Tis Grias to Pidima beach (The old woman's leap): why was the famous beach so named
It is certainly one of the most characteristic beaches of Andros, but also one of the most famous in all of Greece.
Located on the southeast coast of the island near Korthi, Tis Grias to Pidima beach has crystal clear, blue-green, shallow waters. It may not be the easiest to find and head to, but it's worth it if you're on holiday in Andros.
When you hear the name of the beach, you wonder why it was named that way. There are three versions of the legend and they have to do with the famous rock that dominates the beach. For example, if you look at this rock from a certain angle, it reminds you of the profile of an old woman with a handkerchief. One version of the beach's name tells of an old woman who jumped off a cliff because she couldn't bear the loneliness after becoming a widow for the third time. The second version refers to Turks who were chasing an old woman and she desperately climbed the cliff to commit suicide to avoid falling into their hands.
The third and most popular version of Tis Grias to Pidima also refers to the Castle of Gria or the Castle of Faneromeni in the village of Kochylos, which was particularly strong during the Turkish occupation. This castle the Turks could not conquer. For this reason, they resorted to deceitful means and sent an old woman with her pregnant daughter to the castle to ask for immediate help. During the night, the old woman opened a gate so that the Turks could enter. Then they slaughtered the inhabitants. Out of remorse and shame for the harm she had done, she climbed the rock and committed suicide by jumping into the sea. At the place where the jump took place, the old woman petrified. It is said that she gave the rock its particular shape and the beach its name.
The beach is located in the southeast of Andros, very close to Korthi. It is about 38 km from the port of Gavrio and 23 km from the capital Chora. If you arrive at Korthio Bay and drive north along the coastline, you will reach the small port of Vinji. Tis Grias to Pidima beach is located east of the large bay of Korthio. You will see it behind the church of Agia Aikaterini.