Andros Trail Self Guided Walk

On your arrival in Athens you will be met and transferred to the port of Rafina from where you will depart by ferry in the late afternoon to Andros (ferry: approx 2hrs). Pick-up is possible from Athens airport or city. From Andros, port Gavrio, you travel by local bus to Ormos Korthiou (bus: approx 1hr). On arrival you will receive a welcome package including a small pruner and gloves.

*You will need to arrive in Athens before 1.00pm to travel to Rafina and catch the ferry. For arrivals after 1.00pm, we can book a pre-trip night in Athens - please ask for our rates. Alternatively, you may wish to book your own pre-trip night in the port town of Rafina or the village of Mati (5km/3mi from Rafina). In this case, you will travel on the 7.30am morning ferry to Andros.

Today's walk today starts at Tromarchion monastery, situated high upon a cliff near the west coast of Andros. You will enjoy panoramic views over the wide valley of Kothi and the sea on the horizon. A short section is via a dirt road but most of the walk is via old footpaths. The route is mostly hilly with ascents and descents but without too many height variations. Distance 9km/5.6mi, +180m (590ft), -350m (-1148ft).

There are 2 possible routes today. Walking from Ormos Korthiou to Andros Chora you will encounter outstanding views, tiny, well-hidden villages, old watermills and beautiful stony trails. The first part of the walk takes you through traditionally cultivated land that is used for small-scale farming. You'll cross a mountain ridge to the valley of Andros Chora where you will have impressive views of this great valley and the township of Andros Chora. Continue through forest and orchards until you reach town. Crossing the town you'll come down to the beach of Nimborio, where your accommodation is situated. Andros Chora has two fine museums and is a great town to stroll through or relax in a local cafe. Distance 14 or 15km/8.7-9.3mi, +530 or 700m (+1740ft/2296ft), -530 or 700m (-1740ft/2296ft)

There are a couple of walking options today. You can take the wide paved paths ('kalerimia') through the forest to Apikia, a village situated in a green valley that is famous for its spring water. The path descends along cypress hedges to the old Bitsis-tower house and on to the sandy beach of Gialia. Following this there is a short but demanding climb before a final descent to the beach of Nimborio. Alternatively, walking via great walled footpaths you ascend to the charming villages of Lamira and Messaria. After crossing the arched Venetian bridge of Stichiomeni the pathway climbs steadily to the monastery of Panachrantou (590m). The monastery clings to the side of the mountain Gerakonas. The monks will happily show you around this historical and architectural monument, and after taking a break you descend through the lush valley of Livadia towards Andros Chora. The path will take you along the river to the beach of Paraporti with the last section through some interesting wetlands.

Both walks are rewarding and you might want to add an extra night here (must be done at the time of booking the trip) - please ask for our rates.

Distance 9 or 17.5km (5.5-11mi), +400 or 600m (+1312/1968ft), -400 or 600m (-1312/1968ft)

There are 2 options today as you explore the west coast of Andros. With the first option you take a local bus or taxi to Messaria, or a taxi to Ano Pitrofos further along. From Messaria you walk to the beautiful village of Menites, where in the village square you will find many water fountains, considered therapeutic in ancient times. Refreshed, you start your demanding climb up the Petalo mountain, followed by the old trading route over the side of thee mountain with great views over green valleys, villages and the sea far below. On the way up you pass through the village of Ano Pitrofos. Or if you arrive by taxi here, you will have avoided half of the ascent (300m) and shortened the walk by 5km. You then descend to the charming seaside resort of Batsi, where you will stay overnight.

Alternative walk: If you missed visiting the monastery of Panacharantou yesterday, you have the option to walk there today. Instead of returning to Chora, you continue walking to Stavropeda and take the afternoon bus or taxi to Batsi. Distance 16 or 18.5km (10-11.5mi), +560 or 600m (+1840/1968ft), -400 or 700m (-1312/2296ft)

This morning you take a taxi to the nearby village of Remata to start your walk. Following a lush, shaded stream bed you ascend to the villages of Arni and Katakilos. Via a wide valley with terraced fields you walk to the hills above Batsi. After enjoying the great views, descend to Batsi and the sea.

Alternative walk: if you didn't walk to Ano Pitrofos village yesterday you can take the morning bus to Paleopolis and follow the route above the coast to this lovely village before continuing to Batsi. Distance 11-12km (6.9/7.5mi), +400m (+1312ft) -600m (-1968ft)

A lovely walk today above and parallel to the coast line. On your way you can visit the fortress-like monastery of Zoodochou Pigis. Further along is the imposing spring at Aguis Petros. This walk ends at the beach of Agios Petros. Overnight here or at nearby Gavrio (dependent on availability). Distance 11.5km (7mi), +450 (+1476ft) -450m (-1476ft)

On your last day on the Andros Trail you will walk in the interior near Gavrio. You walk below the beautifully located village of Ano Gavrio and ascend via a pleasant but steep path to the summit of a hill where there are spectacular views of the area. After descending into the valley of Agios Petros you walk past the imposing Hellenistic Tower back to the beach, or continue to Gavrio. Distance 12km (7.5mi), +400 (+1312ft) -400m (-1312ft)

The trip concludes after breakfast. The transfer from Agios Petros to Gavrio port is included. All other transfers and ferry tickets need to be booked at additional cost, ask our office for details, or can be arranged on the spot by yourself. Make your own way back to the mainland.