Andros,
the most northerly island in the Cyclades and the second-largest
in the group, is also among the most beautiful. Successive
rangers of mountains with steep sides, separated by
gorges, riverbeds and three large valleys planted with
olive trees, figs, oranges, lemons and vines through
which run numerous strams go to make this a landscape
which often goes beyond what we think of as typically
'Cycladic'. The mountains end as rocky cliffs or steep
promontories, while at the mouths of the valleys are
sandy beaches.
In the south-east is Andros
or Hora, the capital of the island and its second most
important harbor. 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 center 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
with finds from the Geometric, Classical, Hellenistic,
Roman and Byzantine periods, a Museum of Modern Art
with works by the sculptor Michalis Tombros, 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 the year round.
There are good swimming
beaches at Nimborio, Parporti, Korthi bay near Batsi,
Gavrio, Vitali and elsewhere.
[Back
to Greek Yacht Charters >>
|