Andros is the greenest island in the Cyclades and that makes its beaches feel completely different to what you find on the drier southern islands. Lush valleys run down to the coast, rivers actually flow here year round, and the landscape behind the shore is thick with oak, chestnut, and citrus trees. The water is clean and the sand tends to be coarser and more golden than the fine white powder you get on Naxos or Paros.
The island is big. It is the second largest in the Cyclades after Naxos, and the coastline is long enough that even in August you will find beaches with hardly anyone on them. Most visitors base themselves in Batsi or Chora, and both have good beaches within walking distance. But the really special ones, places like Achla Beach and Vitali Beach, sit on the east coast and need either a boat or a solid hike to reach.
Ferries arrive at Gavrio on the west coast, which is the closest Cycladic port to Athens since boats leave from Rafina rather than Piraeus. Check our guide on how to get to Andros for all the details, and the Andros bus timetable to see which beaches you can reach by public transport.
Which Andros Beach Suits You
Families with young children: Agios Petros Beach near Batsi has shallow water, sunbeds, and a taverna right on the sand. You will not need to carry anything.
Watersports and windsurfing: Kypri Beach picks up strong meltemi winds in summer and has equipment hire on site.
Golden sand and easy access: Chryssi Ammos lives up to its name. The sand really is gold and the bay is sheltered enough for comfortable swimming.
Remote and wild: Achla Beach on the east coast is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in the entire Cyclades. You reach it by boat from Batsi or by hiking down from the monastery above.
Something unusual: Tis Grias To Pidima translates as “the old woman’s leap” and the beach is named after a huge rock column standing in the sea. The folklore behind it is worth reading before you go.
Gialia Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Gialia Beach is a pebble and stone beach located near Chora in Andros, Cyclades. The beach features soft pebbles mixed with fine stones, creating a comfortable surface for walking and lounging. The composition is unique in that it combines the comfort of smaller pebbles with the aesthetic beauty of smooth
Achla Beach
1. Beach Type and Experience Achla Beach is truly one of the most stunning and unspoilt beaches you will find anywhere in Greece. The beach is composed of fine sand mixed with white pebbles that create a picturesque shoreline. The setting here is completely different from the busy, developed beaches you find around Andros. This
Piso Gialia Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Piso Gialia Beach is a charming small cove beach nestled on the eastern coast of Andros Island, located just three kilometres north of the island’s capital, Chora, and very close to the picturesque village of Stenies. This beach stands out for its unique character and genuinely special atmosphere compared to
Apothikes Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Apothikes Beach is a stunning small cove that showcases the natural beauty of Andros with golden sand and emerald waters that feel almost unreal. This is a sandy beach with a deep seabed, perfect for those who want to experience both relaxation and adventure in one location. The beach remains
Kypri Beach: The Ultimate Water Sports Paradise on Andros
Beach Type & Experience Kypri Beach is a magnificent expanse of soft, golden sand that stretches along the western coast of Andros in the Cyclades. The beach composition is entirely sandy, which means you can walk barefoot without any discomfort or need for special footwear. The sand is wonderfully powdery and perfect for families with
Tis Grias to Pidima Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, which translates to “The Old Woman’s Jump,” is a small sandy beach located on the southeastern coast of Andros near the sleepy fishing village of Korthi. The beach composition is primarily soft golden sand mixed with some small pebbles, making it comfortable to walk on
Zorkos Beach
Beach Type and Experience Zorkos Beach is an extraordinary place that feels like stepping into a painting. The beach has a distinctive character with white pebbles that cover much of the shoreline alongside sections of golden sand. The combination creates a striking contrast with the turquoise waters, making it one of the most visually stunning
Vitali Beach: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades
Vitali Beach – A Secluded Paradise with Crystal Clear Waters Vitali Beach sits on the northeastern coast of Andros island in the Cyclades. This beach ranks amongst the most beautiful in Greece according to travel reviewers and the island’s locals. What makes Vitali so special is its perfect combination of natural beauty and the sense
Agios Petros Beach Sandy Paradise
Agios Petros Beach stands as the largest and most impressive sandy stretch along Andros’ coastline, stretching almost one entire kilometre across the island’s western shoreline. This magnificent beach has earned its reputation as a beloved destination for families and travellers seeking the perfect combination of accessibility, comfort, and unspoilt beauty. Located on the main road
Planning Your Beach Days on Andros
Andros rewards people who explore. The west coast beaches near Gavrio and Batsi are the easiest to reach and have the most facilities. The east coast beaches are wilder and more dramatic but most need a car, a boat trip, or a proper walk. Hiring a car or scooter makes a real difference here because public buses only cover the main road between Gavrio, Batsi, and Chora. For days when you do not want to drive, the Andros taxi page has numbers for local drivers.
The Andros map shows where each beach sits on the island, and the Andros photography guide covers the best light and angles if you want to capture the coastline properly. Between beach days, Andros is one of the best islands in the Cyclades for walking. The trails here are well maintained and several of them connect hilltop villages to coastal coves, so you can combine a morning hike with an afternoon swim.
For the full picture of what to see and do, check our main Andros island guide, the best caves in Andros, and the getting around Andros page for transport tips.
