Kalogeros

Andros, the northernmost island in the Cyclades and the second largest in the group, is also among the most beautiful. In the southeast is Andros or Hora, the capital of the island and its second most important harbour. This is a most attractive town, with neo-classical mansions side-by-side with Cycladic houses, steep and narrow alleys lined with arcades, fine churches and two pretty squares in the centre of a town which will make a lasting impression. Among the most important monuments of Hora are the castle, now ruined, and the church of Our Lady'Palatiani' within its walls. On the cultural side, there is an Archaeological Museum , a Museum of Modern Art, and a Nautical Museum with a rich collection of ship models, photographs and ship's instruments. Andros is home to many of Greece's seamen, and interesting cultural events take place there all year round Gavrio is the island's principal harbour, on the west side of Andros. Among the interesting features in the vicinity is the tower of Agios Petros. Andros has numerous interesting things to see: the church of the Archangel at Messaria, the monasteries of Zoodohos Pigi at Batsi, of St Kicholas at Apikia (which is also the site of the Sariza mineral spring), of Our Lady 'Panahrantou' at Falika and the Apano Kastro or "Tis grias to Kastro" (Upper Castle) to the north of the village of Kohilos. Special mention should be made of the ruins of an ancient city, which have survived at Paleopoli. At Zagora, to the south of Paleopoli, one of the most important Geometric temples to have been discovered anywhere in Greece has come to light There are good swimming beaches at Nimborio, Paraporti, Korthi bay near Batsi, Gavrio, Vitali and elsewhere. Andros offers tourist amenities of good standard and can easily deal with the steadily increasing numbers of visitors who choose it for its natural beauties, its attractive villages, its historical monuments, its superb beaches and its medicinal springs.

ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΔΡΟΥ

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART 
It was inaugurated in 1979. The initial reason was to exhibit the collection of works by Andros native sculptor, Michael Tombros. The exhibits were further enriched by part of the personal collection of the two founders, Basil and Elise Goulandris, consisting of more than 300 works of distinguished Greek and foreign artists. This first part of the museum is now the Old Wing and hosts sculptures of Tombros, Zoggolopoulos, Chryssa, Nikolaidis, Takis, etc. From 1983 to 1985, it hosted temporary exhibitions of Greek painters. The increasing attendance and interest on behalf of the public led to the expansion of the museum. Hence, the New Wing, designed by architect Christos Kontovounisios, was inaugurated on July 1986 and situated opposite the Old Wing. The architectural integration of the building with its surroundings received a distinction in an international competition. The New Wing of the Museum houses a library, a museum shop, a projection room and spaces for international exhibitions. The works of significant modern artists, which are exhibited since 1986 until nowadays, are a benchmark in the cultural scene, introducing both the museum and Andros in the Greek cultural map. The museum has hosted, among others, artists such as Paniaras, Picasso, Matisse, Karagatsis, Kandinsky, Bouzianis, Balthus, Galanis, Giacometti, Klee, Chagall, De Chirico, Rodin, Joan Miró, Georges Braque, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, Sophia Vari etc.
Location: In Chora, at “Theophilos Kairis” square.
Opening hours
Winter season: November 1st - March 31st: Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10.00-14.00. April 1st - October 31st: Daily (except Tuesday) 10.00-14.00.
Summer season: July 1st - September 30th: Wednesday - Sunday 11.00 -15.00 & 18.00 - 21.00. Monday: 11.00 - 15.00. Tuesday: Closed.

Web site: www.moca-andros.gr

PYTHARA
The ravine of Pythara is located in Apikia village. According to the tradition, is also called "Neraidotopos" (“Fairy Land”). The plentiful crystal clear waters create an amazing habitat, forming small waterfalls and ponds which abound with aquatic life. The landscape is lush with rare species of plants and birds, wildflowers and several amphibians. The waters that spring from Mount Petalo in Evrousies irrigate the crops, while from 1863 until 1936 powered "Fabrica", the Balkans largest watermill, at Stenies village.
Location: At Apikia village, just a few kilometers to the west of Chora.
How to get there: Leave the car on the main road and follow the path to Pythara. After 10-minutes walk, you will reach your destination.

