Andros Trekking

The eclectic Andros is definitely an island with a thousand faces. A land where rain falls abundantly in the winter period, transforming the territory into a lush garden in spring and then becoming harsh and barren in the summer with the warm rays of the sun.

An environment with multiple biodiversity thanks also to the numerous waterfalls that feed the reproduction of various types of plants and animals and that have made it famous for its water rich in natural and healing elements.

Andros is an intersection of mountain ridges such as Mount Petalon, a thousand meters high in the center of the island that give life to fertile valleys, small forests, scenic gorges, steep ravines, water windmills, ancient monasteries, the famous dovecotes, bridges in ancient stone, picturesque villages, up to ancient walled terraces and sandy beaches and intimate coves that overlook the majestic Aegean Sea.

For centuries these paths (monopati in Greek) were traveled to reach temples, build towers and give life to villages that we can still meet today. Cobbled and unpaved roads are the network that connected the rural areas of Andros today still passable with a walk enjoying the views.

300 kilometers of trails to discover the natural wonders of this green island, 170 of which forming a continuous path through the territory. Restored by Andros Resourch Center a non-profit organization that deals with identifying, maintaining these ancient streets of immense historical, cultural and ecological value and which allow visitors to understand and appreciate the island from a different point of view than both only beaches and sea. In 2015 the “Andros route” was awarded the Leagind Quality Trails Best of Europe certification, thus making it the first island in the whole old continent to hold this important certificate.

Most of the walks can be done in a single day and each path is marked on the maps with a number. Although the island of Andros is not dangerous, you must nevertheless be well equipped so 'remember to put on hiking boots or shoes, long trousers, check the weather conditions, undertake non-demanding or extremely long routes if you are not trained and do not take untrained paths. marked on the maps.

It should be noted that during your excursions you may find gates that must always be closed after your passage as they are used to prevent the grazing animals from escaping.

Here are some examples of walks to do, but on the site https://www.androsroutes.gr/day-hikes-on-andros/ you can find different solutions

Chora -Apikia-Katakalei-Vourkoti (with detour to Pythara waterfalls)

Immersed in the lush vegetation of the island passing around Mount Pelatos to Apikia between remote mountain villages such as Katalakei and Vourkoti to the Pythara waterfalls. Crazy views and constant habitat changes. Walking time about 2 and a half hours, medium difficulty.

Beach of the monastery of Vourkoti-Agios Nicolaos-Achla

A walk in the middle of the companion parallel to the Achla river, the largest in Andros, to the beach of the same name. Through old farms, to the Achla bridge between small waterfalls and the ancient Monastery of Agios Nikolaos. Walking time 3 and a half hours, medium difficulty and at times challenging downhill from Vourkoti to the bridge.

Archaeological site Monastery of Panachrados-Koureli-Sasa-Aladou-Agia Triada-Zagora

From the west coast to the hinterland through the Gerakonas mountain range in an environment of florid biodiversity. Wonderful views and the archaeological site of Zagora, the castle and the Monastery of Panachradou. Walking time almost three hours, medium difficulty and at some point challenging in the narrow and steep part that crosses the ravine near the Monastery.

Archaeological site of Palaiopolis

A circular tour that touches the archaeological site of Palaiopolis through wooded areas and breathtaking views up to Mount Petalon and then return to the wild beach of Palaiopoli for a refreshing swim. Walking time four and a half hours, moderate difficulty.

Arni - Remata - Lefka Beach

Inland on the north-eastern coast equivalent to the Arni river, between fairytale streams, majestic rock formations, farmhouses up to the pristine of Lefka beach. Walking time 3 hours moderate difficulty.

Gavrio-Ano Agios Petros-Tower-Agios Petros beach

Through two valleys starting from Gavrio to the picturesque village of Ano Agios Petros where the homonymous beach awaits you. Then continuing towards the west coast to the islet of Gavrionisia and the solemn Hellenistic tower of Agios Petros. Walking time two hours, moderate difficulty.

Batsi-Katakilos-Ano Katakilos-Arni

Considered one of the most beautiful routes on the island of Andros, you go up to Mount Petalo and then descend into the Arni valley with its abundant waters and the most wooded area with a very rare biodiversity. Walking time four hours, moderate difficulty with some steep and narrow stretches in the valley.

Here are some examples but there are 27 routes for all tastes and they are not very difficult to do as they do not have long times, indeed in a day you can even do more than one and be able to explain them in a few words is really reductive.

An activity that has been gaining ground in recent years and that visitors like more and more because it is possible to have a different perspective of the territory and above all it is possible to stay in contact with Mother Nature in all its explosive beauty and naturalness.

Think about including a nice walk in the list of things to do in Andros, you will return richer and more regenerated.