Chora on Andros

Andros capital Chora is located on the east coast and is one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades. If I have to be precise, and I will be, it is perhaps not one of the prettiest villages in the archipelago, rather it is the most unusual village, but still very beautiful. The village stretches out on a peninsula separated by two sandy beaches. I don't think I have seen any village in Greece that is built like that.

Chora is located on a peninsula separated by two sandy beaches.

Chora seen from the Monastery of Panachrantos.

Chora seen from Agia Irini Monastery.

The Cyclades have 24 inhabited islands. On nine of these islands there is a village called Chora. They are in alphabetical order: Amorgos, Anafi, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kithnos, Serifos and Sikinos. I don't mention Andros as you may notice and that's because the village is actually called Andros town, but everyone says Chora. It's the same with Tinos town, Naxos town and Mykonos town, which are also commonly called Chora.

Map of Chora.

In any case, Chora is the largest village in Andros in terms of population. It has a population of 1,550, compared to Batsi, which has 900 inhabitants, and the port village of Gavrio, which has 900 inhabitants. It is 33 kilometers from the port of Gavrio to Chora, and 25 kilometers from Batsi, depending on which road you take. If you come to Chora by car, please park outside, as large parts of the village are free from motor vehicles.

Tavernas and restaurants in the upper part of Chora.

All facilities such as tavernas, restaurants, cafes, bars, gyros places and shops are located in the upper part of Chora. The most interesting part of Chora in my opinion is the old town, the one built along the peninsula. When you pass the “entrance” to old Chora, a new world opens up. The main street of the village is well protected from the sea and the feeling of strolling around in a fortress is noticeable.

The entrance to the old part of Chora.

The main street ends at a square called Riva where there are several interesting things to see. One is the statue of the Unknown Sailor who stands facing the sea, as if gazing into eternity. He symbolizes all the sailors from Andros who disappeared at sea, during wars and storms, and never returned. The square also houses the Maritime Museum of Andros, as well as the ancient ruins of Andros Kastro, also called Kato Kastro.

The main street of old Chora ends at Riva Square where the Unknown Sailor statue stands.

Chora ends at the ruins of Andros Kastro, also called Kato Kastro.

Read more about Riva Square and the unknown sailor here »

I like Chora a lot, but I wouldn't want to live here. Batsi suits me much better, but it's not Chora's fault, if you say so. I have a childish fascination with villages where there is a harbor with fishing boats and sailboats. I love watching the fishing boats slowly pull into the harbor with their freshly caught fish. And if there is a fishing harbor, there is usually also a harbor promenade with restaurants where you can sit and look out over the sea while you eat your dinner. There is nothing like that in Chora.

The cozy small boat harbor in Batsi.

Also, I like the beaches in Batsi more than those in Chora. In Batsi there are four beaches to choose from, in Chora there are two beaches. First, Paraporti beach which is located to the right of the peninsula, and secondly, Neimporio beach which is located to the left of the peninsula. Paraporti beach is exposed to strong winds and high waves so there are usually not that many people there. Neimporio beach is much more swimming-friendly, and actually even child-friendly. Above Neimporio are restaurants and tavernas.

Paraporti beach to the right of Chora.

Neimporio beach to the left of Chora.

Chora seen from Neimporio beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN CHORA

The majority of people who travel to Andros choose to stay in Batsi or on the beaches between Gavrio and Batsi. However, I know several people who prefer to stay in Chora, and they do so because they find Chora to be less touristy and more authentically Greek. The range of hotels and pensions is quite diverse. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Chora.

Book Archontiko Eleni Hotel here »

Book Vassiliki Studios here »

Book Saint Louis here »

Book Anemomiloi Andros here »

Book Camara Homes here »

Read more about Andros here »