Batsi on Andros

When we first arrived in Andros and Batsi, we were very excited. Andros was the only island in the Cyclades that we had not been to before. We were not only excited, we were also very tired after a long journey, which started in Skiathos at 7:00 am and ended in the port of Gavrio almost exactly twelve hours later. Our room owner Yiannis was waiting for us in Gavrio and drove us to Bella Vista in Batsi, swhere we had booked a room. When we got to the bend where you can see Batsi from the road, Yiannis stopped the car and said: have you seen anything more beautiful! He was right, it was one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen in Greece.

Beautiful Batsi seen from the road to Gavrio.

Batsi is the second largest village on Andros after Chora. Around 900 people live here all year round, compared to Gavrio which has 850 inhabitants and Chora which has 1,550 inhabitants. Batsi is located about 10 kilometres south of the port of Gavrio and about 25 kilometres west of Andros' capital Chora, depending on which road you take. Batsi is Andros' most visited tourist resort and the best village to stay in, and it is also the best base for exploring the rest of the island. At least I think so. :-)

The beautiful bay where Batsi is located.

The beach in Batsi on the left and the small boat harbor on the right.

One of the reasons I like Batsi so much is that there is a harbour with fishing boats and sailboats. I am childishly fond of villages built around a harbour. Ideally, there should be ferries coming and going to the port too, boat nerd that I am, but you can't have everything. :-)

One of the fishing boats in the fishing port.

I love watching the fishing boats slowly chug into the harbour with their freshly caught fish. And where there's a fishing port, there is usually also a waterfront promenade with restaurants where you can sit and look out over the sea while enjoying your dinner. That's exactly how it is in Batsi.

The harbor promenade is lined with restaurants, tavernas, cafes and bars.

The harbor promenade in the other direction.

There is not only a cosy waterfront promenade with restaurants and tavernas in Batsi, there is also a lovely beach promenade, which is also lined with great restaurants, tavernas and cafes. The beach itself is beautiful, stretching along almost the entire bay. It is also child-friendly. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, and there are tamarisk trees providing shade for those who don’t need an umbrella. On the opposite side of Batsi, you’ll find a smaller beach called Kolona, which is also beautiful and well-suited for children.

The beach in Batsi in one direction.

The beach in Batsi in the other direction.

The sunset in Batsi.

Child-friendly Kolona beach on the other side of Batsi.

If you ever tire of the beach in Batsi, there are several other great beaches nearby. Between Batsi and Gavrio you’ll find the beautiful and family-friendly sandy beaches of Agios Petros and Kypri and Chryssi Ammos. A few kilometres south of Batsi lie the beaches of Aneroussa and Stivari, which you can read more about via the link below.

Andros is known for its good food, and it is not surprising since the island is mostly visited by Greek holidaymakers, and then you can't ignore the quality. We haven't eaten at all the restaurants in Batsi, but the ones we have eaten at have served first-class Greek food. However, we have two favourites and they are Taverna Oti Kalo and Taverna Stamatis. There are also several cosy bars, some located above the small marina and others along the waterfront promenade.

The restaurants in Batsi serve generous portions and very good Greek food.

Taverna Oti Kalo in Batsi.

Taverna Stamatis in Batsi.

One of the cozy bars above the small boat harbour.

There is one building that stands out among all the beautiful houses in Batsi, and that is the church of Agios Filippos, or Saint Philip as it is also called. It’s perched on the highest point of the village and offers a breathtaking view over the bay. Agios Filippos is the patron saint of Batsi and is celebrated on November 14th every year.

Agios Filippos church is beautifully illuminated in the evenings and nights.

Agios Filippos church, or Saint Philip as it is also called.

Agios Filippos church and the fishing harbor on a painting in Restaurant The Dolphins in Batsi.

Almost the same view as in the painting above.

The amphitheater village of Batsi with its white houses and red roofs.

HOTELS IN BATSI

The largest selection of accommodation is found in Batsi and it is also where most tourists choose to stay. Personally, I think Batsi is the best village to stay in on Andros. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Batsi.

Book Bella Vista here »

Book Blue Dolphin here »

Book Chryssi Akti here »

Book Elpida here »

Book Mare E Vista here »

Book Meltemi here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN BATSI

Don't miss Aneroussa beach, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT ANDROS