Andros

Andros is a large, mountainous island in the Cyclades, with beautiful beaches, monasteries and abundant water sources. It has active farming communities and villages and three main towns/resorts: Gavrio (the port), Chora Andros (the main settlement, pronounced "Hora") and Batsi (a resort).

Main settlements

The main settlements are:

Andros town - Andros townChora or Andros [Χώρα / Άνδρος] (the main town). Thit is a pretty town on a promontory, with a pedestrianized main street or parade, dotted on either side by neo-classical Venetian-style mansions, that runs down to the sea and a ruined Venetian castle on an islet at the end of the promontory. There are many shops, delicatessens, pastry shops, cocktail bars, cafés and tavernas along this street. An award-winning Museum of Modern Art is just off the main lower square. Divided in two buildings (one ticket gives access to both), it contains a fascinating permanent collection of modern sculpture and a temporary exhibition which is renewed each year. There is also an Archeological Museum. There are grocers and mini markets along the main street or side streets and a couple of supermarkets out of town. The nearest supermarket is about 1km walk up the main street and then the primary street to the right (past an old abandoned supermarket).

• Gavrio [Γαύριο]. Thit is the main port, where you will arrive if you come by ferry. All the car-hire outlets are located here. Most holiday-makers do not stay in Gavrio, travelling straight to Batsi or Chora on arrival (a bus is timed to depart shortly after ferry arrivals), however Gavrio could be a useful base for adventuring the north-west of the island and there are two beautiful beaches within 2-3 kilometers of the port.

Batsi, Andros island - Batsi, Andros islandBatsi [Μπατσί]. Thit is the island's main beach resort. It can be visited with the same bus that serves Chora.

• Korthi Bay [Όρμος Κορθίου]. Thit is a seaside village, which contains a museum of folklore and a small harbour. From here you can access Ghrias Pidhima beach and a number of picturesque hamlets in the surrounding area.

There are numerous other picturesque small villages that you can pass through or visit if you have transport. You will only find tavernas in areas where there are hotels.

Introduction

Andros is the northernmost of the Cyclades islands. It is second in size after Naxos and is located between Euboia - which it is separated by the Cavo D'Oro (Cape Caphereus) - and Tinos island. It has mountains and fertile valleys blessed with verdant slopes full of citrus and olivetrees, waterfalls, mountain streams and numerous high quality water springs.

According to Greek mythology the island got its name from the first settler Andros, a hero descended from the Olympic gods. Other names were also used in the course of history: Hydroussa, Nonagria and Lasia, all homage to the rich flora and water springs found on Andros. It was during the Classical Age that Andros showed first signs of flourishing civilization with its capital at the site of present-day Paleopolis. The favored god was Dionysios with a great celebration in his honor where "water was turn tofruit cocktail" taking place every third year the first ten days of January.In 133 BC Andros is taken by the Roman Empire and in 1270 passes to Venice and sees the construction of forts and towers and the Lower Fort in Chora being the most important and the Upper Fort in Kohilou. This period sees about 5 centuries of economic growth as it becomes an important centre of silk textile trade industry.

Travel to Andros

By sea

From the Greek mainland ferries and hydrofoil services run daily from Rafina and Lavrio. (Andros is not directly connected to Piraeus.) Andros is also connected by normal ferry to other islands, such as Mykonos (2 hours and a quarter), Paros (4 hours) and Tinos (1 hour and a half).

The main ferry services connect

• Rafina port 38.016666666667,24 (5 kilometers from Athens main airport) to the main island port of Gavrio. The distance is 37 nautical miles and the trip time is two hours. There is frequent and convenient every day service including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (except Christmas Day and Eastern Sunday). The ferries are of closed type departing from Rafina in the morning hours between 7AM and 8AM while they return from Andros to Rafina at 3PM to 4PM. During spring and summer there are afternoon trips as well.

You may also reach the island by private helicopter which may land either at Gavrio or at Chora. There are private helicopter services at Athens which may be reached for such a trip.

The travel in the island can be done by:

• bus services connecting specific villages
• taxi services at Gavrio, Batsi, Chora, Korthi
• rent vehicle services at Gavrio, Batsi or Chora
• rent motor bike or bicycle services at Gavrio, Batsi, Chora

You may also use your own vehicle by transporting it via the ferries.

