ANDROS SIGHTSEEING

Andros is an island with very important historical monuments. The unique architecture of the island, the beautiful mansions and the graphic back streets testify an island with rich history.

You can visit the towers of the island, that the residents used as fortresses and admire their splendid architecture.

The tower of Ayios Petros is located at Ano Ayios Petros. The tower sits on a 9.40-meter diameter base and extends to 20 meters. It’s believed to date from the fourth or third centuries B.C. or even the Mycenaean period.

The tower of Makrotantalos is also referred as the Castle of the Ostodosia.  It is a characteristic sample of Venetian defensive architecture on the island. The tower is located at the rocky end of Pyrgos beach on the northern tip of the island’s western coast.

The tower of Fryktoria in the region of Ayia Marina at the area of Makrotantalos used to relay messages across the Aegean; only a section of its base is preserved.

You can visit the Faneromeni Castle in the Korthi district which was built during the Middle Ages so that the residents can find shelter during pirate raids.

Vryokastro, in Varidi was used in order for the residents to be protected from the pirate’s raids. Sections of the island’s fortifications are preserved here.

You can visit Kastellaki in Gides and see small fortifications, opposite the settlement of Kalokairini.

The Ancient Zagora is located on a remote mountain plain about 160 meters above sea level, on the Zagora peninsula.

You can visit Apatouria village and see arched stone bridges, rustic cottages and the impressive lush Pythara ravine.

Stenies, is the village of sea captains, with graphic alleys winding around homes; note the communal laundry, old pasta factory, and the biggest watermill in the Balkans.

Lamyra, isa verdant village known for its streams and springs.

Dovecotes around the island, but mainly around Dimos, are unique examples of vernacular architecture.

The Byzantine-era monasteries of Panachrantou and Ayios Nikolaos; the former perches on Mount Katafiyi and the latter are near Achla beach.
The Foros cave is located in Mesaria’s Aladinou district.

Mesaria, was the economic and commercial centre of the island during the Byzantine years; you can visit there the church of Archangel Michael.

Dipotamata is a beautiful valley, which extends for 7 kilometres, located in the north-eastern area of the island, between Syneti, Palaiokastro and Kochylou.

The watermills in the area of Korthi from which 40 are saved up to today are excellent samples of previous industrial technology. Most of them are located in Dipotamata, as well as at Aidonia, Vouni, and Piso Meria.

In 1830 the first excavation effort is made in the region of Palaiopolis. In 1832 Ermis of Andros is discovered and a headless woman's statue that was transported in the Archaeological museum of Athens.

In Andros Town (Chora) you can visit the Archaeological museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Traditional Arts and Byzantine Icons, the Kaireios Library and the Kydonieos Foundation.
 
In Andros you will find a lot of churches and monasteries. The Byzantine monasteries of Panachrantou and Ayios Nikolaos; the former perches on Mount Katafiyi and the latter is near Achla beach.

The monastery of Zoodohos Piyi (Life-Giving Source), also known as Moni Ayias, is located at Kapsorahi along the route linking Batsi to Gavrio. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries of Cyclades.

The church of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity)at Korthi, which housed the first pre-independence school in Andros, allocates a number of rare relics and manuscripts.