ANDROS

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Andros, Melissa Beach Golden Beach Beach at Achla

Successive ranges of mountains with steep sides, separated by gorges, river beds and three large valleys planted with olive trees, figs, oranges, lemons and vines through which run numerous streams 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 southeast 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. Gavrio is the island's principal harbor, on the west side of Andros. Among the interesting features in the vicinity is the tower of Agios Petros.

Andros has numerous interesting things to see: the church of the Archangel at Messaria, the monasteries of Zoodohos Pigi at Batsi, of St Nicholas at Apikia (which is also the site of the Sariza mineral spring), of Our Lady 'Panahrantou' at Falika and the Apano Kastro.

Special mention should be made of the ruins of an ancient city, which have survived at Paleopoli. At Zagora, to the south of Paleopoli, one of the most important Geometric temples to have been discovered anywhere in Greece has come to light.

There are good swimming beaches at Nimborio, Paraporti, Korthi bay near Batsi, Gavrio, Vitali and elsewhere.

Andros has good tourist amenities and can easily deal with the steadily increasing numbers of visitors who choose it for its natural beauties, its attractive villages, its historical monuments, its superb beaches and its medicinal springs.