelry shop), Logari (book store), Maéve Clothing and Froufrou Andros (largest range of gifts and souvenirs on Andros).
TIP: Our absolute favorite is the organic food store Andriakon. They have a huge selection of organic products, and a few authentic souvenirs. You can even come for a drink or a meal, as they also have a terrace and bar.
3. Enjoy a long Greek lunch
One thing Gavrio does particularly well? Food. The town is filled with traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood, grilled meats, Greek meze, and local Andriot specialties. Many restaurants sit right along the harbor, making lunch with a sea view almost unavoidable.
My advice? Order several dishes to share. Greek food is simply better when eaten slowly and accompanied by good company and an unnecessarily large basket of bread.
TIP: If you don’t have time for a long lunch or dinner, check out one of the bakeries at the waterfront and buy a delicious Spanakopita (traditional Greek savoury pie with spinach and feta) or Bougatsa (sweet or savoury Greek pie).
4. Explore and relax on the beaches nearby Gavrio
One of the biggest advantages of exploring or staying in Gavrio is that some of Andros’ best beaches are just a short drive away. If you don’t have one yet, being the port of Andros, there are many rental offices in Gavrio to pick up a rental car.
Some of the best beaches east of Gavrio (towards Batsi):
- Agios Petros Beach: If you only have time to visit one (popular) beach near Gavrio, make it Agios Petros. It’s located just a few minutes from town and one of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches on Andros. It has a couple of beach bars, sunbeds for rent, water sports during the summer months, and plenty of space if you prefer to bring your own towel and umbrella.
- Chrissi Ammos Beach: A little past Agios Petros lies Paralia Chrissi Ammos, which literally translates to “Golden Sand Beach”. This organized sandy beach is also one of the most popular on Andros, thanks to its clear turquoise waters and excellent facilities.
- Kypri Beach: Beautiful beach with sand and some pebbles, with all the amenities and easy to get to, but a bit less crowded than the two beaches above.
- Agios Kyprianos Beach: A hidden gem east of Gavrio, with an impressive natural landscape. The unorganized beach is located in a rocky, natural cove (great for snorkeling) and has shallow, clear water and fine sand. There is a taverna just behind the beach, where you can also park if you have a drink or some food.
Read more: A complete guide on what to do in Batsi
More amazing (and less crowded) beaches west of Gavrio:
- Fellos Beach: Nice beach in a large bay with clear waters. There are some trees that you can use for shade, a tavern nearby, and plenty of parking. It is used a lot by the locals, but not so crowded as Agios Petros or Chrissi Ammos Beach.
- Kourtali Beach: Lovely, quiet beach, sheltered from the wind in a small bay, south of Fellos Beach(15 min walk or reachable by car on a dirt road).
- Pisolimnionas Beach: Great sandy beach with clear water, perfect if you are looking for a quiet experience away from the crowds. Do bring all your stuff, as it is completely unorganized with no facilities or snack bars. You need to drive on an easy dirt road for approximately 4 km, perfectly doable with a normal car.
5. Visit the Tower of Agios Petros
History lovers shouldn’t miss the Tower of Agios Petros, one of the most important ancient monuments on Andros. Dating back to the Hellenistic period, this remarkably well-preserved stone tower is believed to have been used as a watchtower and defensive structure.
It’s only a short drive from Gavrio or a walk uphill from Agios Petros Beach. Once you are there, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful views over the surrounding area.
UPDATE: The tower is under renovation as of spring 2026, and completely hidden by scaffolding. Let us know if it’s renovated and visible again.
6. Enjoy the view over Gavrio from the nearby villages
One of the best things about Gavrio is that it’s surrounded by beautiful hillside villages offering spectacular views over the harbour and the Aegean Sea. We know, because we stayed in one of them (Villa Thimari in Agios Petros).
But even if you’re not staying there, hop in your rental car and take a short drive on small roads up to the villages (Ano Gavrio, Koumari, Scholi, or Agios Petros). You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that are especially magical at sunset.
Read more: Best things to do in Andros
7. Discover the hiking trails
Andros is famous for its network of well-marked hiking routes, and the western side of the island offers some beautiful walks through traditional villages, olive groves, and coastal landscapes.
But what many visitors don’t realize is that several hiking trails begin near Gavrio. And even if you’re not an experienced hiker, there are plenty of shorter walks suitable for beginners. Here are some great hikes near Gavrio:
- Trail 14: Gavrio – Ano Gavrio – Amolochos – Frousaioi: if you only walk the first part to Ano Gavrio, it’s an easy to moderate hike (+3 km) following a riverside path with farmhouses, old watermills, and panoramic views of Gavrio Bay. The full hike is 13 km (find more info here).
- Trail 15: Gavrio – Ano Agios Petros – Agios Petros Beach: a moderate hike of 5 km taking you from Gavrio port towards the Hellenistic Tower of Agios Petros, ending at Agios Petros sandy beach (find more info here).
