Explore numerous trails in Andros Island

A TWO CENTRE-BASED WALKING HOLIDAY ON ANDROS, CYCLADES.

These two center-based walking holiday offers an ideal and relaxing way to explore numerous trails in the island region’s landscapes. From the central-eastern to western Andros, from valleys to mountains, you will get the most of your walking itinerary. Have enough time to swim, relax or scroll around the little picturesque towns while you will have the chance to experience delicious meals.

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival Day

Arrival day in the morning or in the evening. Meeting at the port with a member of our team and transfer to your  accommodation.

Presentation off the island and the trails. Talk about the program. Welcome Dinner with local cuisine. 

• Overnight in Gavrio

Day 2: The Seamen’s Island

The walking tour starts from your hotel. From Hora and Gialia Beach where the river forms a unique natural environment, the trail parallel to Pythara ravine goes up towards Apikia Village passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros.  After some rest at the small waterfalls and a light lunch at the local tavern, we will descend this time to Hora via a different excellent cobble trail, with a magnificent view of the capital city and the sea. Evening Free.

• Overnight in Hora
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: around 4 hrs

Day 3: The Venetian Trail

The day will be along a trail of great variety and richness in the rural landscape. We will follow the old road that leads to Korthi, which until 1950 was the main artery of the south-east connection of Andros and therefore essential for the island’s trade and agriculture. This route, which also connects the two medieval castles of the island, passes through picturesque villages, the famous Dipotamata valley with its gorge, and the numerous water mills. Along the way, you will explore beautiful panoramic points including the famous Grias Pidima beach where there will be time for a swim. Continue for about 1 km to the characteristic village of Korthi where you will have free time before returning to the Hora!

• Overnight Hora
• Distance: 11 km
• Walking time: around 4 hrs

Day 4: Panachrados Monastery

In the morning and after breakfast you will get a transfer to the village of Menites, characterized by the presence of springs that descend from Mount Petalo and by the lush vegetation of cypresses and plane trees, you will take a splendid trail that passes through the village of Messaria, the island’s historic Byzantine settlement. After crossing an ancient stone bridge of medieval origin, “Sticheomeni”, we will begin the ascent towards the monastery of Panachrados (alt. 500m). The monastery, whose appearance is more like that of a fortified castle, was built by the Byzantine emperor Nikoforos Fokas to protect the monks from the incessant pirate raids. After a short break and a picnic, we set off again on the way back through the ruins of Petria and along the Megalos Potamos river, thus reaching Hora.

• Overnight Hora
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: around 4,5 – 5 hours

Day 5: North West Andros

Prepare your luggage and leave them at the reception, you will find them at your next destination. After breakfast, you will leave Hora to move to Ano Pitrofos. From here, you will continue on foot taking the “Fardia Strata” which was the main link between the south-west of Andros, the central villages, and Hora. It is an exceptional paved trail, rich in various types of dry stone walls, with a wonderful view of the west coast of the island. Arrive in Batsi on foot, directly to the new accommodation where you will find your luggage. Batsi is a beautiful tourist resort on the west coast of the island, with a typical marina port and various beaches. Time at your disposal for a swim or a stroll in the center! 

• Overnight Batsi
• Distance: 14 km
• Walking time: around 4,5 hours

Day 6: From the mountain to the sea

After breakfast, you will get a transfer to the mountainous village of Arni (alt. 470 m). You will start your walk through fertile valleys, ancient abandoned farmhouses, crossing small forests of oaks, plane trees, chestnuts, and walnuts, and you will reach Remata. This village is located in one of the greenest and most luxuriant areas of the island thanks to the presence of the Arni stream and many springs. As you continue the landscape changes and becomes wild with dense and low vegetation. The trail descends to the beautiful and unspoiled Lefka beach. Time to rest, swim and have a picnic. Then we will continue to the north coast, walking on a strange and impressive rocky terrain “embroidered” by the salt and the north wind until we reach Ateni Beach where there will still be time for a swim! Return to Batsi with a transfer.

• Overnight Batsi
• Distance: 13 km
• Walking time: around 4,5 hours

Day 7: Α Millers Village and Zorgos Beach

Breakfast and transfer to Ammolochos from where you will start your walk. Along the way, you will admire the water mills, built in stone in the 19th century. Walking along the stream you will encounter very green scenery, rich in plane trees, laurels, and dozens of species of aromatic herbs. In the end, we will drive to the beautiful Zorkos Beach. Free time to rest, swim and enjoy a good light lunch at the seaside tavern. Return to Batsi and the rest of the day is free. 

• Overnight Batsi
• Distance: 7 km
• Walking time: 3 hours

Day 8: Departure

Depending on your departure time you will have a transfer to the port.

Difficulty:

Easy to Moderate (7-10 km, 3,5-4 hours walking per day)

Trip Type:

• Guided or Self-guided Walking Holiday (2 center based)
• Accommodation B&B is shared in a twin/double room.

Highlights:

• Experience 6 great scenic walks 
• Encounter a rich variety of landscapes & traditional Greek villages
• Healthy delicious meals
• Luggage transfer 

Know before you go:

The trails offer moderate/difficult grades with a minimum of 3,5 hrs and a maximum of 5 hours walk. Participants should be in good physical condition with some experience.

Insurance: Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation. We are not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour. 

Children over 15 years old can book when accompanied by an adult.

Trip Details:

• Luggage Transfer: We transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel.
• Transportation: When the transfer is needed, we travel with private cars, taxis, or minivans.
• Accommodation: We stay in family-run hotels or studio/apartments in the main towns (all with private facilities).  
• Food: Every morning we have breakfast. * Ask for basket box lunch. (Vegetarians or vegans are welcome. Ask for the special diet menu)