If there’s one piece of advice we’d give anyone visiting Andros, it’s this: rent a car. Sure, there are buses connecting the main towns, and yes, you could spend your entire holiday in Batsi or Chora without ever getting behind the wheel.
But if you really want to discover what makes Andros so special, such as the mountain villages, hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, and tiny tavernas where you’re more likely to hear Greek than English, you’ll want your own set of wheels.
The good news? It’s very easy to rent a car in Andros, and also driving in Andros is surprisingly doable. The roads are generally in good condition (unless you go very remote), traffic is minimal, and you’ll spend more time admiring sea views than sitting in traffic jams.
Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Andros, based on our own experience road tripping around the island.
Read more: Best things to do in Andros
Do you really need to rent a car in Andros?
Technically? No, you can visit Andros without a car, depending on the area where you are staying in Andros. Practically? Absolutely!
When we explore the Cyclades, we’ve learned that having your own car truly is the best way to discover the islands. We rented a car in Syros, in Paros, in Milos, etc., and wanted this freedom during our visit to Andros as well.
Andros is the second-largest island in the Cyclades, stretching more than 40 kilometres from north to south. Yes, there are buses connecting Gavrio, Batsi and Chora, and some of the popular beaches and mountain villages.
But many of Andros’ highlights are tucked away in the mountains or along remote stretches of coastline that are difficult (or impossible) to reach by public transport. If you’re planning to visit places like Vitali Beach, Achla Beach, Zorkos Beach, Panachrantou Monastery, Stenies, Apoikia, or the Andros hiking trails, a rental car will save you a lot of time and give you complete freedom.
We honestly can’t imagine exploring Andros without one.
Read more: Most beautiful villages in Andros
Is it safe to drive a car in Andros?
Yes, and much more doable than many people expect. Driving around Andros will probably be one of the highlights of your visit to the island. The roads wind through mountains, olive groves, tiny villages and spectacular coastal viewpoints. However, there are some things you need to know and be prepared for, as well.
First of all, if the thought of driving in Greece makes you nervous because you’ve heard stories about Athens traffic… relax. Andros is a completely different experience. Traffic is light, drivers are generally patient, and outside the main villages you’ll often have the road almost entirely to yourself.
Maybe you are wondering what the road conditions are in Andros?
- Between the main towns (Gavrio, Batsi, Chora), some villages, and popular beaches, the roads are paved and well maintained.
- Once you head into the mountains, many roads become narrow, winding, and sometimes steep, which might feel scary for inexperienced drivers or people with a fear of heights.
- If you really go off-the-beaten-track and want to explore remote beaches (such as Vitali or Achla), you’ll often find yourself on unpaved (and sometimes challenging) roads.
Take your time, especially around sharp bends or dirt roads with lots of potholes, and don’t be surprised if you occasionally need to slow down for a goat crossing. They were here first.
Read more: A complete guide to visiting Vitali Beach
TIP: A lot of rental companies don’t allow you to drive on dirt roads. So either rent a 4×4 or ATV, or be aware that if you break down or get damage on these dirt roads, you won’t be insured.
Where can you rent a car in Andros?
The quick answer is that there are three main places to rent a car from in Andros:
- Gavrio Port (the most popular option)
- Batsi
- Chora (Andros Town)
As there is no airport, you will most likely, just like us, arrive on Andros by ferry from Rafina (Athens) or one of the other Cycladic islands. And you’ll enter Andros through Gavrio, a small town on the west coast of the island and the only ferry port on the island.
Read more: A complete guide on what to do in Gavrio
Some people go straight to their accommodations around Batsi or Chora by bus or private transport and rent a car from there to explore the island. Many rental companies also offer free delivery to your hotel or accommodation, especially if you’re staying in one of the main tourist areas.
But we loved how we just walked off the ferry, grabbed our rental car, and were ready to explore the island. Therefore, we highly recommend collecting your car directly at Gavrio Port. It’s by far the easiest and most convenient option.
TIP: There are several local companies that operate on the island, and they all have an office in Gavrio Port along the harbor, just a short walk from the ferry. You could just walk in, but in high season, and especially during July and August, rental cars can sell out weeks in advance, so we advise you to book ahead.
How do you rent a car in Andros?
As mentioned above, you can just walk off the ferry in Gavrio, enter one of the car rental offices, and hire a car. But we always recommend booking ahead rather than waiting until you arrive. Prices are usually better, you’ll have a wider choice of vehicles, and you won’t risk finding everything fully booked during peak season or walking into an empty office during low season.
So, renting a car in Andros is straightforward. Simply put:
- Compare rental companies online: our favorite site to use is Discover Cars, as they offer great prices, compare all the different providers (including local ones), and have free cancellation and 24/7 support.
- Choose your preferred vehicle: depending on how much luggage you have, we recommend renting a small car, as it is easier to navigate and park. If you want to drive on dirt roads without any trouble (and be insured), we advise you to rent a 4×4 or ATV.
