Small & Boutique Hotels in Andros Island

Andros Island doesn't fit the stereotype of a Greek island. It is neither a tourist paradise in typical Cycladic whiteness, nor a “top secret but very famous” pose. It is a place in its own way, just as it is, with no need to show off. Sophisticated but understated, surrounded by mountains but teeming with the sea, rooted in agriculture but raised on seafaring. It is a place that refuses to be labeled. Just a ferry ride from Athens and a two-hour journey from the port of Rafina, Andros is the second largest of the Cyclades after Naxos. But perhaps the richest of them all, with its greenery, its stories, its nature, its culture... This island has Venetian castles that stand the test of time, abandoned watermills that make visitors stop and think, rivers that still flow, pristine beaches that stretch calmly, stone villages that each tell a different story, and a world-class art museum that hosts international artists. Wandering the streets of Andros, you may pass a shipowner's mansion, then find yourself on a path leading from an olive grove to the sea. Everything is so intertwined and natural. Especially the hiking routes are a treasure trove for nature and exploration enthusiasts. Old stone-built roads connect mountains and bays, history and nature whisper in your ear at every step. Despite all this richness, Andros does not attract noisy crowds. It awaits travelers who are conscious, curious, respectful of nature and simplicity. He doesn't hide what he has, but he doesn't market it either. So maybe a little out of sight, but very close to the heart. Maybe you come for a few days, but when you go back, a corner of your mind always stays there.

Getting to Andros from Turkey

Since Andros doesn’t have an airport, the most practical route is to fly from Istanbul to Athens, then make your way from Athens International Airport to Rafina Port. A taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around €30. Alternatively, there are buses departing every 30 minutes for about €6—but note that buses do not run late at night.

Our tip: Take an evening flight to Athens, spend the night in Rafina, and catch the first ferry to Andros at 07:25 the next morning. The ferry ride takes approximately two hours and a one-way ticket costs around €25. If you can catch an earlier flight to Athens, you may be able to take a ferry on the same day without needing an overnight stay.

What Makes Andros Different?

Andros doesn’t fit the classic image of a Cycladic island with whitewashed houses and windmills. Instead, it surprises visitors with lush greenery, river valleys, stone villages, abandoned watermills, and hiking trails where even the wind seems to tread gently.

There are no big hotels or flashy beach clubs here. Instead, you’ll find charming guesthouses, traditional tavernas, and peaceful little towns that win you over with their quiet elegance.

Andros has a rich maritime heritage. Once home to sea captains and shipowners, you can still sense that past in the grand stone mansions, harbors, and maritime museums scattered across the island.

Places to Visit on Andros

1. Hora – The Town of Captains: The capital, Hora, is understated yet graceful. With neoclassical mansions, marble walkways, public sculptures, cozy squares, and flower-filled courtyards, it feels both timeless and intimate. Highlights include the Archaeological Museum, the beaches of Paraporti and Nimborio, and the iconic "Unknown Sailor" statue looking out over the sea.

2. Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art: One of Greece’s most prestigious cultural institutions, this museum has hosted works by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Kandinsky, and many others. Annual exhibitions make this a must-visit for lovers of art and modern culture.

3. Stenies – The Village of Mansions: Located on a lush hillside near Hora, Stenies is filled with grand stone homes, an old watchtower, and a scenic abandoned watermill. It's perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds and get a feel for the island’s deeper layers.

4. Korthi – For the Adventurous: Korthi, on the island’s southeastern coast, feels like a world of its own. It’s ideal for windsurfing, hiking, and panoramic views from ancient hilltop fortresses. From here, you can walk the Dipotamata valley trail and explore historic watermills and remote mountain villages.

5. The Beaches of Andros: Andros has a treasure trove of beaches—many off the tourist radar, and all incredibly beautiful:

• The northern beaches (Ahla, Zorkos, Ateni, Vitali, and Grias Pidima—the “Jump of the Old Lady” with its mythical backstory) often require a 4x4 or boat to reach.
• The southern beaches (Batsi, Agios Petros, Fellos, Chryssi Ammos) are more accessible by regular car.

Some beaches are completely natural with no facilities—so it’s wise to bring your own umbrella and drinks. Others have small beach bars and traditional seaside tavernas.

6. Faneromeni Castle: This partly ruined but atmospheric hilltop castle near Hora offers stunning views and a sense of timeless solitude.

7. Tourlitis Lighthouse: Built on a lone rock rising from the sea, this is the only offshore lighthouse of its kind in the Aegean and one of Andros’s most iconic sights.

8. The Villages of Andros: Wander through villages like Lamyra, Menites, Strapouries, Apikia, and Aladino to truly feel the soul of the island. Here, life moves gently, and beauty reveals itself slowly.

Andros is like “the middle of everything”. Neither too quiet nor too crowded, neither luxurious nor run-down. The balance is perfect. If your goal is a real vacation, not just to relax, but to explore, understand and feel, Andros is waiting for you. Like many travelers who come here, you will leave saying “next time I will stay longer”.