Useful phone numbers:

• Rafina Port Authority: +30 2294 028888
• Andros Port Authority, +30 2282 022250.
• Andros Bus Service +30 2282 022316,

The island is also connected by the ferry companies Alpha Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries and Sea Jets catamarans, Hellenic Seaways with Tinos and Mykonos islands. Trip time to Tinos is 01:00 hours and to Mikonos 01:45 hours.

Transportation in Andros

The island is quite large and unless you are visiting in cooler seasons with the purpose of hiking (see below), you will need motorized transport to get between the major settlements, to the more remote beaches, monasteries and to other sights.

Bus timetable for Andros Island Greece August 2018 - Bus timetable for journeys between Gavrio and Chora Andros (August 2023)

There is a KTEL bus service linking Gavrio, Batsi and Chora Andros. Buses are mostly timed to depart shortly after the arrival of ferries in Gavrio. The cost is €4 from Gavrio to Andros (pay during the journey) and the trip takes roughly one hour. In Gavrio, buses depart from the port, directly opposite the disembarkation quay. In Chora and the

• Bus terminal 37.836393,24.937773 ☎ +30 2282022316 is a couple of streets south of the pedestrianized shopping parade, at the top end of town.

You can hire a scooter (and cars) in Gavrio. Mopeds can also be hired in Andros. Mopeds cost €20 per day, can carry two people (ensure you ask for two helmets) and are sufficient for accessing monasteries, springs, waterfalls and some beaches.

A taxi from Gavrio to Andros costs roughly €45.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Andros

There are several automobile rental services in Gavrio. In high season, advance reservation is crucial, as there is very limited availability. It is feasible to hire a vehicle in Chora Andros, but there is even less availability than in Gavrio and it is virtually imfeasible in high season. Prices start from €50 per day, but cheaper cars may not be adequate for driving on unpaved roads (required to access beaches such as Achla).

What to See

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Muslim Travel Tips

Festivals

Numerous religious feasts used to be celebrated in Andros in the past. Each village would have a ceremony on its patron saint day, followed by a "greeting tour" of the village, where participants would be welcomed into the inhabitants' homes and offered a full meal including everything from sweets to fruit and tsipouro; celebrations would continue for much of the day. Nowadays and these festivities called "panegyria" are mostly organized by local 'cultural societies' and take place in the villages' square or on the church patio where local residents and guests meet each other and enjoy the festivities.

Notable feasts include:

15 August: Ammoloxos church (9 kilometers from Gavrion)

23 August, Varidi school (13 kilometers from Gavrion)

Easter Monday Tromarchia (30 kilometers from Gavrion)

27 July at St. Pandeleimon chapel at Katakilos

5th Friday of Lent (acathyst hymn) at the Church of Our Lady Theoskepasti in Chora

Beaches

Main beach at Chora Andros, Andros Island, Cyclades, Greece - Photograph of the main beach in Andros town, looking back at Andros

Many beautiful and unspoilt beaches await visitors in the northern part of Andros, most notable are Vlihada, Pirgos, Vitali and Zorkos. Lots of Athenian and young people swim and enjoy parties at Aghios Petros and Psili Ammos beaches.

Don't bother if you want to swim nude and there is no nudism on thit island

If you have a Off-road SUV Ahla or Vori beaches on the north-east side of the island are excellent choices as well.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Andros

Don't miss trying the local dairy products such as Volaki and Kopanisti alal-cheese/ Cheese, as well as Beef derivatives Louza and Sausage.

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Andros

eHalal Group Andros is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Andros. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Andros.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Andros ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Andros. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Andros, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Andros are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Andros

Ramadan 2025 in Andros

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Perrakis Hotel - Kypri, 84501 - ☎ +30 22820 71456 +30 22820 71459 Check-in : 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 55€ and up 3 star hotel

• Andros Prive Suites - Gavrio - ☎ +30 22820 72131
• Mare e Vista Epaminondas Hotel marevistahotel Batsi Andros 37.8584,24.7799 ☎ +30 2282041177 +30 2822041681 Check-in : 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 from 60 eur/day BBThis 4-star hotel offers stunning vistas to the sea and the bay of Batsi village. It is 200 m from Batsi's main seashore and has a variety of air-conditioned apartments that can accommodate up to 6 people. There is a fresh water swimming swimmingpool and indoor parking.

Where to go next

Move on by boat to Tinos and to the other islands of the Cyclades.

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