Andros might not be the most famous of the Greek islands, but after spending two weeks exploring its coastlines, hilltop villages and hidden rivers, I can confidently say it deserves a spot on your travel list. I based myself in Chora, the island’s graceful capital, for ten days, and quickly discovered that this picturesque town makes an ideal base for a car-free Andros trip.
With over two decades of car-free travel experience under my belt, I’ve been to a lot of Greek islands without a car. Chora makes for a good base to explore the island’s many attractions and has plenty to offer in its own right. From lighthouse views and Venetian ruins to tucked-away beaches and peaceful waterfalls, this is a destination that blends beauty with authenticity.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best things to do in Chora, Andros, including personal highlights from my stay and practical tips to help you plan your own trip, no car required.
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Us at the Unknown Sailor
First up on any itinerary of things to do in Chora, Andros must be a visit to see the iconic statue of the Unknown Sailor. If you’ve been scrolling through pictures of Andros while planning your trip, I’m sure you’ll have already spotted this iconic figure, commemorating sailors lost at sea and Andros’ maritime past. Naturally, you’ll want your own version of this classic shot.
Mr FFI at the bridge over to the castle ruins 
Another crossing over Chora’s stone bridge
Once you’ve admired the statue, brace yourself for the dramatic and slightly nerve-wracking walk across the arched bridge to reach the ruins of the Venetian fortress. I crossed this archway several times during my two weeks in Andros, and even though I knew what to expect, each time it made me nervous.
Mr Flip Flops Included swimming under the Chora stone bridge, Andros
Make your own mind up about whether you want to cross this precarious bridge. If you do, the breathtaking views from the castle ruins are worth the heart-in-mouth crossing.
View from the castle ruins, over Chora town
You’re rewarded with a spectacular panorama. On one side you can see Chora’s pretty lighthouse set against the deep blue Aegean Sea. On the other you can see out across Chora (Andros town).
Pro Tip: just beneath the archway bridge that leads to the castle, you’ll find a fabulous swimming spot, accessible from steps that lead directly down to the sea. I absolutely loved swimming here.
Paraporti Beach, Andros
There are two local beaches in Chora, Paraporti and Neimporio. Paraporti, to the east of town, is my favourite, with a more natural and wild location, and a river joining it where you might spot local swans and geese. There’s a lovely beach bar at the far end, serving excellent cocktails.
Alternatively, Neimporio beach is livelier and popular with families. There’s plenty going on here, with restaurants and snack bars lining the seafront, making it easy to refuel between swims.
However, my top tip is to venture a little bit further to find the best Chora beach. Tucked away just over the hill, Lydi beach is a 30-minute hike from town. That hike is so worth it. Lydi beach has a wonderfully secluded feel.
Lydi Beach, Chora
Think Caribbean turquoise waters, golden sand, and hardly another soul around. I hiked out there a couple of times during my visit to Andros, and every time it felt like my own private paradise. A heads up, Lydi beach seems to allow nudism but swimsuits are perfectly fine too if you prefer.
Chora’s location on the west of Andros means it can get very windy when the Meltemi winds blow.
There were a few days during my two-week stay when the waves at both beaches were too rough for swimming. As someone who isn’t the strongest swimmer, I wasn’t going to risk it.
The church at Achla Beach
To explore Andros’ dramatic coastline at your own pace, hire a boat. You don’t need a licence to captain one. Just confidence and a sense of adventure will do.
You can rent from friendly Riva Rentals. Having your own boat means you can reach pretty coves like Achla, on the eastern coast of the island.
That said, Andros is known for strong winds. It’s best to check the forecast before you book. On windy days I’d skip the self-drive and go for this skilled captained boat tour of Andros instead. It’s more relaxing and you still get to explore all those hidden corners without having to worry about the waves. The tour includes food and drink onboard a luxury RIB.
4. Take a photo walk through Chora
Chora is a bit of a photographer’s dream. The town blends neoclassical elegance with the crisp, whitewashed Cycladic style to create a dreamy setting.
View of Chora town streets
As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you’ll spot merchant houses with colourful shutters, intricate iron balconies and red-tiled roofs.
