Tinos and Andros are next-door neighbours at the top of the Cyclades, and the channel between them is one of the most regularly sailed short crossings in the group. Most people take it heading north: after the villages, dovecotes and food of Tinos, Andros offers something greener and emptier, with springs, shaded valleys and long walking routes. It also makes a sensible last stop before the mainland, as Andros has daily boats to Rafina.
You land at Gavrio, on the north-west coast of Andros, the island's main port. Andros is large, and Gavrio is a working harbour rather than a resort, so where you stay decides how much further you travel: Batsi, the seaside resort most visitors head for, is about 8 km away, while Chora, the capital on the east coast, is about 32 km across the island. Sort out a hire car or transfer before you sail.
The service is dependable. Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries sail on almost every day of the year between them, and Blue Star Ferries adds a weekly boat. In the warmer months Seajets puts high-speed craft on the route, which halve the journey but cost more: €31.10 on every Seajets sailing in our 12 August 2026 sample, against €19 on the conventional ships that day.
If you are travelling around 15 August, book early. That is the great feast day on Tinos, and ferries in and out of the island are at their busiest in the days either side. The rest of the year, a day or two ahead is usually fine for foot passengers, but cars need more notice in high summer.