- Book in advance (especially in high season): for the best price and the most choice, book your car well ahead of your arrival, preferably once you are sure you are going.
- Pick up your car at the agreed location: in Gavrio, you will be sent to one of the local rental companies, who usually have their cars parked outside on the road by the harbor. But you can also have your car delivered to your accommodation.
- Inspect the vehicle before driving away: don’t forget to do this, as cars in Greece are often not new and have damage already, so you don’t want to be held responsible for damage you haven’t caused.
- Enjoy exploring the island.
Read more: Best places to stay in Andros
TIP: Always take a video and pictures of the car when you collect it and when you return it. Things in Andros can be really chill, but you don’t want trouble afterwards. When we arrived at the rental company office in Gavrio, the guy just gave us the key and let us leave without any inspection of the car. When we returned the car very early in the morning, they told us to leave the key on top of the front wheel, and we saw nobody. With the video and pictures, we at least had proof if somebody would say something later.
Which documents do you need to rent a car in Greece?
Most rental companies will ask for:
- A valid driver’s licence
- A passport or ID card
- A credit card in the driver’s name
- Your booking confirmation
If your driving licence was issued within the EU, you won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia or the UK usually need an IDP, but check the latest requirements before travelling, as these can vary depending on the rental company.
Most companies also require drivers to have a minimum age of at least 21 years old, although some set a higher minimum age or charge a young driver fee.
Is car hire in Andros expensive?
Compared to many other Greek Cycladic islands, car rental in Andros is surprisingly affordable. Prices vary depending on the season, vehicle type, rental duration, and how far in advance you book.
During spring and autumn, you can often find small cars from around €30-40 per day, while prices during July and August usually start around €50-80 per day. Booking early almost always results in better prices.
What are the traffic rules in Andros?
Traffic rules are the same as in the rest of Greece. Some important things to remember:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory.
- Children must use appropriate child seats.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is very low, so don’t drink and drive.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
- Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in towns and up to 90 km/h on rural roads, unless signs indicate otherwise.
Road signs are generally easy to follow and are usually written in both Greek and English.
Our tips for driving in Andros
A few things we quickly learned:
- Fill up your fuel tank before heading into the mountains because there aren’t a lot of gas stations outside of the bigger towns.
- Download Google Maps offline because the connectiono in remote areas can be poor.
- Start your day early to avoid the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Don’t rush, for your safety (winding roads and goats) and because the scenic roads are part of the adventure.
- Stop whenever you see a viewpoint. Trust us, there will be plenty.
And perhaps the most important tip of all:
Don’t plan too much. Some of our favourite memories of Andros came from taking random turns, discovering tiny villages we’d never heard of, and stopping at tavernas simply because they looked inviting. That’s the beauty of having your own car.
Where to park your car in Andros?
Compared to other Cycladic islands, finding a parking space on Andros is refreshingly stress-free, easy, and usually free. You’ll find parking in:
- Gavrio: along the main road by the sea, especially at both ends of town, and at this parking lot (paying).
- Batsi: at this free city parking in town, this small free parking by the water a bit outside of town, or along the road.
- Chora: the main place where parking can become a bit challenging during July and August. Park at this parking close to the town hall, this parking close to Neimporio Beach, or this parking close to Paraporti Beach. If the parking areas are full, simply park a little outside the centre and enjoy the short walk into town. Don’t try to get into town with your car
- Most beaches: either on the road close to the beach or sometimes even on the beach.
- Other towns and traditional villages: again on the road or on small, designated parking lots.
Our favourite road trip around Andros
One of the best things about renting a car is that you can explore the island at your own pace. You could easily spend a week in Andros (especially if you also want to do a couple of the hikes), but here are two of our favourite one-day road trips in Andros:
- Gavrio → Agios Petros Beach → Batsi → Paleopolis → Menites → Panachrantou Monastery → Chora → Apikia → Batsi → Gavrio
- Batsi → Monastery of St. Irene → Stenies → Chora → Ormos → Tis Grias To Pidima → Paleopolis → Batsi
Along the way you’ll discover lots of other places to visit in Andros, such as sandy beaches, ancient ruins, traditional villages, waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, and some of the island’s most beautiful monasteries. Expect plenty of photo stops!
Final thoughts on renting a car in Andros
If you really want to experience everything Andros has to offer, renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make. We loved the freedom to explore beyond the main tourist towns, discover hidden beaches, and stumble upon places you won’t find in every guidebook (but you will find on this blog ;-)).
Driving here is sometimes an adventure, but affordable and incredibly scenic. In fact, some of the roads are attractions in themselves. Most of the roads are perfectly fine, but some to remote places are a bit more of a challenge. Just drive slowly and enjoy one of the most beautiful road trips in the Cyclades.