Andros is the second-largest Cycladic island and surprised us during our visit because of how green and mountainous it is. Which is exactly why, if you are looking for the best things to do in Andros, you should put down your beach towel for a day (or more) and explore the villages inland.
Because tucked away in the hills and mountains of Andros, you will discover a different side of the island with many traditional villages, where stone houses cling to green mountainsides, freshwater springs bubble up from the ground, and tiny churches seem to appear around every corner. Some are surrounded by olive groves and ancient footpaths you can still hike on (the kalderimia), while others offer spectacular views over the Aegean.
And although some consider the bigger and popular towns of Chora, Batsi, and Gavrio to be part of the most beautiful villages in Andros, they are not what we’ll be talking about in this article.
Yes, they all are a must-visit, but here we want to mention the more off-the-beaten-track and smaller villages to visit in Andros. Hidden gems you can’t miss and that will give you a glimpse of the history but also authentic everyday life of the island.
What are the best villages in Andros to visit?
There is not a simple answer to this question, as there are so many villages in Andros. And you certainly don’t need to visit all of them. In fact, trying to do so would probably turn your relaxing island holiday into a rather ambitious geography exam. Instead, choose a few based on what interests you.
Some of them are located in the mountains, near springs and lush valleys (which is rare in the dry climate of the Cyclades). While others are closer to the island’s long coastline, offering great views over the Aegean Sea.
So, if you are wondering what the best villages to visit in Andros are, read on as we’ll go over a lot of them. But to give you a quick answer:
- For beautiful scenery and nature: Menites, Stenies and Apoikia (also the most famous villages, being so close to Chora). These are our top choices if you want greenery, springs, traditional architecture and hiking.
- For history: Paleopolis and Pitrofos. Paleopolis is perfect for ancient history, while Pitrofos gives you an insight into the island’s agricultural traditions.
- For spectacular views: Ano Aprovatou (close to Batsi) and the villages around Gavrio.
- For a quiet escape: Ormos Korthiou. This seaside area is ideal if you want to experience a slower, more local side of Andros.
On this blog, we usually only share places we’ve actually been. But we have to be honest here: we didn’t have time to visit all of them. After talking to locals and other visitors of Andros, however, we are sure this is the best list of villages in Andros you need to visit.
How to visit the villages of Andros
The easiest (and maybe only) way to explore the villages is by renting your own car or scooter. Andros is a surprisingly large island, and many of the villages are tucked away in the mountains. Public buses connect some of the towns, but they aren’t practical for visiting several smaller villages in one day.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to combine villages with beaches, hiking trails and viewpoints. And trust us: you’ll want to stop often. Read more about this in our complete guide on renting a car and driving in Andros.
There are also hiking trails between some of the villages. So if you don’t have a car, you could take the bus to Menites, for example, and hike from there on the old stone paths from the Andros Routes to Mesaria, Stenies and Apoikia.
Read more: How to get to Andros by ferry
Menites: the village of springs
If we had to choose just one village to visit in Andros, Menites would be very high on our list, also because it is very easy to reach from Chora (a 15-minute drive). This tiny mountain village is surrounded by lush vegetation and flowing springs. It is one of the greenest areas of Andros and feels worlds away from the Cycladic stereotype of dry, barren landscapes.
It’s a lovely place to stop for a while, especially on a hot summer day. We walked for a bit through the village, relaxed on the square under huge walnut and plane trees and admired the traditional stone houses (forget the typical Cycladic white and blue for a bit). You can even have a meal at Drosiá Menites.
But the village is particularly famous for its Lion Fountain, where water flows from several marble lion heads. The perfect spot to drink some fresh mountain water! Above the spring, you can find the church of the Panagia Koumoulou. And if you have enough time, you should also consider hiking on the nearby trails through the fertile Mesaria valley.
Read more: Best things to do in Chora
Stenies: neoclassical charm in the hills
Another village that is not to be missed and just a short distance from Chora (11-minute drive) is Stenies. It’s considered one of the most beautiful traditional villages on Andros, known for its elegance and authentic village feel, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why.
The village also has a long connection with the island’s wealthy maritime families, which you can see in some of the impressive old neoclassical mansions where the shipowners and captains used to live. Take your time to wander around the narrow streets, admire the houses with lovely gardens, and visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos.
Stenies is, just as Menites, surrounded by greenery and crossed by old paths and streams. Perfect to go for a hike with the Aegean Sea in the distance. And if you are missing the beach, you can visit Piso Gialia Beach, right below Stenies.
