At a glance: Southern Andros, around 10 kilometres from Chora, set around a wide, sheltered bay known locally as Ormos Korthiou. A relatively young settlement by island standards, built once locals felt safe enough to live close to the water, now known for windsurfing and a scattering of sandy beaches. Best suited to travellers who want water sports, a quieter pace and genuine local history away from the busier west coast resorts.

Is Korthi worth visiting

Korthi is one of the more recently settled villages on Andros, only established once fear of pirate raids eased enough for residents to build close to the shore rather than higher up in the hills. Today its wide, sheltered bay is best known for windsurfing, drawing world class competitors in the past and supporting a well regarded sailing club since 1989, alongside three sandy beaches within easy reach of the village. It suits travellers who want an active, outdoorsy base with a genuinely local feel, plus a couple of historically important churches worth a slower look.

Highlights

Mylos Beach, with a windsurfing school taking advantage of the bay’s steady breeze
Vitsi Agia Aikaterini Beach and Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, two further sandy stretches close to the village
The Nautical Club of Korthi, established in 1989 and now the island’s most established water sports club
The Church of St John Theologos, the oldest on Andros, built between the 5th and 8th centuries
The Church of the Holy Trinity, where the island’s first pre-revolutionary school was founded, holding rich manuscripts and heirlooms

A bay settled once the pirates stopped coming

Unlike many older hillside villages on Andros, Korthi’s position right on the water reflects a relatively late settlement, built only once residents no longer needed to fear pirate raids from the sea. That openness to the coast has shaped everything about the village since, from its role as the centre of tourism and business on this side of the island to its modern reputation as one of the best windsurfing spots in the Cyclades, with world championship level competitors having trained in the bay in the past. Older history survives too, in the Church of St John Theologos, the oldest on the island dating back as far as the 5th century, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, home to Andros’s first school in the years before Greek independence.

Where Korthi is

Getting to Korthi

From Andros Town: Korthi is about 10 kilometres away, around 20 minutes by car.

From Gavrio port: Considerably further, around 45 kilometres, roughly an hour and a quarter by car.

By bus: Bus services connect Chora to Korthi. Check current routes and times on the Andros bus timetable.

By car or taxi: See getting around Andros and Andros taxi for prices and booking details.

Arriving on Andros: Andros has no airport of its own, so the island is reached by ferry from Rafina to Gavrio. For full ferry routes and journey times, start with how to get to Andros.

Where to eat

Korthi has a good spread of cafes and restaurants along the waterfront, from all day spots serving coffee and light snacks to more polished dinner options using fresh, local produce. It is a relaxed place to eat, generally quieter than the busier tavernas on the west coast.

Where to stay

Korthi suits travellers who want an active, quieter base with easy access to windsurfing and a handful of good beaches, away from the busier resorts elsewhere on Andros. For a private villa with a pool elsewhere on the island, see Andros villas with a private pool.

Beaches near Korthi

Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, the most iconic beach in the area, sits close to the village. Mylos Beach, with its windsurfing school, and Vitsi Agia Aikaterini Beach are also nearby.

Best time to visit

Windsurfers should aim for the steadier breeze of the summer months, when the bay’s conditions are at their best. For a quieter visit, spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures and a noticeably calmer village than the height of summer.

Continue exploring Andros

See more of the island’s villages on the Andros villages guide, or head back to the Andros island guide for beaches, ferries and getting around.