One of the Cycladic islands, ideally located close to Athens, Andros is a top destination for summer holidays, visited by a lot of travelers annually. The island has it all; lush green vegetation and high mountains, picturesque villages with traditional elements, and wonderful untouched beaches.
From the colorful Chora with its pastel-colored mansions to the waterfalls in Batsi and the Springs of Dionysos, Andros is the gift that keeps on giving, perfect for both cosmopolitan holidays and nature-lovers adventures.
Here’s all you need to know about how to get to Andros:
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Getting from Athens (Rafina) to Andros by ferry
From the airport to the port
Unlike most ferry routes to the Cycladic islands and the Aegean, the ferry to Andros most frequently departs from the port of Rafina, and not Piraeus.
The port of Rafina is conveniently closer to the airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos, and you can get there easily via public transportation or safely with Welcome Pickups private transfer. The ride will take you approximately 20 minutes and the flat pre-paid during the daytime is €39.
In addition, they offer flight monitoring services, perfect for avoiding any unnecessary delays for airport pickup.
During summer there is a public bus connecting the airport to Rafina port. You can find the bus outside the arrivals hall between exits 2 and 3. A one-way ticket costs 4,00 euros and buses run approximately every 1 hour.
Hop on a Ferry to Andros
From the port of Rafina, Andros is only 1.5-2 hours and 36 nautical miles away. There are 4 daily itineraries to Andros during weekdays and 6 during the weekends, serviced mainly by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and Fast Ferries.
The earliest ferry to Andros from Rafina departs at 07:05 and the latest at around 19:00. Ticket prices vary according to seasonality, seats, and vessel type, as well as vehicle transportation, and usually range from €19 to €65.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
Sail to Andros Island
The landscape of Andros offers a variety of options for those eager to explore it by sea. From the four mountain tops and rocky steep coastlines to water springs and abundant freshwater, the island’s nature is unique and makes for a perfect stop during a sailing trip.
Most sailing trips to Andros start from Athens, but there is always the option of Tinos as a starting point. Generally, it is not the most popular sailing destination, yet its sandy beaches and isolated rocky coves are perfect for avoiding the crowds and diving into serene waters.
You can find many cruising guides or you can go bareboat, without a skipper, to explore the island yourself and make your own itineraries. Cruise services are provided by Sail la Vie, and Yacht Sailing exclusively for Andros, but you can also find routes around the Cyclades that stop in Andros if you wish to get a taste.
Island hopping around Andros
Andros’ ideal location next to Attica and the other Cycladic islands, makes it easier to go island-hopping even with the ferry, if not by sailing around. Explore all nearby islands, and get the full Cycladic experience. Going from one island to another will give you an overview of the distinct character of each island, and if you wish, you can choose which island is the best for you to stay longer and explore more.
Best destinations for island hopping around Andros:
- Kythnos
- Kea (Tzia)
- Syros
- Tinos
- Paros
- Koufonisia & Small Cyclades
- Naxos
- Santorini
- Mykonos
How to get around the island
Rent a Vehicle: If you want to explore the island the best choice could possibly be to rent a car or a motorcycle. Andros has a good intercity bus connection, but some isolated and unexplored parts of the island are worth the road trip. Normally, a conventional car would be more than enough to get to these destinations.
I recommend booking a car through rentalcars.com where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Local Intercity Bus: In Andros, you have the option of a local bus (KTEL) with scheduled bus routes around the island that you can easily find here. Plan your transportation accordingly and stay informed about changes. The local bus services have experienced drivers, punctuality, and over 60 years of experience.
Ticket prices vary according to the destination/station, but generally, you can contact the intercity bus network via phone at +30 22820 22316 or email them at info@ktelandrou.gr.