Trekking at “Andros Route” Trail

EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE WALKING HOLIDAY ON ANDROS HIKING TRAILS. EXPLORE CYCLADES ISLANDS IN GREECE.

The European Ramblers Association ERA has certified the Andros Route (100 km length) as the Leading Quality Trail/Best of Europe. Our suggested trekking program follows as much as possible the line of the Andros Route.

The trekking program and the walks we are suggesting, follow as much as possible the line of the Andros Route. Some of the Andros Route hiking exits do not end in a city or village with accommodation. In order to organize an inn-to-inn walking holiday, where you will have the possibility to walk every day ending in a different location, we adjusted the routes, so that they can offer a real trekking experience. This program is addressed to experienced hikers as it includes some long hikes (20 km) and some steep parts. Keep in mind always the time of the year that you will choose your walking adventure! These hiking routes include cobble or gravel paths, dirt or cement, ranging from mild to rough rocky terrains, which frequently take you through streams or dense vegetation. We take care of your luggage transfer and upon your arrival, you will get Walker’s Pack with all technical descriptions and necessary tips for your trekking and stay on Andros.

Day 1: Arrival Day

Day of your arrival on Andros. 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. Receipt “Walker’s pack” Overnight in Gavrio.

Day 2: North Andros

Transfer to the Froussei Valley by car -in the morning after your breakfast- where your hiking day trip will start. This is where our trekking adventure starts, exploring the northern parts of the hiking trails network. You will walk across the river bed, the old watermills, and houses admiring these stone constructions in a very green scenery. Then the ascend trail will lead you to Amolochos village and while you keep going up the view of the sea will reward you. From the top, you veer to the west and you will start to descend to Gavrio’s valley and end at the harbor. 

• Overnight in Gavrio.
• Distance: 15,5 km
• Walking time: around 5,5-6 hrs.

Day 3: North West Andros

The trek starts from your hotel. Take only the necessary and leave the rest to the reception. You will find your luggage at your next accommodation. Today you will visit while walking one of the most impressive monuments on the island, the Hellenistic Tower of St.Peter. After crossing the picturesque village the trail continues west and to the Monastery of “Agia” which really worth a visit. From then a nice descent with a view of the sea will lead you to the seaside beautiful Batsi. 

• Overnight in Batsi.
• Distance: 10km
• Walking time: around 3-3,5 hrs.

Day 4: West to North East Andros

Have a good breakfast and get prepared for a demanding walking day. Your trek starts from your hotel following one of the oldest and longest routes on the island. Called “Fardia Strada” from the Venetian times the trail will lead you to Pitrofos Village, with splendid views of the sea while you cross the mountain. The Olive Oil Museum is worth a visit. From there and after Strabougies Village you will encounter a very different landscape crossing this time the Evroussies valley to end in Apoikia Village, where the famous water source Sariza springs. 

• Overnight in Apoikia Village.
• Hiking tour of 20 km
• Walking time: around 6-6,30hrs.

Day 5: South East Andros

You start your trekking day parallel with the ravine of Pythara. A diverse landscape with a lot of monuments. picturesque villages with water springs, important churches, the Leontos bridge, the Agadaki & Bisti castles, the Ebeirikou (Fabrika) water mill, and Gyalia beach. You will cross the capital city to continue south towards Sineti and Dipotamata Valley. The trail moves in the ecologically rich area of the south, where nature is in perfect harmony with mankind and the past is still surprisingly present. You will walk across a very diverse countryside, you will see the watermills at Dipotamata, the arched stone bridge, and the Faneromeni castle before you reach sea level again. The trekking day ends in Korthi Village where you overnight. You will find your luggage at your room!

• Overnight in Korthi.
• Distance: 19km
• Walking time: around 5 – 5,5 hrs

Day 6: Central Andros

Starting from Korthi and the well-preserved, with a lot of steps, trail, you will reach the picturesque village of Giannisseo with a splendid view of the sea and the mountain Raxi on the opposite side. Your trail will bring you after some km to the living monument of Panachrados Monastery. The view from the big yard to the capital city is breathtaking! Yet! The route is long and this time you will start to descend towards the valley to meet the picturesque villages in the lush vegetation of Menites. The trail leads you to the famous springs. Take advantage of freshwater! The hiking trail goes through beautiful wealthy settlements, a lot of springs, and little chapels as it gets closer to Hora. Here is where you overnight.

• Hiking Route distance: 17km
• Walking time: around 5,5-6 hrs

Day 7: Free Day

This day is free of scheduled activities. Walk around, swim, sunbathe, relax, go shopping or arrange your own tour to some of the many interesting sites on the island. Our team of guides is available and ready to help you. A cooking workshop, a Tai-chi or Qigong class, a Yoga class, a fitness program, or maybe a guided bike tour, a diving class, or water sports activities may be easily arranged on site, only upon request. You could also let yourself be treated by the experienced hands of our massage therapists.

If you wish to skip the free day and instead continue the trek, for sure there is a supplementary route to suggest to you. 

Day 8: Central to West Andros

FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO THE SEA

Today you will get a transfer to Apoikia Village where you will start your trek. One of the most beautiful routes of the network because of its diversity and the continuous landscape change. From the very beginning, you start to feel the mountainous quality of the island and after passing small oak and plane trees and small forests, from the village of Vourkotei you will start to walk to the top. Magnificent views from the mountain ridge, impressively lush vegetation, and water abundance in as you start to reach the most forested area of Andros, Arni. Refill your bottles from the springs and start your downhill to the other side of the hill to reach the coastline and the seaside Batsi Town. Overnight.

• Distance: 19 km
• Walking time: around 6-6.5 hrs.

Day 9: Departure

Depending on your departure time you will have a transfer to the port. You can extend your holiday in Tinos or why not with an Athens City Break

Level:

Difficult (10-20 km, 4-6 hours walking per day)

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)

Trip Type:

• Self-guided Walking inn-to-inn Holiday
• Accommodation B&B is shared in a twin/double room.

How we work

• The self-guided walking holidays
• Meet & Greet at the port with one of our team, at your arrival time.
• Transfer to the accommodation and have a little talk about the program, the island, and the trails.
• You will be delivered a small documentation pack with all the necessary information about your trekking.
• The Walker’s pack includes :
• Detailed information on the area, the walking trails, history, culture, geology, flora, and fauna.
• An information pack with carefully planned routes and their technical descriptions
• GPX files to use on your GPX
• Mobile application with detailed routes, no need for internet connection.
• Detailed KML files with waypoints and descriptions on Google Maps, accessible via your mobile.
• Our recommendations for food, drink, solitary beaches, ancient sites, and other activities you may enjoy
• Practical tips and information that will guarantee that you enjoy to the full each walk
• A hiking map of Andros and the book “Hiking on Andros” a walking guide with detailed descriptions of 20 routes @AndrosRoutes

Highlights

• Self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking with luggage transport
• Experience scenic hikes
• A rich variety of landscapes & traditional Greek villages
• Walk a vast preserved hiking network on the ancient paths of the most diverse Greek island in the Cyclades

Know before you go:

• The trails offer moderate/difficult grades with a minimum of 3,5 hrs and a maximum of 6,5 hours of 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. One Foot Forward is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.