It is with certainty one of the most characteristic beaches of Andros but also one of the most famous of the whole of Greece. The beach “Old Lady’s Jump” is located on the southeastern coast of the island near Korthi and has crystal clear turquoise, shallow waters. It may not be the simplest thing to find and approach it, but it’s worth trying when you’re in Andros for your vacation.
The “Old Lady’s Jump”: Why the famous beach was named like this
As you hear the name of the beach, you wonder why it was given this name. There are three versions of the myth and they have to do with the famous rock that dominates the beach. So this rock, if you look at it from a certain angle, is reminiscent of the profile of an old woman with a handkerchief. One version of the name of the beach speaks of an old woman who jumped off the cliff because she couldn’t stand loneliness after being found a widow for the third time. The second version refers to Turks chasing an old woman who, in desperation, climbed the rock to kill herself, so as not to fall into their hands.
The third and most popular version of “Old Lady’s Jump” also refers to the Castle of the Old Lady Or Castle of Faneromeni in the village of Kochylos, which was particularly powerful during the Turkish occupation. This Castle, the Turks were unable to conquer. That’s why they resorted to fraudulent means, sending an old lady and her pregnant daughter to the castle to ask for help. At night the old lady opened a gate for the Turks to enter. Then they slaughtered the inhabitants. But then, regretting and feeling ashamed of the evil she had caused, she climbed the rock in question and killed herself by jumping into the sea. At the point where the Old Lady jumped, she became a stone. So it is said that she gave the rock its special shape and the beach the most logical explanation for its name.
How are you going to get to “Old Lady’s Jump”?
“Old Lady’s Jump” beach is located in southeastern Andros very close to Korthi. It is about 38 km from the port of Gavrio and 23 km from the capital Chora. Reaching The Bay of Kortgi and driving north along the coastline you reach the small port of Vinchi. The beach “Old Lady’s Jump” is located east of the great bay of Korthi. You’ll see it behind St. Catherine’s chapel.
At the junction to the settlement of Rogos you will continue for a few more meters straight. At the last meters of the route, there is a dirt road which is quite passable. You will now see the beach to your right. You’re going to have to track down the little path that’s going to lead you there. If you are a hiking enthusiast it is probably worth choosing the walking route. It’s from Gyalos through St. Catherine’s. The natural environment that separates the two coves is extremely beautiful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Old Lady's Jump beach got its name from a famous rock formation that resembles an old woman's profile. According to the most popular legend, an old woman jumped from the rock into the sea after feeling ashamed for betraying the Castle of Faneromeni to Turkish invaders. The rock is said to have taken its distinctive shape from where she jumped, giving the beach its memorable name.
Old Lady's Jump beach is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Andros, near the village of Korthi in Greece. It is one of the most characteristic and famous beaches of Andros, known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and shallow swimming conditions.
There are three main versions of the myth. The first tells of a widow who jumped from the cliff due to loneliness. The second describes an old woman fleeing from Turkish attackers who chose to jump rather than be captured. The third and most popular version involves an old woman who opened the gates of Castle Faneromeni to Turks, then jumped from the rock in shame after realizing the destruction she caused.
Old Lady's Jump beach is not the simplest beach to find and approach on Andros. However, it is worth the effort to visit when you're on the island for vacation, as it offers beautiful crystal clear turquoise waters and is one of the most famous beaches in Greece.
The Castle of Faneromeni, also known as the Castle of the Old Lady, is located in the village of Kochylos on Andros. According to the most popular legend of Old Lady's Jump, an old woman who betrayed this castle to Turkish invaders later jumped from the famous rock in remorse. The castle was a powerful stronghold during the Turkish occupation that the Turks were unable to conquer by force.