These details reflect Andros’s trading connections with London’s ship-building past and give the town a slightly different look, in parts, to other Cycladic islands.
Church in Chora
I loved walking through the quieter backstreets, where blue-domed churches and traditional doorways are framed by bougainvillea. Along the main street in Chora you’ll find independent clothes shops and tasty local food outlets.
Iconic Chora church
Chora delivers a perfect mix of everyday island life and postcard-pretty scenes. And if you love cats you’ll find plenty to photograph in Chora.
5. Visit Chora’s museums
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chora
If the summer heat starts to feel a bit much, the cool interiors of Chora’s museums offer the perfect excuse to slow down and learn a little more about the island.
The Museum of Contemporary Art was an unexpected highlight. When I visited, there was a solo exhibition celebrating Greek artist Takis. I’d hoped to see a broader mix of the collection, but it was still a striking and thought-provoking experience.
The museum is split across two buildings, one on each side of the road. Your €10 ticket gets you into both.
The Archaeological Museum is another option if you’re looking for some culture.
Last up is the Maritime Museum. If you’re curious about Andros’s relationship with the sea and shipping, this is the place to go. There’s a mix of ship models, navigational tools and displays.
Pithara waterfall
One of the most surprising things I discovered on Andros were the waterfalls. I’ve visited plenty of Greek islands, like Paxos, Folegandros and Crete, and not once have I stumbled upon scenery like I found on my hikes from Chora.
There are two standout hikes to choose from, and I recommend both if you’ve got the time and the stamina.
Pithara waterfall
If you’re short on time, the hike to Pithara is a good option, but be warned, the uphill stretch from Chora is no joke. This is route #2a of the Andros routes. The first half an hour is pretty much straight up steps and it felt relentless. It took me about an hour to reach the village where the waterfalls are located.
Once there, though, the short walk to the waterfall was a lovely shaded route. If you’re visiting in summer, the waterfall will be more of a steady trickle, so manage your expectations.
Even so, it’s a peaceful, pretty spot to visit. You can also top up your water bottle from the old stone Sariza spring in the village of Apikia.
On the way back, follow the more scenic trail (route #8) via Steines to Glaikia beach. This route takes you down many steps and past beautiful gardens, villas and greenery. It’s a really beautiful hike.
Gerolimni lake
Gerolimni river waterfall
This was one of my absolute favourite hikes on Andros and one of the most unusual walks I’ve done on any Greek island.
I started with a taxi from Chora to Agios Nikolaos Monastery, which cost €25. From there, I followed hiking route #8 north towards Akla Bridge and the Akla River.
Achla bridge
Once I got past the bridge, I veered off the marked trail and followed the river northward. After a bit of scrambling and rock-hopping, I arrived at Gerolimni Lake.
The rope swing over the pool by the waterfall
It’s a deep pool beneath a waterfall, and someone’s even set up a rope swing if you fancy making a splash. I didn’t try it, but Mr Flip Flops Included loved swinging across it. He’s braver than me. A dip in the river pool was deliciously refreshing after all that hiking.
The whole area feels remote and peaceful. I honestly couldn’t believe something like this existed on a Greek island.
7. Hire an e‑bike and explore the scenery
Mr Flip Flops Included and his e-bike
If you’re keen to explore beyond Chora but don’t fancy sweating your way up every hill, hiring an e-bike is a brilliant option. I rented from Riva Rentals. A bike costs from €35 per day, and you get it from 9am until 8pm. I thought it was good value for a full day out.
Rental includes a helmet (which you must wear in Greece), a rucksack and a lock. It’s an easy and flexible way to explore some of the harder-to-reach gems around Chora like the vllages of Sineti and Menites (for the unique lion head springs).
One of my favourite days on Andros involved biking to Agios Nikolaos Monastery, where we locked up the bikes and hiked route #8 down to Achla Beach.
The gorgeous Achla Beach
The walk is hot and exposed, so take more water than you think you need. I froze mine the night before so it would stay cool for longer. There’s no shade along the way and absolutely nowhere to buy supplies, so cover up well and come prepared.
