The Best Beaches in Andros: Where to Swim on the Island

The best beaches in Andros offer everything from sandy bays beside seaside villages to quieter coves reached by smaller roads or walking paths.

The western coast between Gavrio and Batsi provides several straightforward choices, with beaches close to accommodation, restaurants and the main road. Around Chora, visitors can combine swimming with time in the capital. Farther afield, beaches such as Achla, Vitali and Zorkos require more planning.

Wind is an important consideration on Andros. Choose a beach according to the day’s conditions rather than travelling across the island solely because a particular bay looked attractive in photographs.

Andros Beaches at a Glance

Beach	Area	Shoreline	Best suited to
Batsi	Western coast	Sand	A convenient village beach
Agios Petros	Near Gavrio	Sand	A spacious beach day
Chrysi Ammos	Gavrio–Batsi coastal road	Fine sand	Seasonal facilities and a livelier atmosphere
Kypri	Western coast	Sand	Swimming and water sports
Neimporio	Chora	Mainly sand	Visitors staying in the capital
Tis Grias to Pidima	Near Korthi	Sand and pebbles	Coastal scenery and its distinctive rock
Achla	Northeastern coast	Sand and small pebbles	A planned coastal excursion
Vitali	Northeastern coast	Pebbles and sandy sections	A more remote bay
Zorkos	Northeastern coast	Mainly sand	A longer beach outing

Beach facilities and access conditions can change. Check locally before relying on sunbeds, refreshments, boat transfers or unpaved roads.

1. Batsi Beach

Batsi’s main beach is one of the easiest choices for visitors who want sand, nearby restaurants and a straightforward day beside the sea.

It lies within the village, allowing guests staying centrally to walk between their accommodation, the beach and places to eat.

Seasonal organised sections provide sunbeds and umbrellas. Tamarisk trees offer some natural shade, although shaded space should not be assumed to be available.

Batsi suits families and visitors who prefer convenience to a remote setting. Its popularity also means that the atmosphere can be busy during peak summer.

Best for: Visitors staying in Batsi, families and an uncomplicated beach day.

Access: On foot from central Batsi, or by road and seasonal bus services.

2. Agios Petros Beach

Agios Petros is a long sandy beach near Gavrio, beside the coastal route towards Batsi.

Its size provides room to explore before choosing a place to settle. Organised sections operate seasonally, with refreshments and food available in the surrounding area.

The gently shelving shore makes it a popular family option, but the beach can be exposed to wind. Check waves and water entry before deciding where to swim.

Visitors arriving by car should use appropriate parking and avoid obstructing the main road or beach approaches.

Best for: A spacious sandy beach and visitors based near Gavrio.

Access: From the Gavrio–Batsi coastal road; check bus stops and return services if travelling without a car.

3. Chrysi Ammos — Golden Sand Beach

Chrysi Ammos, also written as Chrissi Ammos or Golden Sand, is another sandy beach along the western coastal road.

Its organised summer setting suits visitors who want sunbeds, refreshments and a more social beach atmosphere.

The bay can offer some shelter, but conditions still need to be assessed on arrival. No beach should be treated as reliably calm in every wind.

Space and parking can be limited during busy periods. Arrive early if a particular organised section matters, and confirm charges before using loungers.

Best for: Seasonal beach facilities and visitors who enjoy a livelier setting.

Access: By the main coastal road between Gavrio and Batsi.

4. Kypri Beach

Kypri lies close to Agios Petros and Chrysi Ammos, making it another practical option on the western coast.

Its sandy shore suits a conventional beach day, while seasonal water-sports businesses provide additional activities.

Visitors interested in lessons or equipment hire should check the operator’s current programme and choose activities appropriate to their experience.

Swimmers should remain clear of designated launching areas and follow instructions where water sports share the bay.

Kypri works well for guests staying nearby who want beach access without travelling into a larger settlement.

Best for: Swimming, water-sports lessons and visitors based around Kypri.

Access: From the western coastal road.

5. Neimporio Beach — Swimming Beside Chora

Neimporio, also written as Nimporio or Niborio, is a convenient beach beside Chora.

Its location allows visitors to combine swimming with museums, shopping and restaurants in the capital. For guests staying nearby, it can provide an easy alternative to a separate driving excursion.

