Dutch travelers choose Andros as the ideal getaway near Athens

Andros ranks first for combined trips among Dutch travelers, standing out as an authentic and easily accessible destination just two hours from the capital.

Holidays in Athens combined with nearby destinations are emerging as the most popular travel trend among Dutch travelers looking to visit outside the peak season, according to research by the Dutch website Griekenland.net, which specializes exclusively in travel experiences in Greece.

As noted in the article, “after visiting the Acropolis Museum and wandering endlessly through Plaka, Monastiraki, and Anafiotika, there is a desire for something different. This is precisely where Athens excels—not only as a final destination, but as a starting point for new discoveries. Around the city, there are several islands and regions that can be reached easily and quickly by ferry or car. Since there are year-round flights to Athens, this combination is not limited to a specific season. Even outside summer, for example in May or September, the idea works perfectly.”

Mapping the preferences and needs of Dutch travelers, the travel platform highlights the best destinations to combine with a stay in the capital. Among the top five options—from the Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf, Evia, and the Peloponnese—Andros takes the top spot.

Following promotional efforts by the Municipality of Andros, the platform explains its top ranking: “Andros has a different feel compared to many other Cycladic islands. It is greener, more spacious, more authentic, and less focused on mass tourism. From the port of Rafina, just about 30 minutes by road from the airport, you can reach it by ferry in around two hours. Andros is a beautiful Cycladic island where life moves at a relaxed pace. A convenient base for accommodation is Batsi, near the port of Gavrio, while Chora is particularly impressive. Hiking is exceptional, thanks to a network of marked trails stretching over 100 kilometers, leading to gorges, natural springs, and waterfalls. Scattered along the way are exotic sandy beaches with emerald waters, as well as picturesque villages—each with its own character, welcoming locals, traditional tavernas, cafés, and accommodations. Andros truly transports you to a dreamlike world you wouldn’t expect to find so close to Athens.”

Nikos Moustakas, Deputy Municipal Councillor for Tourism of Andros, added:
“Andros is a destination of rare authenticity—a lush green oasis in the Cyclades that combines unspoiled natural beauty with a wide range of options for exploring charming settlements. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to offer high-quality experiences beyond the ‘classic’ summer months of July and August. With an impressive network of hiking trails, rich cultural heritage, historic monasteries, dozens of exotic beaches, distinctive gastronomy, excellent accommodations, quality restaurants, cafés, and leisure spaces, our island is ideal for ‘slow travel’ in spring and autumn, offering unique travel experiences just two hours from Athens. It is very encouraging that more and more renowned international travel media are embracing and sharing our story each year.”