Discover the best restaurants, beaches, bars and local favourites in this complete guide to Batsi, one of the Cyclades’ best seaside villages.

Curving around a sheltered bay on the island’s west coast, this former fishing village has grown into one of Andros’ most popular seaside destinations, yet it has never lost its charming character. Whitewashed houses tumble towards the waterfront, while fishing boats share the harbour with sailing yachts and small excursion boats.

What makes Batsi so special is the families that return summer after summer, locals that gather around the harbour, and the waterfront that comes alive each evening as people wander between cafés, tavernas and bars overlooking the bay.

Whether you’re looking for a beach spot, good seafood, sunset drinks or a comfortable base for exploring the rest of Andros, Batsi offers a little of everything. Many of the recommendations included here came from Allegra Pomilio- art director, photographer and host of Mèlisses, a guest house in Andros- alongside places we’ve discovered during our own visits to the island and continue to return to.

Where to Eat in Batsi

Batsi has no shortage of waterfront tavernas, but its food scene now extends well beyond the familiar line-up of grilled fish and traditional island cooking. Among the more contemporary choices is Branda, a stylish restaurant overlooking the bay, where Mediterranean ingredients are used across a broader, internationally influenced menu. 

One of Batsi’s newest openings, Barbaresco brings Italian cooking to the centre of the village. Pizzas are shaped by hand, cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with seasonal produce, and while the impressive menu continues beyond pizza, it is accompanied by a wine list drawing largely on Italy’s major wine regions.

For a more traditional dinner, Stamatis remains one of the village’s enduring favourites. Open since 1965, it occupies two spaces: the original restaurant tucked into the old village and a veranda overlooking the water. Begin with the taramasalata, followed by the lamb shank served over aubergine purée, one of the dishes for which the restaurant is best known.

Pomelo takes a more contemporary approach to the Greek meze table, bringing together seafood, small plates and Greek spirits in a space where the design is as carefully handled. The menu stays close to the flavours of Andros, making it a good choice for sharing several dishes over drinks.

At Mastello, tables sit close to the sea and the menu moves easily between familiar Greek recipes and more modern versions of them. The fava and aubergine salad are particularly good places to begin, preferably with a cold glass of ouzo before moving on to the day’s fish or one of the cooked dishes.

Volaki is another waterfront seafood taverna, featuring shrimp pasta, along with the restaurant’s signature croquettes, made with local volaki cheese and Cretan graviera, then served with tomato jam. The setting, directly beside the water, makes it the perfect spot for a long lunch. 

Almi is a traditional Greek fish-taverna with a modern vibe. Seafood of course forms the backbone of the menu, which includes marinated anchovies and grilled squid alongside their signature lobster pasta. 

Where to Drink in Batsi 

Batsi isn’t the sort of place that revolves around late-night bars- instead, afternoons drift into evenings over coffee by the harbour, an aperitif before dinner or cocktails overlooking the bay.

Als is one of those places you’ll likely visit more than once here, as during the day, it’s an all-day café serving good coffee, fresh juices and one of the better brunch menus in the village. As evening arrives, cocktails take over, DJs begin playing, and what started as a relaxed café becomes one of Batsi’s liveliest places for a drink.

For a slower start to the day, or an afternoon break from the beach, make your way to 105°. Sitting on the waterfront, it’s a lovely spot for coffee and something sweet while watching life unfold around the harbour. 

Buka Bar remains a local favourite in Batsi for an evening cocktail. Sitting right on the harbour, it pairs soft lighting, timber interiors and uninterrupted views across the bay with a well-executed cocktail list and an easy-going atmosphere. 

Where to Swim in Batsi

When you’re ready to swap your towel for a sunbed and spend an entire day by the sea, Batsi has a few beach bars we’d happily spend an afternoon at.

Just a short walk from the village, Kolona Beach Bar sits on one of Batsi’s prettiest little coves. With rows of sunbeds, relaxed music and drinks delivered straight to your umbrella, it’s the kind of place where a quick swim easily turns into an afternoon by the water. The beach may be small, but its sheltered setting, clear water and uninterrupted views back towards Batsi making a great spot to spend a summer day. 

Closer to the centre of Batsi, Zubaya combines the ease of a beach club with the convenience of being right on the village beach. Sunbeds line the sand just steps from the sea, while the all-day menu covers everything from brunch dishes and fresh salads to cocktails as the afternoon rolls into evening. 

How to Get to Batsi

The easiest way to reach Batsi from Athens is by ferry from Rafina Port to Gavrio, Andros’ main port, which takes between one and two hours, depending on the service. From Gavrio, Batsi is just a 10-minute drive by car. 

 

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