“Authentic Islands”, 8-day Self-guided hiking tour of Andros & Tinos (Cyclades)

Arrival in Andros, transfer, and check-in at the hotel. We meet for the first time to get to know each other and have a small talk about the program, in a unique greek manner: with welcome drinks and small bites of Greek delicacies (mezes in Greek). Overnight in Andros.

We take the longest route in the network, following the old path which connected southwest Andros to the central villages and Chora, the so-called “Ample Way” (Fardia Strata). In the first part of the hike, we enjoy panoramic views to the west coast and the ancient port of Palaiopolis on an exceptional cobbled path with holy oak, wild olives and seasonal crops. En route, we pass by two small waterfalls the watermills of Melida and the Olive Oil Museum. We end up in the charming village of Pitrofos for an authentic gastronomic experience: a lunch with special local dishes.

We start from Chora, for a beautiful circular hiking route. Around Gialia Beach we admire a unique natural environment formed by the river. From there, the cemented footpath parallel to Pythara ravine goes up towards Apikia Village passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros. After some rest and a light lunch, we descend this time to Chora via a different excellent cobbled path, enjoying a magnificent view of the capital city and the sea. During our hike, we visit ‘the Fabrica’, an old pasta factory watermill, a medieval stone bridge, the Bistis-Mouvelas Tower dating from the 17th century and Pythara waterfalls. Light lunch during our hike to a local “mezedopoleo” and return to Chora. Stop for a swim and free time for rest or a walk to the center of the town.

We hike a route of great variety and wealth of rural landscapes, connecting central with south Andros. We follow the old road leading to Korthi, connecting the two old medieval castles of the island on the central agricultural and commercial artery for south-eastern Andros until 1950. We cross Dipotamata ravine, a valley with impressive water mills, an arched bridge, and Kochylou medieval castle.

In the morning we transfer to the port where we take a boat to Tinos (2hours), the isle of dovecotes and small Catholic chapels. Having settled at our hotel, we have the rest of the day free to explore the town of Tinos. Don’t forget to visit the church of Virgin Mary in Chora. Tradition says that a nun, Pelagia, from the nearby convent of Kechrovouni had visions of Virgin Mary revealed to her the burial place of an icon. After intensive searching, an icon was indeed found, at the spot where the Church stands today. Today the icon is widely believed to be the source of numerous miracles and Tinos has become the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the 15th of August. Many pilgrims make their way the 800 meters from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as a sign of devotion. Overnight in Tinos.

Today we discover the picturesque villages and dovecotes of Tinos. Following an impressive medieval paved path (kalderimi), we visit the old villages of Ktikados, Xatzirados and Tarabados, the heart of traditional dovecote architecture and we reach Kiona bay. Light lunch during our hiking tour at the traditional “kafeneion” at Ktikados. Return to Chora hiking or by taxi. Rest and swim in the evening.

We go up to Xobourgo the old Byzantine fort of the island via an old paved path. The view of the Aegean is remarkable. We continue walking down to Volax, an isolated, small, sparkling white village in the middle of a plateau surrounded by hills of round granite blocks and we return on to the village named Falatados the second biggest settlement in the island, with the imposing Cathedral and the famous House of Scetch.

Depart Tinos.