TIP: If you are exploring the village, or passing it while you are hiking around Andros, make sure to stop at Stathmos Cafe and Coffee Shop, as they have some of the best quality coffee, other delicious drinks, small snacks, and a great view over Stenies village.
Apoikia: springs and waterfalls
Right next to Stenies, located in the hills above Chora (only 6 km away), lies Apoikia, a relatively large village with stone-built houses and narrow alleyways, famous for its natural springs, waterfalls, and beautiful surrounding landscape.
The village is home to the famous Sariza spring, whose water has been bottled on Andros for generations and is sold across Greece. In the village, there’s a fountain where you can taste the water.
Another highlight of visiting Apoikia is the view. From Katakalaioi, above the village, you have a wonderful view towards Chora and the Aegean.
Apoikia is also a great starting point for exploring some of the island’s hiking trails. The village is surrounded by green and lush nature, and has the famous Pythara waterfalls (most beautiful in spring) and Saint Marina Andros Monastery, which you can both hike to.
Paleopolis: ancient history
Paleopolis isn’t exactly a traditional village in the same way as Menites or Stenies, but it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Andros if you love history. This was the ancient capital of Andros, and today its terraced slopes hide the remains of temples, stairways, and city walls.
What makes Paleopolis particularly special is the combination of history and scenery. You can wander among ancient ruins while looking out over the Aegean Sea. There’s also a small archaeological museum where you can learn more about the history of the ancient settlement and see artifacts from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
Paleopolis is a great stop to combine with a beach day on the west coast or if you are staying in Batsi.
Ormos Korthiou: local seaside bliss
Technically, Ormos Korthiou is more of a small seaside town than a traditional mountain village, but we couldn’t leave it out. Located on the south-eastern coast of Andros, Korthi has a completely different atmosphere from Batsi and Chora, and we loved it!
It’s quieter, more relaxed, and feels much more local, but still has enough amenities, such as a few lovely restaurants, bars, and great places to stay. Grab a coffee along the waterfront, explore the little streets or go for a hike, and then find a taverna for a long lunch. Or, as the summer Meltemi winds can blow strongly here, try windsurfing.
The town sits around a beautiful bay surrounded by mountains, and the whole Korthi area is filled with traditional villages, such as Kochylou and Aidonia, and many hiking paths. Also, have a look at the ruins of Faneromeni Castle. This is the part of Andros we’d recommend to anyone who wants to escape the busier tourist areas.
TIP: Ormos is also the starting point for the hike (or drive) to Tis Grias to Pidimia, the famous rock formation, which is one of the most photographed beaches in Andros.
Ano Aprovatou: views over the Aegean
If you’re looking for spectacular views, Ano Aprovatou deserves your attention. The village is perched high on the mountainside, not far from Batsi, overlooking the Aegean, and the views are absolutely incredible.
The landscape here is rugged and green, with traditional houses scattered across the slopes. This isn’t a village you necessarily visit because there are dozens of attractions to tick off your list. You come for the views and the atmosphere.
We love places like this because you can simply sit down, order a coffee or lunch, and watch the landscape change in front of you.
Read more: What to do in Batsi
Ano Gavrio, Scholi, and Agios Petros: views over Gavrio
Most visitors know Gavrio because it’s where the ferry arrives, but head uphill and you’ll discover a very different side of the area. The villages around Gavrio offer beautiful views back towards the harbour and the Aegean.
It’s worth taking a little detour if you’re staying in Gavrio or arriving early for your ferry. Wander through the quiet streets and enjoy the view over the port. And yes, everything looks better from above.
Fun fact: Ano in Greek means ‘up’ or ‘above’, so many old villages start with Ano. For example, in Ermoupoli on the island of Syros you have Ano Syros, and here in Andros you have Ano Gavrio, meaning above Gavrio.
Read more: What to do in Gavrio
TIP: Come here for sunset, to enjoy incredible views over the Aegean Sea. Or better, stay in a traditional house as we did at Villa Thimari in Agios Petros village to enjoy this every evening.
Pitrofos: traditional olive culture
Pitrofos is a small traditional village in the interior of Andros that offers another glimpse into the island’s agricultural past. The village is particularly interesting because of its connection to olive oil production.
Here you’ll find the Cyclades Olive Museum, housed in a traditional olive press. It’s a fascinating little museum (one of the best of Andros) that gives you an insight into how olive oil was traditionally produced on Andros.