The effort was totally worth it though. Achla is a huge crescent of white pebbles and soft sand with some of the clearest blue water I saw on Andros. We arrived mid-morning and had the beach almost to ourselves. A few more people wandered down after 2pm, but it still felt wonderfully peaceful.
Hiking route sign on Andros
To give yourself a break from planning and using different forms of transport, book onto the Achla River Trekking to the Waterfall guided tour.
This is a small guided tour with a local who’ll give you loads of information about your surroundings and make sure you reach the hard to get to Gerolimni Waterfall without having to go it alone. The tour includes transport to and from your accommodation in Chora and a packed lunch.
9. Go underground at the local caves
Foros caves
For a break from beaches and hill walks, take the local bus from Chora to Aladinou and head to the Foros caves.
The bus takes around 15 minutes, and from the bus stop it’s a half-hour walk to reach the cave entrance. The walk itself is a highlight, with lovely countryside views and quiet village corners to enjoy along the way.
Entry to the caves costs from €5 and includes a hard hat and hair net, which you’ll need to wear during the short, guided tour. No photos are allowed once you’re inside, but it’s a fun little underground adventure. We ended up being the only people on our tour, so it felt like a private cave viewing.
Menites springs
On the way back, take a detour to visit the Menites springs. The lion head fountains tucked under the trees make a nice cool stop before heading back to Chora.
10. Take the bus to see a stone legend
Tis Grias To Pidima
Use Chora as a base for seeing other parts of Andros by bus. Take the local bus from Chora Bus Station to Korthi to see the legendary ‘pld lady’ rock tower of Tis Grias To Pidima, rising up from the sea.
The journey takes between one to one and a half hours and costs €5 per person each way.
Get off the bus at the end of the line at Ormos Beach and pop into the bakery just off the seafront to stock up on snacks before your walk. From there, follow the coast around for 30 minutes to reach the famous beach.
This is a beautiful beach with sparkling blue water and a mix of sand and pebbles. In the morning there’s not much shade, but by the afternoon some rocky overhangs provide shelter. I managed to nab a shady spot under one of these and it made a big difference.
After your swim, head back to Ormos for dinner before catching the early evening bus back to Chora. It’s a great day out from Chora.
Where to stay in Chora, Andros
Luxury: Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel & Spa
A blend of elegance and comfort, Micra Anglia is set in the heart of Chora, just a short walk from the town’s cafes, galleries and beaches. Housed across restored neoclassical mansions, it offers stylish rooms with oak floors, curated touches and sea-view balconies. There’s a peaceful pool, spa treatments using natural products, and an on-site restaurant serving local flavours with a twist. This is one of Chora’s top-rated hotels.
Mid‑range: Rula’s Suites
Just a few steps from the beach and a short stroll into town, Roula’s Suites offers spotless, spacious apartments with sea views and kitchenettes. The real highlight though is the incredibly kind hosts, Roula and George. They go out of their way to help guests, from local tips to homemade treats. Ideal for a relaxed, car-free stay in Chora.
Budget: Andros Guesthouses
Set near the beach and a short walk from the centre of Chora, Andros Guesthouses are a practical choice for longer stays. Each one has a balcony, kitchenette for self-catering, and a washing machine. A great benefit of staying here is that guests can use free bikes and an outdoor seating area.
FAQs: Chora, Andros
Is Chora a good base for exploring the rest of Andros?
Yes, Chora is well connected by buses and hiking routes, and you can do day trips to beaches, monasteries and inland villages. If you’re staying on Andros longer than 4 to 5 days, consider adding a few nights on the west coast at Batsi.
How do I get from Athens Airport to Andros?
Take a bus or taxi from Athens airport to Rafina port (35 minutes). Ferries to Andros run daily and the journey takes one to two hours. I recommend booking your ferry in advance, especially in high season.
If I only have 2–3 nights, which activities should I prioritise?
For a short stay: walk to the castle, swim under the arch, enjoy a museum or winery tour, and pick one short hike (Pithara or Sariza Spring). Add an e-bike or boat hire if you’re feeling adventurous.
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