Services are available around the waterfront, although the precise facilities operating on the beach vary by season.

The bay also contains boats and nautical activity. Use suitable bathing areas and keep away from moorings and manoeuvring space.

Best for: Visitors staying in Chora and a swim between sightseeing stops.

Access: On foot from parts of Chora or by the local coastal road.

6. Tis Grias to Pidima

Tis Grias to Pidima is one of Andros’s most recognisable beaches, distinguished by a tall rock rising from the water.

Located near Korthi, it combines sand and pebbles in a relatively small bay.

The final approach involves a descending path. Wear suitable shoes, carry only what is comfortable and allow for the climb back afterwards.

Its fame means it should not be assumed to be secluded. Visitors seeking space may prefer an earlier arrival outside the busiest hours.

The rock formation is best appreciated from the beach. Avoid climbing or attempting jumps from unfamiliar coastal rocks.

Best for: Distinctive scenery and an excursion around Korthi.

Access: By road towards the beach area, followed by a walk.

7. Achla Beach

Achla lies on the northeastern coast, where a river valley meets the sea.

Sand, small pebbles and the surrounding landscape make it an attractive destination, but access is more demanding than at the western roadside beaches.

The land approach includes an unpaved road. Check current conditions with a local rental company before travelling and confirm that the vehicle agreement permits the route.

Boat excursions or transfers may provide another option when operating and sea conditions allow.

Visitors reaching Achla on foot should plan a proper walking route rather than treating the beach as a short stroll from the main road.

Best for: A planned excursion and visitors interested in the surrounding natural landscape.

Access: Unpaved road, walking route or boat, depending on arrangements.

8. Vitali Beach

Vitali is a northeastern bay with pebbles, sandy sections and substantial rock formations.

It suits visitors comfortable with a longer journey and a less straightforward approach than the main resort beaches.

The final road can require care. Check current surface conditions and vehicle suitability locally rather than relying on a navigation app’s estimated driving time.

Seasonal facilities have operated at the beach, but carry drinking water and confirm what is open before making the trip.

Assess waves and the water entry carefully, particularly when winds affect the eastern coast.

Best for: A full beach excursion and visitors comfortable with smaller roads.

Access: By road through the northern interior, with conditions checked in advance.

9. Zorkos Beach

Zorkos occupies a northeastern bay with a broad sandy shore.

Its setting makes it worth considering for visitors who want to spend several hours at one beach rather than move repeatedly between stops.

The approach includes smaller roads, with an unpaved final section reported by local sources. Conditions can change, so obtain current advice before driving.

Bring essentials even when expecting seasonal refreshments. Shade and organised services should not be assumed to cover the whole beach.

Best for: A longer outing and visitors exploring northern Andros.

Access: By road, with the final approach checked locally.

Which Andros Beach Should You Choose?

For convenience, start with Batsi, Agios Petros or Kypri, depending on the accommodation location.

For swimming while staying in Chora, consider Neimporio.

For distinctive coastal scenery, visit Tis Grias to Pidima when conditions and access suit the group.

For a more involved excursion, investigate Achla, Vitali or Zorkos, allowing enough time for the journey and return.

Getting to the Beaches

A car provides flexibility, but it is not necessary for every beach holiday.

Visitors staying beside Batsi, Neimporio or another accessible shore can spend time locally and arrange selected excursions.

Check current bus timetables before relying on public transport. A service passing the general area does not necessarily stop at the beach entrance.

For smaller roads, confirm rental restrictions and avoid continuing when the surface exceeds the driver’s confidence or the vehicle’s suitability.

Practical Tips for Beach Days in Andros

• Check the wind and sea conditions before choosing a coast.
• Carry water, sunscreen and a hat.
• Confirm sunbed prices before using organised facilities.
• Wear suitable shoes for descending paths and rocky approaches.
• Keep clear of water-sports launching areas and boats.
• Arrange return transport before visiting quieter beaches.
• Leave dunes, river mouths and coastal vegetation undisturbed.

Allow a comfortable margin before ferry departures from Gavrio, particularly when returning from the eastern coast.

Continue Planning Your Andros Trip

Explore museums, villages and walking routes with Things to Do in Andros.

Plan meals around the day’s route using Best Places to Eat in Andros.