Agios Petros Beach, Andros: The Largest Beach on the Island, 2km From Gavrio Port, With a 20m Hellenistic Tower That Protected the Copper Mines From Pirates

Greece | Agios Petros | Andros, Cyclades

The Agios Petros beach is located in the northern part of Andros on the west side, about a couple of kilometres from the Gavrio village as well as the main port of the island. Considered the largest of all Andros, it has a long coastline of soft golden sand, bathed by clear and clean waters that often earn it the Blue Flag — an iridescent blue and turquoise sea with a seabed that descends gently, making it a favourite of families with children and lovers of long swims.

The tower above the beach is the specific reason Agios Petros has a different register from most Cycladic beach visits. The tower of Agios Petros is one of the best preserved in the Cyclades. It is cylindrical, built entirely of local slate, and survives at a height of about 20 metres. The diameter of its base is 9.40 metres. Inside, a spiral staircase leading to at least five floors has been preserved.

It was probably built in the Hellenistic era, in the 4th or 3rd century BC. The area had copper mines, which worked from ancient times until the mid-20th century, and the tower was useful to protect the mine workers and this source of richness for the island.

A 2,300-year-old watchtower above a Blue Flag sandy beach. This is the specific Andros combination.

Getting There: 2km From Gavrio, 30-Minute Walk, KTEL Bus Stop at the Entrance, Ample Parking Behind the Beach

Leaving Gavrio and heading on the central road towards Batsi, you come across the beautiful seaside village of Agios Petros. Just 3km north-east of the main port town, Gavrio, this sleepy village is host to a gorgeous western sea front and, of course, the tower of Agios Petros.

From Gavrio it is about half an hour’s walk, but it is certainly a good alternative to discover the surroundings and pay a visit to the tower from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole district.

By car, the coastal road from Gavrio reaches the beach in under 5 minutes. The KTEL bus on the Gavrio–Batsi–Chora route stops at the beach entrance. Ample unpaved parking is available directly behind the beach clubs.

The Beach: Long, Sandy, Blue Flag, Partly Organised (€5–10), Free Zone on the Sides, Rocks at the Edges

The beach is partly equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas at a cost that varies from €5 to €10 per day, while a part is completely free so you can spread your towel wherever you like. On its sides there are the rocks, a favourite destination for those who want privacy and total relaxation where even in full season you can find yourself in very few.

Unlike the tourist-ridden east coast of Andros island, the western coast is far less crowded and soothing for those seeking more space and privacy. A long, sandy beach lies invitingly in wait for anyone looking for a gentle swim in shallow waters, or just a nice tan under the Greek sun.

The Hellenistic Tower: 20m, 5 Floors, Spiral Staircase, Copper Mine Watchtower, Signpost Easily Missed

The tower of Agios Petros is built in a particularly privileged position since it dominates the plain of Gavrio on Andros and faces the sea with the possibility of controlling ships. Around the monument, there are metal (copper) mining facilities, which operated until the beginning of the century.

Most probably it was built during the Hellenistic period, although there are elements that resemble Mycenaean or Minoan constructions. Its base is similar to the lower part of the Treasure of Atreus in Mycenae.

Worth a quick visit not far from the main road south from Gavrio — the signpost is small and easily missed. The entrance to the tower is blocked by a metal gate but it is a very imposing structure to say how old it is.

The AllTrails route from Gavrio to the tower and then down to the beach is 3.6 miles one-way and takes approximately 2 hours — the walking approach that combines the tower visit with the beach arrival in a single route.

Froutalia: The Andrian Omelette Behind the Beach

The beach is host to a gorgeous western sea front and the tavernas offer authentic Andrian cuisine, including the famous froutalia omelette.

The froutalia — the traditional Andros omelette made with sausage, potatoes, and local cheese — is the specific Andrian dish that appears on the menu of every taverna on the island and that visitors who try it remember. The tavernas on the coastal road behind Agios Petros beach are the specific location to order it.

Connecting the Tis Grias To Pidima Beach Experience

Agios Petros is on the western side of Andros, near Gavrio port. Tis Grias To Pidima Beach Andros Greece is on the southeastern coast near Korthi, 38 kilometres and a full island crossing away. The two represent the western convenience beach (organised, accessible, tower above) and the southeastern pilgrimage beach (wild, photographed, monolith in the water) — the two poles of Andros beach character.

Agios Petros Beach on Andros is the island’s largest sandy beach, 2 to 3 kilometres from Gavrio port — Blue Flag, €5 to €10 sunbeds with a free zone at the sides, the 20-metre Hellenistic tower (4th–3rd century BC) built in local slate with a spiral staircase to 5 floors watching over the copper mines above, the signpost on the main road easily missed, a 30-minute walk from Gavrio or 5 minutes by car, and the froutalia omelette in the tavernas on the road behind.

Drive from the port, or walk. Stop at the tower. It was protecting copper mines when Athens was building the Parthenon.