Andros Ferry
The port of Andros plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Andros serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.
Ferries depart regularly from Andros, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.
Popular routes from this port include Mykonos - Andros connecting Andros with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.
Operators such as - run regular services from Andros, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.
Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Andros offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.
Route Overview
Date Updated: 2025
Reaching Andros
Andros is primarily accessible by ferry from the port of Rafina, located about 30 kilometers east of Athens. The journey takes approximately 2 hours by high-speed ferry or 3 hours by conventional vessel. Travelers can reach Rafina port by public bus (KTEL) from Athens city center or by taxi from Athens International Airport, with the drive taking roughly 30-40 minutes. The ferry terminal in Rafina offers both short and long-term parking facilities for those arriving by car, though spaces can fill quickly during summer months. Upon arrival at Gavrio port in Andros, local buses and taxis are available to transport visitors to other parts of the island.
Routes
Andros: The Emerald Island of the Cyclades
Andros stands as a verdant jewel among the typically arid Cycladic islands, with lush valleys, flowing streams, and traditional villages nestled in its hillsides. Just a short ferry ride from mainland Greece, this island offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic Greek island life without the crowds. Visitors to Andros will find themselves immersed in a landscape of stone-paved paths, neoclassical mansions, and pristine beaches that frame the azure Aegean waters.
When to Visit Andros
Andros enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The ideal time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range from a pleasant 22°C to 30°C and ferry services operate at their highest frequency. Spring (April-June) transforms the island into a botanical paradise with wildflowers carpeting the valleys and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking the island's extensive network of trails. September and early October offer warm sea temperatures and fewer tourists, creating an idyllic environment for relaxation. The Andros Festival in July and August brings cultural performances to the island, while Easter celebrations showcase authentic Greek traditions in a spectacular setting.
Ferries to Andros
Island Adventures from Andros
Andros serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other gems of the Cyclades archipelago. Tinos, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offers religious pilgrimage sites and a landscape dotted with artistic marble villages. Mykonos, reached in approximately 2 hours by ferry, presents its famous cosmopolitan atmosphere with windmills and vibrant nightlife. The archaeological treasure of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be visited via Mykonos on a day trip. For those seeking less touristy experiences, Syros is accessible in about 2.5 hours, featuring the elegant capital of Ermoupoli with its impressive neoclassical architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Experiences on Andros
Andros town (Chora) captivates visitors with its maritime heritage, displayed in the prominent Naval Museum and the striking statue of The Unknown Sailor. The island boasts over 300 kilometers of marked hiking paths, including the spectacular route from Chora to Dipotamata with its ancient stone bridges and watermills. Beach enthusiasts will find paradise at the golden sands of Agios Petros or the secluded cove of Achla, accessible only by boat or dirt road. Local tavernas serve traditional Andrian specialties like 'froutalia' (a herb and sausage omelet) and 'fourtalia' (a cheese pie), best enjoyed with local wines in the picturesque village squares of Stenies or Apikia. The Contemporary Art Museum in Chora houses impressive exhibitions in a stunning building that merges traditional and modern architecture.
Interesting Facts About Andros
Andros has earned the nickname 'Little England' due to its long maritime tradition and the prevalence of ship-owning families who adopted English customs during the 19th century. The island boasts the mysterious 'Dipotamata' (meaning 'two rivers'), one of the few places in the Cyclades where water flows year-round, creating a microclimate that supports unique flora and fauna. Andros is home to the only natural spring water bottling plant in the Cyclades, with the famous 'Sariza' water being exported throughout Greece since 1929. Unlike its Cycladic neighbors, Andros never developed mass tourism, allowing it to preserve authentic village life and traditions that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
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