Andros is the northernmost island in Cyclades complex and the second in area after Naxos.
\nScattered with many white settlements, and cosmopolitan tourist resorts, Andros is the ideal place for vacations, even for a weekend, due to its proximity to the port of Rafina. According to mythology, the island was named after Andros, Apollo\u2019s grandson. Andros was inhabited by Carians, Phoenicians, Cretes and in 1000 BC by Ionians.
\nImposing mansions, small uphill roads, courtyards filled with scents from basil and spearmint, dominate Chora, the capital. Chora is on a peninsula, between two big beaches, Nimporio and Paraporti.
\nThe old city enchants the visitor and leads to the remains of the Venetian castle, above an isle connected to the main land with a picturesque bridge, built in the 13th century by Marinos Dandolos. At Mesa Kastro visit the ruins and the stone arched bridge that used to connect the fortress with the small peninsula on which has been built the medieval state, the Kato Kastro, the island\u2019s latest settlement. At the big square admire the statue of the \u201cUnknown sailor\u201d, an artwork of the sculptor Michalis Tomporos.
\nAt the port\u2019s entrance stands the eminent lighthouse Tourlitis. Visit the churches of Palatiani, Aghios Georgios, Panagia Odigitria and the catholic church of Aghios Andreas.
\nAt Andros is located the Archaeological Museum with the important exhibits, a donation by Vasilis and Elisa Goulandris. See the statue of Hermes of Andros, a wonderful marble copy of Hermes of Praxitelis, from the Hellenistic period, a sample of the island\u2019s culture at the time.
\nThe Museum of Contemporary Art, has almost convert the island to a metropolis of fine arts, since visitors come from all over the world, in order to see the exhibitions of great painters as Matis, Picasso etc., but also samples of the artwork of Andros\u2019 big sculptor, Michael Tompros.
\nAndros\u2019 Maritime Museum includes a rich collection boat models, naval instruments etc<\/p>\n<\/div>
Sights<\/h4><\/div>Museum of Contemporary Art
\nArchaeological Museum
\nMaritime Museum
\nFolklore and Christian Art Museum
\nKairios Library
\nKydonieos foundation
\nZagora\u2019s ancient settlement
\nThe prehistoric settlement of Strofilas
\nAladino Cave
\nPanachrantou Monastery
\nAghios Nikolaos Monastery
\nAghia Marina Monastery
\nSt. Peter\u2019s Tower
\nSotiros Monastery Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
\nArchaeological site of Ipsili
\nArchaeological site of Palaiopoli
\nNeolithic settlement at Mikroghiali
\nDipotamata Canyon Ano Korthi
\nTromarchion Monastery
\nFaneromenis Castle
\nPrehistoric site of Plaka<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>