Getting from Santorini to Andros

Andros is the northernmost and second largest of the Cyclades and one of the most underappreciated. It 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 and Greeks who have been coming for generations and that loyalty tells you something about its quality.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Santorini to Andros operating from April to October, with 2 to 8 daily guaranteed crossings via Mykonos or Paros depending on the season. Seajets serves the route with high-speed vessels. The fastest crossing takes around 4 hours 45 minutes but most sailings take between 5 and 6 hours depending on the intermediate stops. Check Ferryhopper for the schedule as the routing varies and the journey time depends on which islands the ferry calls at along the way. Outside of the April to October window the direct service does not run.

What about flying?

Andros has no airport. The ferry is the only practical option from Santorini during the summer season. Outside of season, the alternative is to fly to Athens and take the frequent Rafina to Andros ferry, which takes around 1 to 2 hours and runs up to 11 times daily.

Your best option

Take the direct seasonal ferry from Santorini in summer. If you are travelling outside of season, fly to Athens and take the Rafina ferry, which is one of the most frequent and straightforward island connections from the capital.