Paradise Art Hotel, Hora
Built in the early 1900s, this traditional hotel was recently renovated and comes with a pool, tennis courts and even a folklore museum!
Just a few minutes from Andros town lies the Paradise Art Hotel in a natural setting and an atmosphere that combines past glory with a light and airy ambiance. Sitting on the terrace here with great views of the green countryside, it's hard to believe that the charming capital of Andros is just a few minutes' walk down the road. This makes the hotel a great choice that combines both town and nature together. There's also an artsy ambiance as many art exhibitions are held there (or in the adjacent museum) during the summer.
Discover hearty island gastronomy
Andros has great island cuisine, and the Paradise Art Hotel is very keen on bringing the best of it to your breakfast table. Indeed, breakfast at the hotel is a delight, representing local dishes such as local cheeses, honey, marmalades, fresh bread and cakes from the nearby bakery, and some deliciously ripe Greek fruit. You must also try the local scrambled eggs with tomato, known as Strapatsada. Don't forget to ask for some freshly squeezed orange juice or homemade lemonade.
For lunch and dinner, there are many delicious choices in town within walking distance that will open you up to a world of island flavors. If you have a car, you can drive a few minutes to one of the local villages around the main town to sample some real good traditional island cuisine. Since Andros is more popular with Athenians who originate from the island rather than with mass tourism, the cuisine here is very authentic.
An interesting array of activities onsite
Right next to the hotel and belonging to the same owners, the old Mantzavelaki ice factory beside the hotel has superbly been transformed into a museum of folklore and Christian art. On certain dates, the museum organizes gastronomic events such as the 'lemon fest' and the 'bread fest' on Easter Saturday, as well as a 'wine fest' on the Saturday prior to the Feast of the Holy Spirit in June.
In August there is an open-air film festival right on the premises usually showing a mix of foreign and Greek movies. If you haven't watched movies before in an open air environment you'll be enthralled by this simple yet beautiful pastime in Greece. Also onsite are the two pools (one for children) and tennis courts, perfect for those who want to stay in, yet keep fit.
Outdoor activities on the island
Since Andros is one of the greener Cyclades islands, hiking here is a true pleasure. There are some books at the reception that will help you plan your hikes, and the management can put you in touch with an excellent hiking club that operates on the island.
Andros also offers great biking opportunities and you can grab some bikes from the hotel itself, going as far as nearby villages and into the island's wilderness. Horseback riding is another fabulous activity not far from the main town, and here again the kindly hotel staff will arrange for you to embark on a horse-riding excursion.
Lastly, as this is an island, there are of course some great beaches to explore, some more quiet than others, so don’t forget your suntan lotion. From nature walks to beautiful beaches, Andros will unveil its beauty in many different ways, and the Paradise Lifestyles hotel is a great hub to discover its charms.