Gavrio is the port of Andros and the place where almost every visitor arrives. Andros is the northernmost of the Cyclades and the closest large island to Athens, so the crossing from Rafina is short, often under an hour on a fast boat. Gavrio itself is a small working harbour on the north west coast, with fishing boats moored beside the ferries and a handful of tavernas and cafés along the waterfront. From here, the coast road runs south to the resort of Batsi and across the mountains to Chora, the elegant island capital on the east coast. This guide covers Gavrio port, how to get around Andros from the ferry, the ferries that sail from Andros and some tips for your arrival.
Andros port at a glance
Gavrio is the only active ferry port on Andros, about 8 km from Batsi and around 32 to 35 km from Chora, with ferries to Rafina in as little as 50 minutes.
- Location: Gavrio, on the north west coast of Andros
- Bus: KTEL Androu runs from Gavrio to Batsi and Chora, timed around the ferries
- Taxi: about 12 to 15 euros to Batsi and 45 to 55 euros to Chora
- Ferries: Rafina several times a day all year, plus Tinos, Mykonos, Syros and more
- Airport: none, the island is reached by sea from Rafina
Where Is Andros Port?
The port is at Gavrio, on the north west coast of Andros, facing the island of Evia. It became the main ferry port of Andros in the late 1960s, and it is now the only active ferry port on the island. Gavrio has kept much of its character as a fishing village, and it makes a practical base for the beaches of the north west. The main resort, Batsi, is about 8 km south along the coast, and Chora, the capital, is about 32 to 35 km away on the other side of the island.
Andros is a big island, one of the largest in the Cyclades, so the distances are longer than you might expect. Plan your onward transport before you arrive, especially if you are staying in Chora or Korthi in the south east.
Getting Around Andros From Gavrio Port
KTEL bus
- Gavrio to Batsi and Chora
- Timed around ferries
- Fewer buses in winter
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- About 12 to 15 euros to Batsi
- About 45 to 55 euros to Chora
- Scarce in August
- Best if pre booked
Hire car
- Collect on arrival
- Big, mountainous island
- Or bring a car on the ferry
- Best for Andros
Walk
- Hotels in Gavrio
- Beaches nearby
- Small harbour village
- Best for Gavrio stays
Bus From Gavrio Port
KTEL Androu runs the island’s buses. The main route links Gavrio with Batsi and Chora, calling at villages such as Agios Petros, Kypri, Palaiopoli and Menites on the way, and other routes serve Korthi in the south. Buses from Gavrio are timed around the ferries and may leave a little late if the ferry arrives behind schedule. There are fewer buses outside the summer, so check our Andros bus timetable before you travel.
Taxis at Gavrio Port
Andros has no central taxi company. Instead, Gavrio, Batsi, Chora and Korthi each have their own small group of local drivers. Outside the peak season you can usually find a taxi waiting at the port when a ferry comes in, but in July and August they go quickly, so ask your accommodation to book one for you. See our Andros taxi guide and important contact numbers for Andros.
| From Gavrio port to | Distance | Taxi time | Taxi fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batsi | About 8 km | 10 to 15 minutes | About 12 to 15 euros |
| Kypri Beach and Agios Petros | A few km | A short ride | About 8 to 12 euros |
| Chora | 32 to 35 km | About 50 minutes | About 45 to 55 euros |
| Korthi | Longer, via Chora or the mountains | Book ahead | Ask when booking |
With its mountains, valleys and long distances, Andros is an island where a car makes a real difference. You can hire one at Gavrio or bring your own on the ferry from Rafina. Our guide to getting around Andros compares the options.
