Andros in the Cyclades of Greece hits the top of the Best Places to Visit [Image by VioletaBoneva from Pixabay]Nestling in the iconic Cycladic Islands of Greece, Andros has now been hailed the top in the annual list of 11 Best Places To Visit in 2025. The list was compiled by the award-winning travel blog, Where Life is Great after editorial staff visited four continents while researching new travel trends. According to travel editor Marta Ostoja, Andros “offers so much more than its gorgeous beaches.” Moreover, the island is unique as it is the only Cycladic Island that “boasts lush valleys, streams, and waterfalls.”
The Cycladic Island of Andros tops Best Places To Visit list for 2025
Andros, Greece [Image by Free.gr from Pixabay]According to Marta Ostoja, some of the best things to do in Andros are exploring its charming villages, enjoying nature on idyllic beaches and exploring caves. Marta said of the island:
Who would have imagined that in less than three hours from Athens, there is an impressive destination that offers unforgettable experiences without having to waste time commuting when paradise is next door?
“With its blend of adventure, culture, and mouthwatering food, Andros proved to be a versatile and family-friendly destination that we can’t recommend enough!” Ostoja concluded.
Other Best Places to Visit
Ronda, Spain came in second place [Image by Volker Schoen from Pixabay]The travel blog’s annual list of best places also includes the iconic city of Ronda in Spain, Japan’s Aizu-Wakamatsu, Torino in Italy, Sri Lanka, Australia’s Fraser Island, Antigua in Guatemala, Hoi An in Vietnam, the Vardzia cave monastery in Georgia, Zakopane in Poland, and Gibraltar.
Meanwhile, Ostoja has traveled to 50 countries around the globe and features 560,000 professional photos in her portfolio. However, when it comes to Andros, she emphasized the island’s traditional alleys, extensive walking network, picturesque fishing villages and unique architecture.
Idyllic beaches [Image by Martijn101 from Pixabay]When it comes to the local culinary scene, Marta highlights typical dishes like froutalia, a hearty omelet with sausage and potatoes, and Andros’ signature almond sweets, amyhgalota.
Speaking of the award, Nikos Moustakas, Mandated Municipal Councilor for Tourism of the Municipality of Andros said:
The actions we implement as a Municipality in collaboration with professionals and agencies aim to expand the tourist seasons.
The statistics of this season justify our choices.
When is the best time of year to visit the Cycladic Island?
Beach in Andros, Greece [Image by Free.gr from Pixabay]According to data from the port authority of Andros, the island had a record of arrivals from May and through August 2024. Meanwhile, the non-peak tourist months of May and June received a historic high in visitors, with 25,238 and 38,963 arrivals, respectively. Similarly, arrivals in September were the highest in the last eight years with 29,297 travelers, an increase of 17.9 percent compared to 2023.
Reportedly, the decision to include Andros in the list came after a scheduled meeting between the blogger and a detailed presentation by the island’s official delegation at the international exhibition WTM 2024 in London.
Best things to do in Andros
Stenies in Andros [Image by G Dar on Wikimedia Commons]According to Discover Greece, Andros has a unique charm as a green and mountainous island, combining a cosmopolitan capital with traditional coastal and mountain villages. The island is ideal for those travelers seeking to spend their days on idyllic beaches, or exploring the alleyways of the city, lined with the grand mansions of captains and ship owners. Meanwhile, the island features an impressive network of hiking trails to explore and also boasts delicious cuisine.