Key facts
- Andros Island is focusing on wine, cheese, and lemons to boost its economy.
- Modern wineries are reviving vineyards, attracting wine tourism.
- The Andros lemon has a long history of export and is celebrated annually.
- Local producers aim to gain international recognition for Andros wines.
- Traditional cheeses like Volaki are produced by local dairies.
- Challenges such as high transport costs and labor shortages persist.
Andros Island, known for its maritime tradition, is experiencing an economic revival driven by its agricultural products, particularly wine, cheese, and lemons. New wineries are emerging, drawing tourists and aiming for international recognition for local wines like mavrotragano and potamisi. The island's lemons, historically a significant export, are still celebrated through an annual festival, with locals proud of their unique flavor and aroma, used in products like lemonades and sweets. The Krevasara dairy, run by the Asouti family, produces traditional cheeses such as Volaki, ladotyri, krasotyri, petrotí, and bourniá, using milk from local cows. Despite these developments, entrepreneurship on the island faces challenges, including high transportation costs and a scarcity of labor, which assistant cheesemaker Maria Doli highlighted as a significant problem. Visitors are drawn to Andros not only for its natural beauty but also for its authentic Aegean hospitality and the unique experience offered by its local products.