Explore the northern islands in Cyclades Andros & Tinos on 3rd of May 2024

AN ISLAND HOPPING WALKING HOLIDAY IN GREECE

Join us on this walking adventure holiday and discover two beautiful islands: Andros and Tinos. Both relatively unknown on the Cyclades are ideal for nature lovers, mountainous, wild, and walking wonderlands. Hiking on the ancient trails we will explore the hidden beauties of these two islands in Greece, the astonishing nature with mountainous and coastal landscapes with abandoned terraces, old stone bridges, steep rocky cliffs, springs, and small gorges. Discover the very promising flora with its medicinal herbs and of course get familiar with the history culture and gastronomy of the two islands.

Andros is remarkably green and characterized by rich flora and diverse landscape, waiting to be explored. It is the first island in Europe nominated with the European Certification Hiking Trail «Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe».

Τinos is the “unknown” island of Cyclades with its numerous deserted ancient walking paths. Enjoy the architecture of the dovecotes, the windmills, and the countless churches, stone walls, fountains, giant rocks with strange shapes…

Let our local guides introduce you to the beauty of these two islands. Our experienced guides are fully First Aid and CPR certified.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two authentic islands in the Cyclades
• Experience scenic hikes on ancient trails
• Discover the rich variety of landscapes & traditional villages in the Greek Islands
• Taste the local gastronomy

Day by Day

DAY 1

Arrival day and check-in at the Hotel. Welcome drinks and Greek ‘mezes’ in the evening, the first meeting, and some information about the program.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE NAVAL TRADITION OF ANDROS

From Hora – Andros Town and Gialia Beach where the river forms a unique natural environment, the parallel trail to Pythara ravine, will lead us up to Apikia Village passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros. After some rest and a light lunch, we will descend this time back to the town via a different excellent cobbled path, with a magnificent view of the capital city and the sea. Your evening is free for swimming, relaxing or wandering around the old town. 

Hiking tour: Hora  – Apoikia – Hora 12 km – 4-4.30 hrs walking

Highlights :

• The “Fabrica”, the old pasta factory watermill
• The medieval stone bridge Leontos (Lion’s)
• The Bistis-Mouvelas Tower date from the 17th century
• The Agadaki’s Tower (Apatouria)
• Pythara Waterfalls

DAY 3: THE IMPRESSIVE GORGE OF DIPOTAMATA AND THE MEDIEVAL UPPER CASTLE

Today we will follow the old street from Hora to Korthi, connecting the two old medieval castles of the island which was the central agricultural and commercial artery for south-eastern Andros until 1950. We will explore the most important structures in Dipotamata gorge, the watermills, consisting of the basis of an open-air eco-museum!! Our walking tour will continue to the traditional seamen’s village of Kochylou with an excellent view of Korthi Bay, where we will rest with a coffee or refreshment at the old local “kafeneio” of the village. Via a downhill cobbled footpath, we will end up in Korthi Bay(Yialos) where you will have plenty of time for swimming or even a light lunch. Transfer back to the accommodation. Evening Free

Hiking tour Hora to Korthi 12 km – 4,5 hrs walking

DAY 4: VISIT A LIVING HISTORICAL MONUMENT

In the morning you will get a transfer to the very green villages of  Menites, and via an excellent cobbled trail, we will pass through the settlements of Messaria, the old Byzantine center of the island. With our destination being the Panachrados Monastery (alt.500m), a living historical and architectural monument (wooden carved temple 18th c, library, etc), we follow the paved path, crossing the legendary arched bridge of Stichiomeni (The Haunted). After a challenging uphill for some minutes, we will arrive at the abandoned village of Petrias, a monument of Andros folk architecture. Upon our arrival at the monastery, the hospitable monks will guide us around. After a short rest and a picnic in the monastery’s yard, we will start our way back to Hora. This time heading to Livadia and through the “Potamos” stream we reach Andros Town to end our hiking tour.

Hiking tour Menites -Panachrados Monastery-Livadia-Hora  11 km, walking time around 4,5hrs.

DAY 5: FERRY BOAT TO TINOS

Today we leave Andros to Tinos. Transfer to the port for the morning ferry. After one hour and a half, we will arrive in Tinos. You will get a transfer to your accommodation where we will have time to relax, swim or have lunch. You will meet your guide in the evening to explore the old city and visit the Cathedral. 

DAY 6: GET FAMILIAR WITH TINOS’ LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

In the morning you will get a drive to Kampos village where you will start your hike. The day is dedicated to discovering the picturesque villages and dovecotes of Tinos. Following the paved trails (kalderimia), we will visit the old villages Tarabados, Smardakito, Perastra, and Komi, the heart of traditional dovecote architecture. You will have your picnic on the route. The circular hike will lead you back to Kampos where you will get a transfer back to the town. Evening free. 

Hiking tour Kampos-Tarabados-Perastra-Kampos 10km, walking time around 4,5 hrs.

DAY 7: THE ROAD OF THE WATER AND THE CASTLE

You will get a transfer, after breakfast, to the picturesque village of Agapi and the impressive dovecotes and watermills, where you will start your walking tour.  The trail goes to Volax, an isolated, small, sparkling white village in the middle of a plateau surrounded by hills of rounded granite blocks. A short rest for a picnic at Koumaros traditional cafe. 

and we will continue towards Xobourgo the old Byzantine fort of the island via an old paved trail. The view of the Aegean is remarkable. The trail crossing the ancient walls of the island will bring us back to Hora. 

Highlights:

• Traditional Villages
• Dovecotes and Watermills
• The impressive medieval Castle
• The Monastery of “Ieri Kardia”
• Volax  granite blocs
• Impressive views of the Aegean Sea
• Hiking tour Agapi - Volax – Xobourgo - Hora 10km walking time around 4 hrs

DAY 8: THE ALLEY OF THE MILLS

Today we will explore the North of Tinos. After a short drive, we will arrive at Pyrgos the most picturesque village on the island. After visiting the Museum of Marble Art we will start our walking tour to the Mills of Pyrgos which are still kept in good condition. The trail of incredible views leads to the haven of Pyrgos, Panormos. From Panormos, we will move along the coastal motorway up until the beach of Rochari, where we will stop for a short refreshing swim. Following the stoned trail u to Platia, we will pass through a long-forgotten ravine of rough beauty. The trail from Platia downslopes back to Pyrgos offers a great view of the settlement from high above. Early dinner at the village and then we will drive back to our hotel. 

Hiking tour of 6 km Pyrgos – Panormos-Platia – Pyrgos, walking time around 3 hrs

DAY 9:  DEPARTURE DAY

This is the end of your walking holiday in the Cyclades! Get a transfer to the port at the time you want or extend your holidays in Tinos. 

Trip details

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.

Transportation: We travel by private cars, taxis, or minivans. 

Accommodation: We stay in family-run hotels or studio/apartments in the main towns (all with private facilities). The tour prices are based on double occupancy with breakfast.

Food: Every morning we have breakfast and picnic lunch on route. Then dinner, if included in the program. (Vegetarians are welcome on our tours. Ask for the special diet menu)

The walking tours offer a moderate level of difficulty with a maximum of 4-5 hours walk per day. Participants should be in good physical condition with little experience.