Andros is the northernmost island of Cyclades and second in area after Naxos.
It has an area of 374 square kilometers and longitudinal shape in a N-NW to S-SE direction. Its highest mountains are Petalo and Kouvara (maximum altitude of 997 m., highest peak is Profitis Ilias).
The locals often call Andros “Rock”, both due to its rocky coastline and the islets surrounding it. An indicative example is the Gavrionisia complex, located on the west side of the island, just off the port of Gavrio, and is composed of: Aladonissi, Prasonissi, Lagonissi and Megalo Nisi. Theotokos islet lies on the east side, north of the capital (Chora).
The subsoil is almost exclusively composed of crystalline schist, “blessing” the island with rivers, creeks, streams and many springs. Hence, there are many oaks, planes, olive trees, cypresses, walnut trees and lemon trees, mainly in the S-SE side. Plentiful water and rich vegetation are also responsible for Andros ancient names: Ydrousa, Lasia, Nonagria and Epagris.
On the island’s steep coasts feral pigeons and mourning doves are flying, while Monachus monachus resides in some of them. A common characteristic of the island’s territory is “aimasies”, as locally called. These berms are supported by stone walls (the famous “xerolithies”), which are used to form flat arable surfaces.
The island has three ports, two on the west and one on the east side. The main port is Gavrio, with regular connections from Rafina. Batsi port, located just few kilometers away, hosts mainly private boats. The port of Chora is used mainly as a marina for private boats and fishing vessels.