Many years ago, thirty or thirty-five of us set off for a three-day trip to Andros.
The island was close, very close, only two hours from Athens, and we arrived in the joy of August, dreaming of a quick dip in the sea…
The ship docked at the picturesque harbor with its famous taverns and cafes on the pier, and we quickly set out to find the first beach to cool off…
The first stop, five minutes from Gavrio, stretches out before you… Agios Petros!
A huge beach with fine sand and crystal clear, blue waters.
Of course, everyone jumped in at once!!!
Since then, I have traveled to Andros many times and explored almost the entire island, but the first time always stays in your mind.
It always stays with you, inviting you on every new trip to take a dip in your memories.
So suddenly, at the beginning of summer, before the August tourist rush had even begun, I left for a day trip to swim at Agios Petros.
YES… a day trip to Agios Petros for a swim!!!
To enjoy my favorite beach, to dive without the crowds of tourists, to walk alone on the waves, to remember the old days…
You arrive early in the morning in Rafina, enjoy the fantastic sunrise, and just as you are lost in the golden morning rays of the sun, the boat calls you with its hoarse voice and brings you back to reality…
Until you drink a Greek “vapourisio” Greek coffe, and read the news, you’ve reached ten o’clock, ten thirty you’re in the water, you’re on your beach, you’re in paradise, you’re in Agios Petros!!!
You’ve arrived…
You enjoy the solitude, the tranquility, the sea in front of you, you hear the gentle lapping of the waves, the golden sand.
Walk from one end of the long beach to the other, collecting shells and small pebbles, small green pieces of glass washed up by the waves.
You lie down at the end of the sand and the sea gently caresses your feet and you fall back into its embrace.
And when you get tired and the sun burns you, you can relax for lunch at Giannoulis’ tavern.
Here, good Greek cuisine is an institution.
Of course, there is also the local specialty, “fourtalia” – Andros omelet with local sausage and potatoes- which you must try!
The fish and squid are perfectly fried, and the potatoes are real potatoes, not pre-fried!
I believe that when it comes to food, the simpler the better.
So, with chicken and pasta or green beans with olive oil and a local fourtalia with local sausage, you will be kings!
And of course, ice-cold beer should be flowing because it’s summer…
Walk around the Tower
Now it’s time to relax on a sun lounger, read a little, and of course gaze out at the endless blue sea.
A quick stroll to Agios Petros, the village located just above the beach, will take you to the old tower. An old round stone building.
The tower of Agios Petros dates back to the Hellenistic period in the 4th century BC and is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Cyclades.
It is made of local schist and inside there is still a staircase that led to five floors.
The tower, built in a particularly privileged position, dominates the plain of Gavrio and overlooks the entire Aegean Sea from up there.
From here, the view is magical, stretching as far as distant Sifnos, Syros, and Gyaros. In the center are Tzia, Kythnos, and Serifos to the east.
Paro and the large island of Naxos complete the circle of this magical dream.
All of the Cyclades are before your eyes, the entire Aegean Sea at your feet!!!
An afternoon swim is a must!
The sun is setting on other neighborhoods, while you remain motionless on the surface, soaking up the tranquility of the landscape.
Behind the islets, the super ferry to the port emerges. As soon as you see it passing in front of you, you slowly leave paradise behind…
In two and a half hours, you’ll be cooking your dinner on your terrace, reminiscing about the magical moments you experienced in Agios Petros.
Text and photos by GiorgioGrigor
