Explore Andros

The hidden treasure in the Cyclades

Andros: a “different” island in the Cyclades

AboutAndros

Andros is the second largest and northernmost island of the Cyclades, southeast of Evia and only a few miles away from Cape Kafireas (widely known as the “wave-beaten” Cavo Doro). It lies northwest of Tinos, separated from it by a three-quarter mile wide strait called Steno.
Andros is one of the most mountainous islands, with densely vegetated gorges and valleys, where citrus fruits, olives, vines, figs and cereals grow. Its rich surface and underground water sources constitute its most special natural feature. Four consecutive mountains running almost parallel to one another form the island’s sharp relief. When crossing each other, they create steep gorges, narrow ravines and vast fertile valleys, producing a lush landscape with oaks, plane trees, walnut trees, cypresses, holm oaks, olive trees etc.
Andros is famous for its countless water sources, as a result of its altitude, the high amount of rainfall and the hydro-geological behavior of the dominant stone on Andros: the watertight schist.

Hiking

For centuries, Andros has been crossed by cobbled streets and footpaths. This network of trails is the backbone of Andros’ rural areas.

Nature

Blessed with verdant vegetation and flowing streams Andros is the greenest and most fertile island in Cyclades Islands in Greece.

Landscape

Four consecutive mountains run almost parallel to one another, creating a sharp relief with ravines and valleys.

The ecosystems of Andros

AboutAndros

Andros’ ecosystems form several zones. The river mouths generate valuable habitats for amphibians and special birds. Andros wetlands, rocky beaches and surrounding small islands offer shelter to a great number of rare bird species. The birdlife, with more than 200 bird species, is very important. More about Andros’ protected species can be found at www.androslife.gr

Due to its sharp relief, there are also several local microclimates, playing an important role in the vegetation, the agricultural development and the fauna of the island.

Andros maintains remarkable flora. 19 endemic to the Cyclades and many endemic to Greece. in Andros at least 18 species of orchids appear in spring such as Orchis saccata, Orchis anatolica and plenty of herbs can be observed throughout the year such as oregano, sage, thyme, chamomile, peppermint and so on, used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Its fauna include badgers, hares, snakes, partridges and weasels

Generally, Andros’ climate is mild Mediterranean, the same as in the rest of the Cyclades.

The architecture of Andros

AboutAndros

Another striking feature of Andros is its special and varied architecture. Typical small Aegean houses coexist with wealthy neoclassical buildings, Venetian tower-houses and forts, stone residences, watermills, dovecotes and springs, yielding historic significance and prestige to every corner of the island. Other interesting buildings with special elements are “konakia”, “makrynari”, small farm houses, springs with characteristic “bousounari” or with a roof. Characteristic elements of andriotic architecture are the visible slate stonework, “sardeloma” (outer plaster), “kanalos” (gutter), “stimata” (vertical slates) in stone-walls, etc.

The special rural architecture completes the unique character of Andros. “Xerolithies” (dry stone-walls) are an integral element of Andros’ cultural heritage. “Xerolithia” is a masonry wall construction technique, where each stone is placed next to or on top of the other, using wedges as connecting material. They are admirable not only for their wild beauty but also for the man’s ability to battle the forces of nature and transform the wild mountain slopes into arable lands through a natural use of the surrounding environment. Keeping nature’s harmony in mind and using the local stone as tool, Andros’ builders created “emasies” or “pezoules” (lit. terraced plots).

Beyond its varried landscape, Andros is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and maritime tradition. A few words about Andros’ culture can be found at http://andros.gr/gr/politismos.html