“Leave behind the crowds and the absurd prices of other islands and choose Andros for your holidays,” urges the Daily Mail in an extensive feature celebrating the Greek summer. The British newspaper recommends the second largest Cycladic island to its millions of readers as a destination that has managed to preserve its authenticity and charm while staying within easy reach of mainland Greece.

The article’s author, who recently visited Andros at the invitation of the local municipality, describes it as “a true sanctuary among overcrowded islands.” They add, “Andros is an island of abundance, with flavorful tomatoes, fresh seafood, a variety of dishes, and spicy local cheeses. Without overcharging or excesses, it offers a wide range of options, from tasty home-style cooking to high-end gastronomy.”

Gavrio, the island’s main port, is said to have “a charming yet slightly unkempt look,” while the picturesque village of Korthi feels like “the end of the world,” evoking northern Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. In Hora, the capital, “Venetian touches of architecture stand out on a peninsula that harmoniously juts into crystal-clear waters like an aquarium.” The piece also highlights Batsi, a popular resort that “boasts excellent quality and has not lost its character,” as well as the island’s mountainous interior and the spectacular Foros Cave, near Aladinou village, which maintains a constant temperature of 17°C and is home to a three-million-year-old stalagmite.

For nature lovers, Andros is also a hiker’s paradise. The island boasts more than 180km of signposted trails under the Andros Routes project, which has earned European certification for sustainability. These paths weave through lush valleys, ancient stone bridges, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, offering a side of the Cyclades few visitors expect.

In a candid conclusion, the writer admits feeling “guilty” about publicizing the island’s charms, noting that the absence of crowds owes much to the loyalty of visitors who “don’t want to share the secret with other travelers,” according to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

Yet, that sense of guilt is not misplaced. Across Greece – and indeed the world – destinations once prized for their serenity are struggling under the weight of mass tourism. Fragile ecosystems, historic towns, and cultural heritage sites are at risk of being loved to death. Andros may still feel like a sanctuary, but if its secret gets out, how long can it remain that way?

The answer lies in travelers making conscious choices: visiting in the shoulder season, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and treating the island with the care it deserves – so that the charm that makes Andros special today will still be there for generations to come.

Source: moneyreview.gr