If you prefer your beaches on the wild side, add Agios Santos Beach (Paralia Sostis) on the southern peninsula of Antiparos island to your itinerary. Unmanaged and unspoiled, the beach itself is a mere dash of golden sand, fronted by a startling turquoise sea with calm water, which is ideal for snorkeling away from the crowds.
Seafaring history buffs will find a trove of fascinating exhibits at the Aegean Maritime Museum, housed in a traditional 19th-century Myconian villa in the heart of Mykonos town. Admire model ships, nautical maps and navigational instruments, ancient coins, and a gigantic 19th-century lighthouse lantern, which stands in the museum garden.
Perched at the far end of Antiparos’ southern peninsula is Faneromeni Beach, a slip of sand hemmed in by a rocky cove, which feels truly far away from everything. Thanks to tricky access via a rocky dirt road, the small cove has nothing in the way of facilities, making it a great pick for travelers who are content with sea, sand, sun, and little else.
Often called the “fairyland of Andros,” this picturesque spot is in the hills near Apoikia village, where a small waterfall cascades down from a spring on Mt. Petalos. With places to paddle and sometimes swim, plus plenty of shade, the Pithara Waterfalls offer a fun half-day excursion for nature lovers who want a respite from the heat.
An intimate winery on the Santorini beachfront, Gaia Wines majors on the island’s signature assyrtiko white grape. One of Santorini’s most innovative winemakers, founder Yiannis Paraskevopoulos produces aged vinegars, vinsanto, and elegant white wines, while techniques include wild fermentation, clay aging, and undersea maturation.
If it’s sun and sand you seek, there are few better places on Andros than Achla Beach. This arc of fine-pebble sand on the island’s east coast is framed by hills that buffer the wind and deter many land-based travelers. While it’s definitely secluded, the beach doesn’t quite get the summertime solitude it deserves, with many travelers now visiting by boat from Chora.
Also known as Vathis Valos, Agios Georgios Beach is a sheltered crescent of coarse golden sand, which typically has sunbeds and parasols for hire come summer. Located on the southwest side of Antiparos, it boasts great views of the island of Despotiko across the water, and its sanctuary of Apollo archaeological site.
Ask anyone for their favorite beach in Andros, and Zorkos Beach often tops the list. This beautiful bay has it all: clean water, a seemingly endless stretch of fine sand, nearby tavernas, and it pulls off the rare feat of being reasonably accessible yet somehow off-the-grid. Caves, rocks, and sweeping sea views all add to its appeal.
