From Athens Airport, you can reach Rafina port by taxi or bus (about 30 minutes). Ferries from Rafina to Gavrio, Andros, run multiple times daily. The trip takes around 2 hours, while fast ferries can make the trip in about 1 hour.
Alternatively, you can fly to Mykonos and take a ferry to Andros, a journey of roughly 2.5 hours while fast ferries can make the trip in about 1 hour.
Schedules may change, so please confirm ferry times before booking.
Ferry tickets can be booked online here:
Togias Travel
https://ferry-tickets.togiastravel.com/en/
Tel. +30 22940 22900
E-mail: info@togiastravel.com
Arrival
Private Transfer
To ensure a smooth and effortless arrival, we would be pleased to arrange your private transfer from Gavrio Port.
Your driver will welcome you upon arrival and accompany you to Ahla Valley in a 4×4 vehicle. The journey covers approximately 40 km and takes around 60 minutes, gradually unfolding into the untouched landscape of Andros.
As the final stretch of the route follows unpaved roads, this service is highly recommended-particularly for first-time visitors.
This is a moment to unwind, take in the raw beauty of the island, and ease into the rhythm of Onar.
Rent a Car
Our location is set within a secluded seaside valley, with access via stretches of dirt road that may not always be well maintained.
For those who enjoy off-road driving and prefer to rent a car, the only option is to rent a 4×4 or SUV.
A selection of car rental providers on Andros:
- http://www.rentacareuro.com/
- https://exploreandros.gr/
- http://www.escapeinandros.gr/
- https://colours-rent-a-car.business.site/
- https://www.captainsholidays.com/
Directions
Prior to your arrival, we will share detailed directions tailored to your journey.
A GPS route and a downloadable map with step-by-step guidance are also available here.
Onar is set in a remote seaside valley, surrounded by nature, and part of the journey includes the island's rural road network. The drive covers approximately 40 km and takes about 60 minutes, gradually revealing the unspoiled beauty of Andros, with breathtaking sea views along the way-truly part of the experience.
The final 10 km follow a scenic unpaved road, enhancing the sense of adventure and seclusion. For added comfort and ease-especially for first-time visitors-we recommend arranging a transfer service from Gavrio. Guests who prefer to drive themselves are advised to rent an SUV, particularly if they are comfortable with off-road conditions.
Yes - we offer a port transfer service from Gavrio. Please let us know your ferry arrival time when booking and we'll arrange everything. The final road to Onar becomes a beautiful, bumpy track - it's part of the experience - but it does mean a sturdy vehicle makes a difference.We highly recommend booking our private transfer service-so you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings on your way to Onar.
Yes, on-site parking is available for guests who arrive by SUV.
Onar (meaning "dream" in Greek) is an eco-retreat located in the remote Achla Valley, right where a river valley of giant plane trees meets a secluded beach.The area is part of the EU-wide Natura 2000, a network created to protect Europe's most valuable and threatened habitats and species. That status helps preserve the valley's wetland ecosystem, biodiversity, and relatively untouched character.
In simple terms, Onar is not a conventional hotel. It's a small, low-impact settlement of stone cottages and villas built from local natural materials - stone, wood, and river reeds-and are designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. The concept is centered on "slow living" and ecological harmony. There's no resort-style infrastructure; instead, the experience is intentionally quiet and immersive, focused on nature, simplicity, and privacy.
So, "Onar" is essentially a nature-based retreat where the main "amenities" are the landscape itself: river, forest, and sea in one protected valley.
The owners are always on-site, ensuring a personalized touch and a warm, family-like feeling that makes every guest feel at home. Experience genuine hospitality and tranquility in a truly special setting at Onar Andros, where simplicity and authenticity create unforgettable memories.
Onar offers a curated selection of cottages, suites, and villas designed to suit different group sizes and preferences, all harmoniously integrated into the unspoiled landscape of the Ahla Valley. Our stone houses provide easier access to the beach and are ideal for couples or small groups, featuring private pergola-shaded courtyards and private gardens for a relaxed and intimate stay.
