THE ISLAND OF ANDROS
Andros is the northest island and second in size after Naxos of the Cycladic complex - 380 sq. klm. and 177 klm. of coastline. Four rivers traverse it and is one of few islands where the Cycladic landscape is combined with lush greenery. The green-clad gullies, the picturesque small villages, the crystal waters, the museums, the monasteries, the local recipes meet at the island of Andros, offering guests several choices to enjoy the style of holidays they prefer, in a place full of surprises.
FESTIVALS
The island’s biggest festival during the summer is Gavriotika, where music, wine and the local dish fourtalia are offered to the visitors. On the 15th of August, the locals honor the Assumption of the Virgin at the precinct of the church of Panagia Kastriani. Every year, the festival of Hoirosfagia takes place in Andros, having its routes at the Byzantine years. Ask us about the island’s festivals during your visit at ONAR.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation chose Andros’ s Chora to establish a unique Museum of Modern Art. The museum consists of two wings, an older one of an extent of 200 sq. m. which hosts exhibits of the andriot sculptor Tombros, and a new one of an extent of 1000 m2. www.moca-andros.gr
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF ANDROS
Andros’ archaeological museum was built in 1981. It is located in Chora, roofed under a modern building, donated by the Goulandris’ institute.In the museum’s collections you will see exhibits from excavations in the geometrical settlement of Zagora, sculptures from archaic, roman and byzantine periods and a remarkable collection of inscriptions.Highly impressive are: Hermes’ statue, which is believed to be a hellenistic copy of the original from the 4th century BC by Praxitelis. The statue of Health, showing the Goddess of Health and a snake wrapped around her. It was found in Paleopolis and it is dated from Roman times.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF PALEOPOLI
The Archeological Museum of Paleopoli opened in 2003 and it is dedicated to the antiquities of Paleopoli, with emphasis on the classical city, which has been the capital of the island for more than twelve centuries.With the help of modern presentation methods, the visitor can admire in three sections various important findings, ranging from 5th century B.C. till 6th century A.D.The exhibits of the museum include: vases, tools, statuettes, ornaments, coins, statues, sculptures, inscriptions.
MARITIME MUSEUM
The rich maritime tradition of Andros, from the ancient years until today, is being unfolded at the Maritime Museum through photographs, shipping documents, lithographs, nautical diaries, maritime instruments and models of vessels of the island.
MONASTERY OF ZOODOHOS PIGI
The monastery of Zoodohos Pigi or Agias, as the locals call it, is close to Batsi, the famous tourist resort in the island, and it is the biggest in the island. In documents of the 14th century, it is reported that in the church is an icon of 1325. It was renovated in the 16th and 20th century and its byzantine feature was diluted. The church has an impressive wooden temple, while in the monastery’s museum you will see rare manuscripts, canonicals and utensils.
MONASTERY OF PANAHRANTOS
In the small village of Fallika you will see the byzantine monastery of Panahrantos. It is built in the north banks of mountain Gerakones during the 9th century by emperor Nikiforos Fokas. It is a monastery with a fort. In its interior are kept rare ecclesiastic heirlooms, worth to see. Icons, manuscripts, canonicals and utensils that impress every visitor.
From the monastery you can enjoy the magnificent view to the sea.
MONASTERY OF SAINT MARINA
The monastery of Saint Marina is located in village Apikia. According to the historic files of monastery Koutroumousiou, it was built during the byzantine period, in the times of Paleologos (around 1325).
In 1834, the monastery closed after king’s fiat. The monastery’s property was sold by the state. In the period that the monastery stayed closed, it was burn and plundered. In 1976, one and a half-century after the monastery’s desolation, it was reestablished and reconstructed. From the heirlooms left are the icon of Saint Marina dated from the 17th century and that of Panagia Dakrirooussa.
MONASTERY OF SAINT NIKOLAOS
It is located in Sora, 6km from the village Apikia. Two priests from Agio Oros built it at the end of the 16th century, on the remains of ancient byzantine church. It had important property and flourished during the 18th century. In the middle of 19thcentury it had a crisis, as the number of priests was reduced. Today it is one of the numerous monasteries of the island. It is protected by high walls and has important ecclesiastic heirlooms. Among them distinguish the icon of Saint Nikolaos from 1770, the wooden temple of the church and the exquisite murals.
BEACHES
Andros is an island with plenty of beautiful beaches. Among them is the renowned beach Tis grias to pidima, Korthi beach which is ideal for surfing, Vori beach with the impressive ship wreckage, the cosmopolitan beach of Batsi and the isolated beach of Paraporti with the crystal waters.
