Andros is the northernmost and second largest island of the Cyclades. The name came from Androu, the grandson of Apollo, who was the general to the kingof Crete, Rodamanthis. Formerly the island has been called Lasia, Ydroysa, and Epagrida because of its rich vegetation and also Gauros. From Rafina port in Athens, you can reach Gavrio, the port of Andros, which, as testified by archeological findings, was an important port since ancient times. Today it is still one of the best tourism spots on the island.
From Gavrio take the road to Chora (main town), passing by Batsi, Aprovato and the beautiful beaches of the western coast of the island. Chora lies on the opposite side of Gavrio. It occupies a stunning peninsula that stretches between two beaches and leads to a small island in the Kato Kastro, a medieval fortified city. Kastro (translated Castle) was built by Marino Dandolo, when he conquered the island. It now stands in ruins after the devastating bombing of 1943. Nevertheless it is one of the most important monuments in Chora.
Along the coastal path to the Bay of Korthi, see the dramatic Dipotamata gorge, as well as the scattered watermills and narrow stone paths of the beautiful countryside, paths which at one time joined Korthi and Chora. Above Korthi Bay, you will be mesmerized by the view of its long beach, occasionally hosting famous festivals. The Apano Kastro, another part of the ancient fortified city, is as old as Andros' main Chora, offering magnificent views of Korthi Bay. In Apano Kastro, you will discover the Byzantine icon of Panagia Faneromeni. Lastly, while in Korthi Bay, you will not want to miss one of its most renowned beaches, "The Old Woman's Leap," admired for its wild beauty.
Continuing past the Bay of Korthi, you will arrive in the traditional village of Aidonia, named after the many nightingales taking refuge here. Remember the Greece of long ago by observing women still cleaning their laundry on washboards beside the creek. Also, along this route, note the beautiful towers and incomperable Venetian dovecotes of bygone years found in the villages of Kapparia, Piso Meria, Amonaklios, Mousionas and Aipatia.
Finally, your Andrian journey ends in the village of Batsi, the island's most developed locale. Here find Paleopolis, the ancient capital of the island, with its sunken port and ancient citadel ruins. The excavations made here in 1956 revealed significant findings (residual market, temples, galleries and vases, coins, capitals, etc.), many of which are exhibited in Andros' main museum. The city flourished in the Classical Era until the 4th century AD, but was occupied at least until the 12th century by foreign forces. Andros and its villages are remarkable examples of time's imprint and change.
