Getting from Athens to Andros

If you are heading to Andros from Athens you are going to the northernmost and second largest of the Cyclades and one of the most underappreciated. Andros has a character shaped by its shipping families, who built neoclassical mansions in the capital Chora and filled it with an art museum of genuinely international quality. The island is green and well-watered by Cycladic standards, with a network of old footpaths connecting the villages that make it one of the best hiking destinations in the group. The beaches are excellent and the coastline varied. Andros has a loyal following among Athenians who have been coming for generations and that loyalty tells you something about its quality.

Take the ferry

The Rafina to Andros ferry is one of the most frequent island connections from Athens, with up to 11 daily crossings year-round. Rafina is around 30 kilometres from central Athens and around 25 kilometres from Athens Airport, making it the most convenient port if you are arriving by air. The crossing to Gavrio on the western coast of Andros takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on the vessel. Rafina is considerably closer to the airport than Piraeus and avoids crossing the city entirely.

Getting there by air

Andros has no airport. The Rafina ferry is the only option and at under 2 hours it is one of the most effortless island connections from Athens.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Rafina. It is one of the most frequent and convenient island connections from Athens and if you are arriving at Athens Airport the port is a short taxi or bus ride away. Up to 11 daily crossings means you rarely need to plan far in advance except on summer weekends.