- Trail 15a: Scholi – Ano Agios Petros – Scholi: a moderate circular route (+4 km) that passes the historic Kotzalis spring in Ano Gavrio, the church of Agia Mavra, and high points with wide views over the area (find more info here).
- Trail 16: Ano Agios Petros – Agias Monastery – Batsi: another beautiful moderate hike (around 6 km) following the western coast, starting near Gavrio, going past a monastery and ending in Batsi (find more info here).
How to get to Gavrio in Andros?
Gavrio is located on the west coast of Andros and is the island’s main ferry port. It’s the first place you’ll see when arriving and the gateway to the rest of the island.
There is no airport on Andros, so taking the ferry will be the only way to reach Andros. To get to Gavrio, most people take the ferry from Athens to Andros.
Read more: All you need to know to take the ferry from Rafina (Athens) to Gavrio (Andros)
If you are already island-hopping around the Cyclades, you can take a ferry from one of the surrounding Cycladic islands, such as its neighbor Tinos.
If you are staying somewhere else on Andros, it’s only about a 10-minute drive from Batsi and around 40 minutes from Chora. You can park your car in the parking lots on the sides of the harbor.
Read more: A complete guide on taking the ferry in the Cyclades
Best time to visit Gavrio
Gavrio is one of the liveliest places on Andros during the summer months. From May to October, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, shops, and beach bars operating at full speed.
Unlike many small tourist villages, Gavrio also has a year-round local population. While it’s much quieter during winter, it never completely shuts down. Ferries continue to operate, locals go about their daily lives, and several cafés and restaurants remain open throughout the year.
Read more: Best time to visit the Cyclades
Our favorite restaurants and cafes in Gavrio, Andros
Gavrio may be a small port town, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food. One of the things we love most about Gavrio is that it feels refreshingly authentic. Many of the tavernas are family-run, the portions are generous (as they should be in Greece), and you’ll often find yourself dining alongside locals rather than tourists.
Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Destra Gastrotaverna: One of the restaurants in Gavrio with the best reviews, which isn’t surprising as they serve some amazing Greek food. Add the kind service, relaxing atmosphere, and fantastic view of the port of Andros, which makes this place not to be missed!
- Souvlaki Time: Located in the north of Gavrio, this is the place to be if you are looking for a delicious and affordable local souvlaki or gyros.
- Apomero Cafe Bar: A fantastic coffee/cocktail bar, with amazing decoration and great music, in a quiet location (they even have parking spots available).
- San Paramythi All Day Bar: A wonderful, cozy, and nicely designed bar next to the harbor. They serve excellent coffee, homemade lemonades and drinks, but also small snacks such as club sandwiches and tasty sweets.
- Arodo: A nice coffee shop with excellent coffee, a peaceful atmosphere, and the friendliest owners.
- Riva Andros: One of the restaurants for fresh fish and seafood on the island, a bit tucked away from the main street. They serve fantastic food but also have excellent service.
- Andriakon: Besides the wonderful organic shop, they also have a cosy terrace. A great spot for a drink and some food (ask for the best local wines and cheeses).
Where to stay in Gavrio
Gavrio is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for convenience. While it may not have the elegance of Chora or the lively beach atmosphere of Batsi, Gavrio offers something many travelers appreciate: simplicity, authenticity, and everything you need within walking distance.
It’s ideal for travelers arriving late or leaving early by ferry. But you also have easy access to supermarkets, restaurants, and car rental companies. And it’s a great base for exploring the island, as it is close to the lively beach town Batsi, some of the most popular beaches of Andros, and only 40 minutes to Chora.
Read more: What to do in Chora, Andros
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, including family-run studios, apartments, boutique hotels, and villas with sea views. You can also choose to stay in one of the nearby villages for a traditional Greek stay (you’ll still get the convenience of being close to Gavrio but with stunning views).
Some of our favorites are:
- Aktio Studios: Greatly located close to the beach across the main road and Gavrio town, the kind host Nikos offers spacious and clean rooms (also for families) with beautiful balconies overlooking the sea.
- Pharos Apartments: Very well-equipped, spacious, and comfortable apartments with spectacular views over the sea where you can watch the ferries sail by.
- Villa Thimari: This is where we stayed, in Agios Petros, a small village above Gavrio. We loved our stay in this traditional Greek Cycladic house, with stunning views (especially during sunset) and the friendliest host.
Final thoughts on visiting Gavrio, Andros
Gavrio might not be the star attraction of Andros, but that’s part of its charm. It’s relaxed, practical, and wonderfully authentic, a place where life revolves around the harbor, long lunches, and beautiful sunsets.
So next time you arrive on Andros, don’t rush off immediately. Just like us, stay for a coffee, take a stroll along the waterfront, and give Gavrio the chance it deserves. Don’t expect the fancy stuff, but the traditional, slow way of living, so typical for the Cycladic Islands.