Andros: How much hiking can you handle?

There are a thousand and one reasons to visit the northernmost of the Cycladic Islands. For both sports enthusiasts and amateur hikers of all ages, walking is yet another one.

Not all of them were born in Andros· but they are people who, over the years, have loved and, thus, chosen the island as their permanent residence. Through personal study, research and, mostly tons of voluntary work, these people propose a sustainable model of tourism for an island which, by the way, demands a lot of walking- sometimes easy and sometimes more challenging, depending on tastes and stamina. But we’ll get to that later.

For now, it is worth looking into the history of this group of people we have been referring to, which consists of a stable core, yet, has also many volunteer friends who come to assist by doing a share of the work and, at the same time, enjoy the routes in the Cycladic land, before leaving again. It all started in 2009, when the non-profit company, “Andros Research Centre”, was established and the team started working, preserving and highlighting the old hiking trails of the island, as well as recording the traditional, unwritten stories and tales that accompany them. Like everywhere else, these trails have existed ever since the first settlements were created. The situation, however, that the team encountered when they started walking was bad, and, in many cases, a large part of these old paths had been lost over time or were inaccessible. Hence, they started working, one trail led to the other and today 180km(!) hiking trails have already been opened, covering the entirety of Andros, out of which 100 km constitute the certified “Andros Route” which has received the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” label, according to the standards of the European Hiking Confederation (era-ewv-ferp.com).

All about the “Andros Route”

One can find the100 km “Andros Route” on the map- an essential accessory for hikers- marked in blue, running from north to south, crossing the island’s mountain ranges, landscapes of great natural beauty and important monuments. If you are fan of this particular sport, it shall take you ten days, with an average daily hiking time of 4-5 hours, to cover all the routes – most of which are of medium or, in a few cases, more demanding level of difficulty. It is, however, an experience you will enjoy like few, with constant variations in landscape patterns; namely, picturesque villages, chapels with incredible views, green gullies, ancient olive trees, stone bridges, water mills and castles. By studying androsroutes.gr , one may find a total of 32 regular and circular routes with all the necessary information. In the interim, after talking to Olga Karagianni, the main promoter of the project, we list three options that appeal to everyone:

1. Livadia (circular route near Hora- the main town on the island)

This route has recently been extended from 5 to 7 km, but it is the easiest in terms of inclination, while its most interesting feature is the fertile prairie of Livadia, which reminds a little of the Chios plain, as it has wonderful citrus orchards and many lemon trees. Lemon, after all, is the trademark spoon dessert of Andros, once an exportable, high-quality product of the island and linked to the origins of its maritime tradition. The hospitable people of the Livadia Association are at your disposal to introduce you to their fertile region (for reservations: +30 6978279065).

2. Menites (circular route, also very close to Hora)

It is one of the greenest areas of Andros, with the famous springs of Menita, and it is worth contacting the Menita Association (+30 6936548312), whose active members offer guided tours upon request. On the plus side, you can enjoy a traditional dessert during the route.

3. Paleopolis (circular route, just outside the area of Batsi)

This is considered to be an easy route, the circular part of which is just 2.5 km. Yet, in case you feel like going for two more kilometres, you may also proceed along the linear part of this same route which climbs up towards the mountains. As you will find out, the bay and the beach, which can only be reached on foot, are immediately striking. However, as the area has a long history, it is still being excavated. In ancient times and for more than a thousand years, this is where the capital town of Andros was situated, whose sunken breakwater remains still visible. For more information you can contact the people of the particularly active Paleopolis Association (+30 6972788229) and visit the small folklore exhibition of the remarkable archaeological museum you will see next to the starting point of the route.