Andros or Hora, as it is locally called, is the capital of the island and, beyond any challenge, the nicest town. The mid-ages style houses, the neo-classical and island-type ones, in addition to the narrow alleys, the museums and the beaches, are the main attractions for every visitor.
Close to Hora is Messaria, the medieval center of the island, with Taxiarchis Michail, an important Byzantine church built in 1158. Menites is an all-green village with lots of waters, gardens and big plane-trees. Stenies will impress you, since it is one of the most beautiful villages of the island having lovely mansions. Higher above lies Apikia, well-known thanks to Sariza natural spring and Pithara as well, an ecosystem of great natural beauty with lakes and waterfalls.
The southern part of the island is dominated by Ormos, a quiet picturesque village with a large beach. At close distance is Aidonia, with the tower-houses, Piso Meria, lovely Korthi, Kaparia, Alamania, Chones. Moving higher, towards the impressive Faneromeni Castle, we will find Piskopio, Lardia, Gianiseo Mesa and Exo Vouni and Kochylou. At the end of "Dipotamata" valley is situated Syneti. 
The name of the island most probably originates from General Andros from Crete, legendary colonizer of the Minoan times. Archeological excavations prove the existence of developed settlements, dating back to Mycenaean times or even earlier. The island becomes historically known during the Geometric period (9th-7th century B.C.), as it is proved by traces of a settlement found in Zagora, at the south-western part of the island, close to Zaganiari.
On May 10th, 1821, Theofilos Kairis declared the War of Independence, thus marking the starting point of the island's recent history, during which Andros reached the peak of its economic prosperity, thanks to its ships. It is worth noting that Andriot Dimitris Moraitis initiated Greece-North America line in the beginning of the 20th century, while Andros was in 1939 second to Piraeus regarding ship registration.