The village itself is peaceful and authentic, with stone houses and narrow streets. It’s a great place to visit when you are driving from Batsi to Chora.
Mesaria: stunning old churches
Mesaria is another one of those small inland villages in Andros that you could easily drive past without realising what you’re missing. Located right next to Menites and close to Chora, Apoikia and Stenies, in the heart of the island, it is a perfect place to experience the everyday authentic Greek island life away from the beaches and tourists.
The village is home to several old stone mansions (reflecting Andros’ wealthy maritime past), the impressive Church of Agios Georgios and the medieval Byzantine church of the Taxiarchis. The narrow lanes, surrounding green hills and olive groves invite you to explore on foot, slow down and enjoy the peaceful and traditional atmosphere.
There aren’t many major attractions here (although you can join olive harvesting or a local cooking class), and that’s actually part of its charm.
TIP: To experience true local life, go to Zairis Patisserie Gelateria on the road to Mesaria, where they sell some of the best traditional almond cookies of the island, called Amigdalota (try the ones with rosewater).
Highland villages: Vourkoti, Arni and Katakilos
If you want to see the wild, mountainous side of Andros, head into the highlands and discover villages like Vourkoti, Arni and Katakilos. These villages are tucked away among the island’s green valleys and rugged mountains, far from the busy beaches and seaside resorts.
- Vourkoti, one of the highest villages on Andros, is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and is a great starting point for hikes.
- Arni feels even more remote, with dense vegetation (walnut and plane trees), running water and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. This is also one of the coolest places on Andros in summer. It’s almost hard to believe you’re still on a Cycladic island.
- Katakilos, meanwhile, sits in a lush valley above Batsi and is known for its traditional stone houses and beautiful countryside.
None of the three have a long list of tourist attractions, and that’s exactly the point. Come here to wander along quiet streets, admire the old stone architecture, enjoy the views, and experience an authentic side of Andros that most visitors never see.
And don’t forget to bring your walking shoes. The best discoveries are often found along the old paths connecting these villages.
TIP: To get to these villages, be aware that you will have to drive some winding mountain roads. Nothing to be scared off, but maybe not the best for people who are not confident to drive.
More frequently asked questions about Andros’ villages
Is it worth visiting the villages in Andros?
It’s very easy to visit Andros and spend your entire holiday jumping between beaches. But we’d really encourage you to spend at least one day exploring the beautiful villages inland. They show you a side of Andros that you simply don’t see from the beach. We’re talking about green valleys, ancient paths, stone villages, running water, mountain landscapes and a slower way of life. And once you’ve discovered that side of the island, you’ll understand why we think Andros deserves far more attention than it gets.
When is the best time to visit the Andros villages?
Spring (March to May) is without a doubt the best season, because then Andros is as green as it gets, with wildflowers, full waterfalls and nice weather. Autumn is great too, because the heat fades and the crowds go away (although it is never very crowded in the villages). Both seasons are also the best for hiking. In summer, the mountain villages do offer a cooler environment than the beaches.
What is a good day itinerary to visit the villages in Andros?
A great day itinerary to visit the most famous villages of Andros is starting in Chora, then driving towards Stenies, continuing to Apoikia, and making your way to Menites and Mesaria. From there, you can continue towards Pitrofos or head back towards the coast for an afternoon swim.
From Batsi, you can easily visit Ano Aprovato, Paleopolis and the highland villages of Katakilos, Arni, or Vourkoti (although you can also reach them from Chora past Apoikia).
If you wonder how many days you need to visit the villages in Andros, we would suggest 2 to 3 in total to visit most of the villages we’ve talked about here without rushing.
Can you hike between the villages?
Yes, as mentioned before, between the mountain villages you can find many hiking trails, usually using the old stone paths, the kalderimia, that connected the villages long ago. These paths are now used for the Andros Routes, a vast network of amazing trails across the island.
Final thoughts about visiting the villages in Andros
If you are only looking for busy streets, fancy shops, and lots of things to do, the villages in Andros might not be perfect for you. But if you are looking for an authentic and greener side of the island, this is where you need to go.
Because most beautiful villages in Andros aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest attractions. They’re the places where you wander down a quiet lane, discover an old stone house covered in flowers, and hear water running from a spring somewhere nearby.
That’s the side of Andros we love as well. So rent a car, leave the coast behind for a day and head into the mountains. You might just discover your favourite part of the island somewhere between a spring, a tiny church and a taverna you weren’t even planning to visit.