The Meltemi (Greek μελτέμι, the Etesian winds) is a dry, cool wind that blows from the north to northeast across the Aegean, mainly from mid-May through September and strongest in July and August. It is driven by high pressure over the Balkans and low pressure over Turkey and can last from a couple of days to over a week.

Andros sits at the northern gateway of the Cyclades and catches the Meltemi head-on, which makes it one of the windiest islands in the group. Winds of 4–6 Beaufort are common on a blowing day and gusts can push 7–8 Bft. It typically strengthens through the afternoon and eases overnight — and at gale force it's what delays the Gavrio–Rafina ferries, so the ferry flag above is worth a glance before travel days.

The map re-ranks every beach on the island (37 built-in, plus any you add yourself) live from the wind direction. A beach is scored on how much of the wind its coast is turned away from, plus a bonus for sheltered coves (Achla, Ateni, Vlychada). When the Meltemi blows from the north, the west and south coast (Batsi, Kolona, Agios Petros, Apothikes) sit in the wind-shadow and stay calm, while the north and east coast (Zorkos, Vitali, Paraporti, the Chora beaches) get choppy. It's a directional guide — always check an official marine forecast and the local flags too.