Andros plays the great subversive of the Cyclades. One hour out of Rafina the ferry door yawns open not onto the expected dust-white moonscape, but onto a brilliant jigsaw of pine-stitched mountains, citrus valleys and waterfalls that feel borrowed from Epirus. Springs spill into stone fountains in every village square, carving ravines that tumble all the way to the sea – and it’s that constant duet of fresh water and Aegean salt that gives the island its improbable lushness.
The shoreline, meanwhile, refuses to be summarized. On the windward west, dunes unravel into golden runways built for kite-sails and long, languorous sundowners; a few coves later, cliffs fold inward to hide pebble amphitheaters where the only soundtrack is cicadas ricocheting off marble. The north offers a cinematic switchback of turquoise inlets – some lorded over by Venetian ruins, others littered with photogenic wrecks – while the east softens into river-lipped crescents where plane trees lean so close to the tide you can swap beach towel for hammock without moving a step.
What follows is a field guide to strands, organized by route, that trace this unruly coast: from bar-serviced family playgrounds to unmarked sweeps you’ll reach only after a dirt-road pilgrimage – or, better yet, by hiring the first caique captain who claims to know a shortcut. Pack reef shoes, patience, and more curiosity than plans; Andros rewards the traveler who chases its waterlines to the very last bend.
Gavrio to Batsi
Fellos
To the northwest of Gavrio, a large enclosed bay with sand, emerald and blue waters and is lined with tamarisks. The beach is not organized and is easily accessible by an asphalt road (four kilometers from Gavrio). Snorkellers favor Fellos and the two other small beaches nearby – Selki and Kourtali, which are challenging to access from the mainland. There is a traditional taverna nearby.
Agios Petros
Just two kilometers from Gavrio, Andros’ main port, this is a long beach with fine golden sand, beach bars and tavernas. A large part of it is organized, but it’s also exposed to the wind. It is located on the main road leading from Gavrio to Batsi.
Hryssi Ammos (Golden Beach)
One of the most famous beaches of the island, it is sheltered, with shallow waters and sandy sand, just below the main road from Gavrio to Batsi. There are umbrellas, sunbeds and a beach bar. It is family-friendly, with water sports, and is relatively sheltered. It is three kilometers from Gavrio.
Pisolimnioni
An isolated beach north of Fellos, with turquoise waters. It is not organized and you will reach it by driving along a non-challenging dirt road. It is worth lingering here to watch the sunset in the direction of the Capo D’oro. It is eight kilometers from Gavrio.
Kypri
Next to Hrysi Ammos, with a Surf Club, beach bar, umbrellas and sunbeds. It has sand and crystal clear waters.
Vlychida
A long and sandy beach in the northwest side, divided in the middle by a rock. It is not organized and is ideal for those who enjoy seclusion, and for those who love snorkelling. Further north there is Pyrgos, a smaller, sheltered and sandy beach, named after the ruined Venetian tower on the cliff. The two beaches are about 10 kilometers from Gavrio, to the northwest.
North & Northeast
Zorkos
Looking at it from above, you’ll see one of the island’s prettiest beaches, with crystal-clear waters and impressive cliffs. It is organized in one area and has a taverna, but there is also plenty of free, open space. The beach is located on the northwest coastline of Andros, 17 kilometers from Gavrio and can be accessed by an asphalt road and a passable dirt road. Visiting it on windy days is not recommended.
Vitali
A lovely beach on the northeast side of the island that’s easily accessible, with coarse pebbles and azure, crystalline waters. There is a beach bar and umbrellas and sunbeds. It is not sheltered from the wind.
Vori
This beautiful sandy beach is near the village of Arni, on the northeastern side of the island. It became famous thanks to the wreck of a Turkish ship on its rocks, one of two historical; treasures to explore here; the other is an underwater shipwreck from 1920 that’s ideal for snorkellers. It is reachable via a dirt road.
Ateni
Sandy and easy to reach, with small dunes and a large gorge.