For families or groups of friends, we offer spacious villas, including two Family Villas accommodating up to five guests, as well as a Superior Villa, two Sunrise Villas, and a Privilege Villa-all featuring private pools. We also offer two Hillside Suites, one of which includes a private pool, and two Hillside Dream Houses, designed especially for couples seeking privacy and elevated views.
All accommodations are thoughtfully designed with local stone walls, wood and reed ceilings, and minimal, earthy décor. Each unit includes a comfortable sitting area, modern bathroom facilities, and large windows that seamlessly connect indoor living with the natural surroundings.
Onar is open annually from mid-May to mid-October. This season captures the warmth of the Aegean spring, the full blaze of summer, and the gentle golden days of early autumn - arguably the most beautiful time on Andros.
Onar is intentionally off-grid and we encourage a digital detox. Wi-Fi is available but on request only - a router can be arranged for a small fee per stay. Most guests find they need it far less than they expected.
Yes. All cottages and villas are equipped with air conditioning as well as ceiling fans, which are often all you need given the cool Aegean breezes that flow through the valley.
Our bathrooms feature Olive Era products, enriched with organic olive oil and mountain tea, reflecting our commitment to natural, locally rooted choices. These amenities reflect the essence of Greek nature and wellbeing.
The food at Onar is one of its great joys. Our kitchen prepares traditional Andrian and Meditterenean recipes using ingredients that are as local and as fresh as possible: organic vegetables and herbs from our own certified garden, fresh fish brought in daily by the fishermen of Andros, dairy from island farms,, and fruit picked that morning.
Yes, a traditional Greek breakfast is included in your stay. Served daily, it features seasonal fresh fruit, pure fruit juices, local honey, fresh eggs, and a selection of homemade pies and cakes, offering an authentic taste of Andros to start your day.
The organic garden and farm at Onar are at the heart of the retreat. We produce seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruit using certified organic, chemical-free methods, along with traditional seed varieties that help preserve Andros's agricultural heritage.
Everything is certified by DIO,(the Organisation for the Control and Certification of Biological Products) ensuring full organic standards. Production naturally depends on weather conditions and the changing seasons, following the rhythm of the land.
Absolutely - and we encourage it. Guests are welcome to walk to the farm, help pick vegetables and fruit. It is a lovely activity for both adults and children, and a direct way to understand where your meal comes from.
Yes. The Onar restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, set on a stone-paved terrace shaded by enormous old plane trees.
The menu focuses on traditional Greek and Andrian cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Meals here feel less like restaurant service and more like being fed by a family.
Yes - please let us know your dietary needs when booking. Our kitchen is experienced in preparing vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. Because we cook from scratch with seasonal produce, we are genuinely flexible.
Across Greece there are many wineries producing excellent wines from local grape varieties. Each year, we choose a selection of different types of wines to feature at Onar, focusing on quality, character, and how well they pair with our food. Ask our team for current recommendations.
The honest answer is: as much or as little as you like. The valley invites slow days - swimming at Achla beach (350 m from the cottages), reading in a hammock, walking along the river, watching herons at dusk. For those who want more: hiking, snorkelling,stand-up paddleboarding, boat trips are all available. Yoga and meditation sessions are held seasonally.
Achla Beach is just 350 metres from the cottages-a short, scenic stroll through the wetland. This pristine, crescent-shaped beach of fine pebbles and sand opens onto the Aegean, with strikingly clear, green-blue waters and a wonderfully unspoiled, tranquil atmosphere.
Yes-setting off from Achla Beach, we organise half-day and full-day boat trips along Andros's spectacular east coastline, depending on the weather. Highlights include Andros Town, hidden beaches accessible only by sea, and secluded coves ideal for snorkelling. Ask us to arrange one when you arrive.
