Achla beach
Achla is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The view from the heights is simply breathtaking. Located on the eastern side of Andros, a little over 25 km from Chora or Batsi. The distance is small, but quite insurmountable. In the gorges between the rocks, you can only drive on an SUV or motorcycle. From the village of Vurkoti to the beach they descend on foot along a dirt road. A simpler way is by sea.
Photos
Beach description
The cozy blue pool is hidden from the piercing winds by the high rocks that gently hug the bay. The water is calm here at any time of the year, and calls for its transparency of scuba diving and fishing enthusiasts. The land is covered with small white pebbles, surrounded by the shade of sycamore trees.
The beach is rather big, unattended due to the peculiarities of the location, gives a delightful wild rest. There are no amenities here. You can only get an umbrella and sunbed from a beach bar. There are never noisy crowds.
In addition to the cliffs and the sea, the area is rich in another natural attraction. From the slopes of Vurkoti, one of the three beauties of Andros, the Achla River, rushes to the shore. There are small waterfalls, small lakes. There are oases where rare birds nest, freshwater crabs and eels live, and many species of animals and insects feel at ease. Area of fresh water in the shade of greenery are suitable for swimming.
You can see the chapel of Agios Nikolaos on one side of the beach. The other side is guarded by the Gree lighthouse. Although the beach is not controlled and wild, there are good accommodation options nearby.
When is the best time to go?
Greece - a country with a long length from north to south, so the recommendations will vary depending on the place where you are going. The holiday season begins in May and reaches a peak in July-August: there are too many tourists, and the temperature on the southern islands reaches 40 degrees, which may still not play a role on the beach, but certainly not suitable for sightseeing. So the best time to relax in Greece is the end of spring-beginning of summer or September-October.
Video: Beach Achla
Infrastructure
The great place 300 m from the beach - Onar Andros, 3*. The house is stylishly decorated, there are all amenities. On one side there is a sea landscape, behind the hotel there is a river and a “private” waterfall, a plane tree forest, many directions for daily hiking.
The great place to stay with young children or on a romantic trip. There is a playground up the hill - a field where pets walk. Each morning, the hotel chef prepares a fantastic breakfast, so swimming along the Ahla Bay several times back and forth is a prerequisite for maintaining a good figure.
Near the beach there is a Byzantine monastery of the 14th century Agios Nikolaos, known for its rich library, carved frescoes, iconostasis. Many pilgrims flock here. There are hundreds of testimonies of miracles that were created by the intercession of Holy Mother. Her image is depicted on the miraculous icon "Root of Jesse", which is located on the iconostasis of the church.
Weather in Achla
Best hotels of Achla
All hotels of AchlaUseful information
- The road to Achla is poor and hard to see. There are no signs. You need to focus on the village of Vurkoti. From there – past the lighthouse and chapel of St. Nicholas.
- The beaches of Andros are most comfortable from July to September, the rest of the time is pretty cold. For hiking and visiting holy places, sights, it is better to choose a spring or autumn period: it is too hot in summer and in winter it is windy and rainy. You should have windbreaker in the mountains even in summer.
- Neither nature nor people pose any danger to travelers. Car rental is necessary for inexpensive and convenient movement, and sunscreen is required to maintain healthy skin in the wind and under the sun.
- When planning a trio for August, you need to consider that at this time there may be problems with accommodation, many pilgrims arrive.
What to do near Achla Beach:
- explore the monastery of St. Mamas;
- visit the chapel of the Virgin Mary, Agios Nikolaos;
- fish in the sea and in freshwater plants;
- visit gorges and waterfalls;
- get acquainted with the exhibits of the Cyclades Olive Museum;
- see the collection of the Coulandris Museum of Contemporary Art.