Table of Contents
1. Foros Cave (Aladinou)
A: Cave Information Foros Cave is the most famous and accessible cave on the island of Andros. It is a fascinating underground world that dates back nearly five million years. The cave was discovered in 1937 by Ioannis and Anna Petrocheilos who were famous Greek explorers. When you step inside you will see amazing rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have grown slowly over thousands of centuries. There are also rare hanging rocks and helictites which look like twisted stone fingers. The cave has eight chambers in total but visitors are only allowed to explore four of them. The temperature inside stays at a cool sixteen to seventeen degrees Celsius all year round. The name Foros has two possible meanings. Some people think it comes from the Italian word for opening. Others believe it comes from a local superstition where villagers thought falling animals were a tax paid to spirits. It is a magical place that feels like a journey to the centre of the earth.
B: Location You will find this cave in the village of Aladinou. This village is located in the central part of Andros. It sits at the foot of Mount Gerakonas and is only about four kilometres away from Chora which is the main town of the island.
C: How to get there The journey to the cave is an adventure on its own. First you need to drive to the village of Aladinou from Chora. You will stop at the beautiful stone Bridge of Aladinou which was built in the year 1680. From the bridge you must walk along a traditional paved path for about three hundred metres. The walk takes you through lovely scenery. You must book a tour in advance because the cave is locked to protect it. A guide will meet you there to unlock the gate and show you around.
D: Safety and Things to Carry Safety is very important here. You will be provided with a helmet and a torch by the guide. You must wear shoes that cover your toes and have a good grip because the floor can be damp. The cave is cool inside so you should bring a light jacket or a long sleeve shirt even in summer. Do not forget your camera to take photos of the colourful rocks.
2. Trypes Cave (Zorkos)
A: Cave Information Trypes Cave is quite different from Foros because it is located high up on a sea cliff. The name Trypes translates to holes in English. This is a perfect name because the cave has two large openings that look like a pair of giant stone eyes staring out at the sea. It was formed by the strong winds and salty waves eroding the soft rock over a very long time. The cave is not very deep but it has many small galleries and corners to explore. The main attraction is the view from the inside looking out. It frames the blue Aegean Sea perfectly and makes for incredible photographs. Locals call it Matia which also means eyes. It feels wild and rugged compared to the inland caves. You can sit inside and watch the waves crash below which is a very peaceful and memorable experience for nature lovers.
B: Location Trypes Cave is located in the northern part of Andros. It sits on the rocky coastline right next to the famous Zorkos Beach. This area is quite remote and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on the island.
C: How to get there You will need a car to reach Zorkos Beach first. The road becomes a dirt track near the end but it is generally passable. Once you park at the beach you need to hike. Look for the hiking trail marked as Andros Route number twenty. The hike takes about thirty minutes. The path is scenic but the last part involves a bit of a scramble up the rocks to reach the cave entrance.
D: Safety and Things to Carry This is a wild cave with no guides or lights. You must bring a bright torch or headlamp to see the back of the cave. The rocks can be sharp and slippery so wear sturdy hiking boots. Do not wear flip flops. Bring plenty of water because there are no shops on the trail. Be very careful near the cliff edge especially if it is windy.
3. The Hermitages of Panachrantou
A: Cave Information The Panachrantou Monastery is not just a building but a collection of structures built into a steep cliff face. The area is full of natural cavities and small caves that have been used by humans for centuries. Long before the main monastery was built in the tenth century holy men known as hermits lived in these caves. They sought silence and isolation to pray. The most famous story involves two monks who saw a light shining from one of these caves. They climbed up and found an icon of the Virgin Mary hidden inside. This discovery led to the founding of the monastery. Exploring this area gives you a sense of history and spiritual peace. The caves here are small shelters rather than deep caverns but they are very significant to the culture of Andros. You can see how the architecture blends perfectly with the natural rock formations.
B: Location These caves and the monastery are perched on the side of Mount Gerakones. The site is located in the southern central part of Andros. It is situated high above the valley of Messaria and offers sweeping views of the island.
C: How to get there You can drive almost all the way to the monastery entrance. There is a paved road that goes up from the village of Vouni. Alternatively you can take a dirt road from the village of Falika. If you enjoy walking you can hike up the old donkey paths from the valley below. Once you arrive you will enter the monastery courtyard to see the cave where the icon was found.
D: Safety and Things to Carry Since this is a religious site you must dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. The monastery usually provides wraps if you need them. The ground is uneven and there are many stone steps so wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a bottle of water especially if you hike up the mountain. Please be respectful of the monks who live there.
4. Syneti Sea Caves
A: Cave Information The caves at Syneti Beach offer a unique experience where fresh water meets the sea. These caves are located right at the mouth of the Dipotamata Gorge. This is a deep canyon where a river flows into the ocean. Inside the sea caves you might see stalactites hanging from the roof which is very rare for coastal caves. This happens because fresh spring water drips through the rocks above. The water here is deep blue and very clear. The film Little England was filmed at this location because of its wild beauty. The caves provide cool shade on hot summer days. The smell of purple oregano from the gorge mixes with the salty sea air here. It is a magical spot for swimming and looking at the rock formations that dip into the water. The caves are open to the sea so you explore them by swimming.
B: Location Syneti Beach is on the east coast of Andros. It is about seven kilometres south of Chora. The beach lies at the bottom of the village of Syneti which sits on the mountainside above.
C: How to get there Drive from Chora towards the village of Syneti. The road winds down the mountain and offers great views. You can drive all the way down to the beach where there is parking. From the pebbles you simply swim to the left or right side of the bay to find the sea caves. They are only accessible by water.
D: Safety and Things to Carry You should be a strong swimmer to explore these caves. The beach has large pebbles so water shoes are very helpful for walking into the sea. Bring a snorkel and mask to see underwater. Be very careful of the wind. This beach faces north so when the summer winds blow the waves can be huge and dangerous. Only swim into the caves when the sea is calm.
5. Vori Sea Caves
A: Cave Information Vori is a remote paradise that feels like a deserted island. The area features a stunning sandy beach with a river that flows into the sea forming a small wetland. The coastline here is rugged and filled with impressive sea caves and rock arches. One of the most exciting things about Vori is what lies underwater. There is a famous shipwreck called the Semiramis that sits near the rocks. You can snorkel around the sea caves and see the remains of the ship which is now home to many fish. The caves are natural shelters carved by the waves. The water is incredibly clear and often looks like liquid glass. It is a fantastic place for explorers who want to get away from the crowds. The combination of the caves the wreck and the river makes it a top spot for nature lovers.
B: Location Vori Beach is located on the northeast coast of Andros. It is quite far from the main towns. The nearest villages are Arni and Vourkoti which are high up in the mountains.
C: How to get there Getting to Vori is difficult and that is why it stays so quiet. The best way is to hire a small boat to take you there. If you drive you will need a four wheel drive vehicle because the road is a rough dirt track that can damage normal cars. You can also hike down from Vourkoti but remember you have to hike back up which is very tiring in the heat.
D: Safety and Things to Carry There are absolutely no facilities at Vori. You must bring everything you need including plenty of water food and an umbrella for shade. If you drive make sure your vehicle is reliable. Bring snorkelling gear to see the shipwreck and caves. Do not go alone and always tell someone where you are going because mobile phone signal can be weak.