Andros is a wonderfully rich island to explore. Easy day trips include: Chora, the elegant capital with neoclassical mansions and the Museum of Modern Art; Dipotamata, a gorge with arched stone bridges and old watermills; Vourkoti, the island's highest village (with a crystal-clear lake en route); and the Byzantine monasteries of Agios Nikolaos and Panahranton. Our team can help you plan routes.
Yes-massages of various kinds can be arranged on request, either on your private terrace or inside your cottage at Onar. Please note that this service is not available throughout the season. Ask at reception to check availability and schedule a treatment.
From the ground up, Onar was built with minimal interference in the natural landscape. We have maintained all the existing plants on the property, preserving its original wild character, and new plants are carefully selected for the Cycladic climate, requiring minimal water. All structures use local stone, wood, and river reeds, and the farm is fully certified organic. The property lies within the Natura 2000 protected wetland area of Achla Valley.
We continuously explore alternative energy sources and ecological practices. Hot water is produced via solar panels, and only LED lighting is used throughout the property. There are no plastic bottles, and only bottles with filtered water are provided.
In addition, all organic waste from the restaurant is reused to feed animals on nearby farms, and our sustainability philosophy extends to every detail-from bathroom amenities to what is served on your plate.
Onar is located in the protected wetland of the Achla Valley, one of the most biodiverse areas in the Cyclades and part of the Natura 2000 network, an EU initiative protecting Europe's most valuable ecosystems. This designation preserves the valley's rare wetland, rich biodiversity, and untouched character, offering an authentic connection to nature. "High protection beaches" in Greece refer to a limited number of "untouched beaches" preserved for their ecological value. Achla Beach is one of these protected beaches, ensuring its natural beauty remains intact. At Onar, we act as stewards of this landscape rather than owners, committed to its protection.
Absolutely. Onar is a wonderful destination for families, offering children the freedom to explore and connect with nature in a safe and inspiring environment. Set within the lush Achla Valley, young guests can discover the wetlands, observe wildlife, swim at the beach, and enjoy activities such as boating, snorkeling, and paddling.
The absence of cars in the area ensures a safe, carefree setting where children can move around freely.
Each cottage includes a built-in sofa bed, while cribs and extra beds are available upon request. A dedicated kids' menu is also offered, making dining easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
Yes. Onar features a communal pool with beautiful views over the valley and surrounding landscape. Children are welcome to use the pool but must be supervised at all times.
For details regarding pool access, availability, or operating hours, please contact our team.
Yes. Onar offers a dedicated kids' menu designed to suit younger guests' tastes while introducing them to Greek flavors. We include a selection of Greek dishes that are popular with children, alongside simple, familiar options such as pasta and other straightforward meals. This ensures that dining is both enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family.
We love animals - our wetlands are full of them - but we are not able to accept pets at Onar. The protected nature of the surrounding habitat makes this a necessary boundary.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 pm and check-out is by 11:00 am. If you are arriving early or departing late, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
During peak summer weeks we typically require a minimum stay of 5 nights. For shoulder season (May-June and September-October) shorter stays are often possible. Please check availability directly with us or through our booking system.
We want to be honest with you: access to Onar involves an unpaved road, . While this is part of the area's unique beauty, it can be genuinely challenging for guests with mobility limitations.
Some of the houses located within the valley are more suitable, as the terrain there is relatively flat. However, the beach is approximately 350 meters away and requires walking access.
We kindly encourage you to contact our team directly to discuss your specific needs-we will be happy to advise you honestly and help determine whether Onar is the right fit for your stay.
Our cancellation policy reflects our general terms and may vary depending on the accommodation type and season. Full details are always provided at the time of booking.
For cancellations made up to 30 days prior to arrival, no cancellation fees apply.
For cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival, 100% of the total amount will be charged.
In case of no-show or early departure, 100% of the total amount will be charged.
We'd love to hear from you. The best way to reach the Onar team is via our website contact page or by email. We typically respond within 24 hours, and we're always happy to help you plan the perfect stay.