Ferries From Andros Port
Rafina is the lifeline of Andros, with several sailings a day all year run by Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets. The same boats usually continue to Tinos and Mykonos, and in summer some carry on further into the Cyclades. There are also short crossings to Evia.
| Andros to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Rafina (Athens) | About 50 minutes | Up to 2 hours |
| Tinos | About 50 minutes | About 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Karystos, Evia | About 1 hour 10 minutes | When the route runs |
| Mykonos | About 1 hour 15 minutes | 2 hours 20 to 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Syros | About 1 hour 50 minutes | About 3 hours 5 minutes |
| Paros | About 2 hours 15 minutes | Up to about 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Naxos | About 3 hours | Longer with stops |
| Ios | About 3 hours 10 minutes | Up to 6 hours |
Direct ferries between Andros and Piraeus are not a regular service, so from Athens use Rafina port, which is also the closest port to Athens Airport. Our guides on how to get to Andros and getting from Athens to the Cyclades have more detail.
Things to Do Near Gavrio Port
If you have time before or after your ferry, Gavrio has a few surprises. The Hellenistic tower of Agios Petros, a well preserved watchtower from ancient times, is a short drive and a walk uphill from the port. Several good beaches lie close by, including Agios Petros, Kypri and Chryssi Ammos. For the rest of the island, see our guides to things to do in Andros, the best beaches in Andros and the best villages in Andros.
Facilities at Gavrio Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry agency offices on the harbour front |
| Food and drink | Simple tavernas, cafés and bars around the harbour |
| Car hire | Offices near the port, with cars delivered to the ferry |
| Bus stop | At the port, with buses timed around ferry arrivals |
| Places to stay | A few hotels in Gavrio, and many more in Batsi, see where to stay in Andros |
Tips for Using Andros Port
- Sail from Rafina, not Piraeus. Rafina has several ferries a day to Andros, while Piraeus has no regular service.
- Plan your onward transport. Chora is 32 to 35 km from the port, so book a taxi, hire car or check the bus times in advance.
- Consider bringing a car. Andros is big and mountainous, and car ferries from Rafina make it easy.
- Book ahead on summer weekends. Andros is very popular with Athenians, and Friday and Sunday sailings fill up.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Gavrio is small, but cars need time to board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andros Port
What is the port of Andros called?
The port of Andros is Gavrio, on the north west coast of the island. It is the only active ferry port on Andros.
How far is Gavrio from Chora?
Chora, the capital of Andros, is about 32 to 35 km from Gavrio, around 50 minutes by car. A taxi costs about 45 to 55 euros.
How far is Gavrio from Batsi?
Batsi is about 8 km south of Gavrio, a 10 to 15 minute drive. A taxi costs about 12 to 15 euros.
Is there a bus from Andros port?
Yes. KTEL Androu runs buses from Gavrio to Batsi and Chora, timed around the ferries. There are fewer buses outside the summer.
How long is the ferry from Rafina to Andros?
The fastest ferries take about 50 minutes and conventional ferries up to 2 hours. There are several sailings a day all year.
Is there a ferry from Piraeus to Andros?
There is no regular direct service between Piraeus and Andros. Use Rafina, which has several ferries a day and is close to Athens Airport.
Does Andros have an airport?
No. Andros has no airport. Most visitors fly to Athens and take the ferry from Rafina.
How long is the ferry from Andros to Tinos?
The fastest ferries take about 50 minutes and conventional ferries about 1 hour 35 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Andros to Mykonos?
High speed ferries take about 1 hour 15 minutes, and conventional ferries about 2 hours 20 to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Can I take my car to Andros?
Yes. Car ferries run from Rafina to Gavrio several times a day, and many visitors bring or hire a car because Andros is large and mountainous.
How early should I arrive at Gavrio port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry, and a little earlier if you are taking a car.
Final Thoughts
Gavrio is a quiet, friendly port and the easy way into Andros, with fast ferries from Rafina that make the island one of the quickest Cyclades to reach from Athens. The main thing to remember is that Andros is big, so sort out your bus, taxi or hire car before you arrive, especially if you are heading for Chora or Korthi. Before you travel, take a look at our guide to the Andros weather, our Andros map and our guide to photography in Andros.