Batsi-Hora Route
Halkolimnionas
A beautiful fine pebbles and sand beach in the Stavropeda area, with a beach bar and plenty of open space. It is surrounded by impressive rocks and a typical Cycladic landscape with terraces, paddocks and the picturesque little chapel of Agios Ioannis. It is easily accessible via an asphalt road and is 14 kilometers from Hora. Don’t visit when it is windy, unless you’d like to be sandblasted.
Paleopoli
In the area that was once the island’s ancient capital and very close to the archaeological site, it has large stones and clear waters, and diving into the deep you can admire the impressive ancient breakwater. It can be accessed via a path that starts in Kato Paleopolis.
Apothikes
Located in Stavropeda, this is a beautiful enclosed cove with green waters and a beach bar. It is located very close to Halkolimiona and you will reach it via a dirt road.
Batsi
Batsi Town
The organized family beach on Batsi’s coastal road is sandy, with umbrellas and sunbeds, changing cabins and showers. In the non-organised part of the beach, there are tamarisks for shade. Around the beach, there are cafes and tavernas. It is sheltered from the wind.
Colona
A small sandy beach in the bay of Batsi that’s especially popular with families because it has shallow waters and is sheltered from the winds, It is organized, with a beach bar and a nice view of Batsi and is easily accessible on foot or by car.
Korthi
Tis Grias To Pidima
A small sandy beach near Korthi is a major attraction for Instagrammers – you will rarely find it uncrowded. It is most well known for a towering, 15-meter-high monolith that rises from the sea. Its name, which means “old woman’s leap”, is said to relate to the story of a local old woman who helped the Turks to invade the castle of Faneromeni; when she realized the consequences of her actions, she leapt off the hill above the beach and landed into the sea as a giant rock. To find the beach, follow signs in Korthi and park to continue on foot, walking alongside the coast. The final descent is by a small path. You can also come on foot, starting from Agia Ekaterini in Ormos (around 15 minutes’ hike).
Milos
A long and sandy beach that’s ideal for windsurfing when the powerful meltemi winds pick up.
Vitzi (Ag. Ekaterini)
Tucked beneath a charming chapel and sheltered from northerly winds, Agia Ekaterini (also called Vitzi) has calm, shallow waters—a family-friendly gem. It’s compact and intimate, with a taverna and bar nestled among greenery overlooking the bay. Ideal for a relaxed beach day with easy parking.
Sineti
A deep and impressive bay below Sineti village, with pebbles and deep cobalt waters, as well as a large cave that can be reached after a short swim. The Dipotamata Gorge also ends here. It is not organized and can be accessed via an asphalt road, around 16 kilometers from Korthi.
Hora
Paraporti
You’re likely to meet its permanent residents, the ducks and swans that live along the river that flows onto the beach. It has deep waters and a view of the Tourlitis lighthouse, and at the far end, there is a beach bar with umbrellas and sunbeds. Nearby you’ll find a tavern known for its meat specialities. Please note that when the north winds blow large tidal waves are formed and can be life-threateningly dangerous. To get there you have to go down the steps from Kairi Square or you can drive.
Niborio
This long, wide sandy beach to the east of Hora is especially favored by families because of its shallow waters and because it is sheltered and easily reached along a boardwalk. There are several cafes, umbrellas and sun loungers and tavernas around has a nice view of Agia Thalassini, the square with the Vanished Sailor and the lighthouse of Tourlitis.
Gialia
A pebble beach with clear waters, located next to the asphalt road, unlike Piso Gialia, which you’ll need to drive to and then walk up and down numerous steps to reach. There are tavernas and a large café, as well as a bridge that provides shade. You’re generally safe from the wind here.
Best Beach Award
Achla
In the northeast of the island, 24 kilometers from Hora and below the village of Vourkoti, is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean. During the tourist season, it is filled with moored boats and people whose bucket list it has been on. The beach has very fine white pebbles, dreamy crystal clear waters, a beach bar at the top and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Many people also come to see or even camp out by the river here, which has glassy ponds and plane trees. Achla can be reached either by boat or by car.