AGIA MARINA
Location: On the western side of the island, after Batsi and towards Chora. 
Special features: Sandy beach with shallow and crystal clear waters. It is not organized but there is a tavern. 
How to get there: By car. Take the road through Batsi and follow the road signs. It is located after Aneroussa. Alternatively, you can take the main road to Stavropeda and turn right, before the crossroad to Ano Aprovato.

MARITIME MUSEUM OF ANDROS
The museum was founded in 1972 and the most important of its exhibits are the old freight contracts, insurance contracts, various nautical diaries, where the life of the Andriots on the seas before the 1821 War of Independence is described, lithographs of Andriot ships and the later first stream freighters of Greece etc. The Maritime Museum, along with the square of the "Unknown Sailor", were donated by Nikos I. Goulandris family.
Location: At Chora, just before the "Unknown Sailor" square. Opening Hours Summer season: Daily 8:00 - 22:00

THE CASTLE OF CHORA
It is one of the most important monuments in the capital of Andros. This famous castle was the fortified residence of the Venetian ruler Marino Dandolo, when he conquered the island. It was built in 1207. The towers and barracks of the castle, as well as the Venetian rulers’ coats of arms, were well preserved until 1943, when the ferocious bombing by the Germans destroyed it completely. Nowadays, one can only see its ruins.
Location: At the waterfront of Chora, in the Unknown Sailor square.
How to get there: On foot, from Kairi square.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF ANDROSarxaiologiko museum
The Archaeological Museum of Andros was designed by architect Stamos Papadakis and built in 1981, following a donation from the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation. It has a projection room, while from time to time there are exhibitions of modern art at the atrium, in co-operation with the Museum of Modern Art of Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation.
The Archaeological Museum exhibits:
-Collection of findings from the Geometric settlement of Zagora.
-Collection of sculptures dating from the Archaic to the Roman times.
-Collection of pre-Byzantine and Byzantine sculptures.
Location: In Chora, at “Theophilos Kairis” square.

KYDONIEOS FOUNDATION Kydonieos Foundation was founded in 1994 by Petros and Marika Kydonieos. Its main objective is the promotion of cultural events and exhibitions in Andros. The Foundation’s philosophy aims in two directions, the first of which is to culturally educate people of Andros. For this reason, the pottery workshop opens in 1997, while since 1994 the Foundation provides Byzantine music lessons to children and adults and since 1998 instrument lessons (mandolin, guitar, piano) to children aged 7-18. In addition, since 1997, it offers scholarships to the Andros’ high school graduates who succeed in the entrance examinations of the Greek Universities. The second direction concerns the events taking place during summer. Since 1995, the Foundation is organizing a special event called “Ploes” that takes place every summer introducing important painting and sculpture exhibitions of famous artists, such as Tsoklis, Pavlos, Takis, etc.
Location: At the entrance of Chora.
Opening hours
Winter season: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 10.00 - 14.00
Summer season: Daily (except Tuesday), 10.00 - 14.00 During exhibitions: Monday - Saturday 10.00-13.30 & 18.30 - 21.30 Sunday 10.00 -14.00, Tuesday closed.

Kairios Library was founded in 1987 as a non-profit private legal entity, thanks to the efforts and persistence of the Andriot historian, Dimitrios I. Polemis. The Library holds around 60,000 volumes of rare publications, manuscripts, and extensive archives referenced to Andros shipping and courts. It also maintains numerous art works, a collection of ancient pots and statuettes, objects of historical value and items of popular culture. There is a book lending service and a children's book department. Kairios Library has established a fully equipped and advanced book binding workshop, offering training seminars and maintenance of old books, documents and folklore objects.
Location: At the entrance of Chora.

NIBORIO
Location: At Chora. It is the second cove that surrounds the island's capital. 
Special features: Beach with shallow waters, ideal for families with young children. Andros Nautical Club is located here. The port gathers many fishing boats and yachts. It is a fully organised beach with sunbeds, showers, changing rooms, taverns, cafes and bars. 
How to get there: On foot, from Chora or by car, following the coastal road to Stenies.

