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ANDROS
Andros, the most northerly island in the Cyclades and the second-largest
in the group, is also among the most beautiful. Successive ranges of
mountains with steep sides, separated by gorges, river-beds and three
large valleys planted with olive trees, figs, oranges, lemons and vines
through which run numerous streams go to make this a landscape which
often goes beyond what we think of as typically 'Cycladic'. The
mountains end as rocky cliffs or steep promontories, while at the mouths
of the valleys are sandy beaches.
In the south-east is Andros or
Hora, the capital of the island and its second most important harbour.
This is a most attractive town, with neo-classical mansions side-by-side
with Cycladic houses, steep and narrow alleys lined with arcades, fine
churches and two pretty squares in the centre of a town which will make
a lasting impression. Among the most important monuments of Hora are the
castle, now ru ined, and the church of Our Lady 'Palatiani' within its
walls. On the cultural side, there is an Archaeological museum with
finds from the Geometric, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine
periods, a Museum of Modern Art with works by the sculptor Michalis
Tombros, and a Nautical Museum with a rich collection of ship models,
photographs and ship's instruments. Andros is home to many of Greece's
seamen, and interesting cultural events take place there all the year
round.
Gavrio is the island's
principal harbour, on the west side of Andros. Among the interesting
features in the vicinity is the tower of Agios Petros. Andros has
numerous interesting things to see: the church of the Archangel at
Messaria, the monasteries of Zoodohos Pigi at Batsi, of St Nicholas at
Apikia (which is also the site of the Sariza mineral spring), of Our
Lady 'Panahrantou' at Falika, and the Apano Kastro or "Tis grias to
Kastro" (Upper Castle) to the north of the village of Kohilos.
Special mention should be made of the ruins of an ancient city which
have survived at Paleopoli. At Zagora, to the south of Paleopoli, one of
the most important Geometric temples to have been discovered anywhere in
Greece has come to light. There are good swimming beaches at Nimborio,
Paraporti, Korthi bay near Batsi, Gavrio, Vitali and elsewhere. Andros
has good tourist amenities and can easily deal with the steadily
increasing numbers of visitors who choose it for its natural beauties,
its attractive villages, its historical monuments, its superb beaches
and its medicinal springs.
How to get there
Useful telephone numbers
Things to buy
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