STIVARI
Location: On the western side of the island, after Batsi and towards Chora.
Special features: Small rocky beach, pretty good for fishing. There is also a tavern.
How to get there: By car. Take the road through Batsi and follow the road signs

FOLKLORE AND CHRISTIAN ART MUSEUM
It is an old ice factory, which belongs to Mantzavelakis family and was restored and transformed into a folklore museum. The lower level exhibits are from a typical “Andros Home”, while the upper level -used to function as an olive mill- is dedicated to the 18th century Christian art of Andros. During that period, great Andriot painters, whose works are still preserved in various churches of the island, excelled (Theodosios, Nicholaos Mintrinos, D. Bernardis etc.). The area is divided into three sections and aside hagiography, there are references in ecclesiastical silverwork and wood-carved iconostases.
Location: Shortly before entering Chora, just behind hotel "Paradise".
Opening hours Summer season: In July, weekends only (10.00-14.00) and in August, daily (10.00-14.00).

VITALI
Location: On the northeastern side of the island, close to Vitali village. 
Special features: One of the best in Andros. It is a large sandy beach that also has pebbles. It has crystal clear waters and rocks providing shade. There are sunbeds and a summer tavern. 
How to get there: After Gavrio, take the road to Agios Petros, where you will meet a crossroad that leads to Vitali (left) and Gides (right). Follow the road to Vitali. Almost half of the road is covered in gravel, while the distance from Gavrio is approximately 14 km.

PLAKA
Location: On the southwest side of the island, on the road to Korthi. 
Special features: Crystal clear and salty waters. There are trees, storage huts for boats (called "konakia") and rocks that make Plaka ideal for fishing. Remarkable traces of prehistoric settlement have been found in the area. 
How to get there: By car. Following Stavropeda - Korthi road, approximately 2 km after Zaganiari village, you will reach a right junction towards Plaka (check the road signs). It is approximately 3 km of rather difficult gravel road.

The spring of mineral water "Sariza" is found at Apikia village and attracts many visitors due to its curative properties (it helps those suffering from kidney ailments). A few meters to the west, is located the factory where “Sariza” water and soda are bottled.
Location: At Apikia village, just a few kilometers to the west of Chora.
How to get there: At the end of Niborio quarter, in Chora, follow the road on your left to Stenies and Apikia. Those wishing to bypass Chora, they can follow the road to Strapourgies - Ypsilou, from the intersection of Menites village.

DIGITAL MUSEUM OF ANDROS

The Digital Museum is housed in the residence of Theofilos Kairis. It projects digital content relevant to the island’s history, divided into five periods (pre-geometric, geometric, Classic, Hellenistic, Modern). There are video projection equipment and screens projecting documentaries dedicated to the aforementioned historical periods.
Location: At Chora, near “Theofilos Kairis” square.
Opening hours Summer season: Daily 9.00 - 21.00

GIALIA (EMPROS and PISO)
Location: On the eastern side of the island, right after Chora, in Stenies village. 
Special features: You can choose between pebbles (Empros Gialia) or sand (Piso Gialia). There is a restaurant at Empros Gialia, while Piso Gialia is equipped with sunbeds and a beach bar. You can swim from one beach to the other. 
How to get there: Take the road from Chora to Niborio and then turn left towards Stenies and Apikia. After a few minutes you will reach the crossroad (to your right) that leads to Stenies village. Follow this road until you reach Empros Gialia to your right. You can get to Piso Gialia on foot, leaving the car on the main road.

NAUTICAL CLUB OF KORTHI 
The Nautical Club of Korthi Andros was founded in 1989 as a non-profit athletic association, based in Korthi. Its main goal is the propagation of nautical sports. It is an active member of the Hellenic Sailing Federation, having departments in windsurfing and swimming. It has a windsurfing team, consisting of children aged 7-19 years old who are trained at Ormos Korthiou. Most of these young athletes have participated and excelled in National championships. Among others, it hosted the Mistral Junior World Championship at Ormos Korthiou.
Website: www.noka.gr

PALAIOPOLIS
Location: On the western side of the island, at the end of Palaiopolis village. 
Special features: Pebble beach. The ancient port of the village, and also first capital of Andros, was located here. The area is full of archaeological finds. The beach is not organized. 
How to get there: On foot. Leave the car on the main road and follow the path (check the road signs) towards the beach.