Gavrio Trip Overview
This is a unique trekking experience that introduces you to Andros’ unique natural landscape. Walk a vast preserved hiking network on the ancient paved trails of the most diverse Greek island in Cyclades. Crossing the mountain ranges of the island, passing through landscapes of great natural beauty and important monuments, while having plenty of time for swimming in crystal blue water, this is the ideal trekking holiday in Cyclades.
We meet and greet you at the port upon your arrival.
We escort you to your accommodation where we will 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. We call it the “walker’s pack” including all necessary technical details, descriptions, navigation application, travel guide and recommendations on the island. We will be there for you 24 hours!
Additional Info
Duration: 9 days
Starts: Gavrio, Greece
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Hiking & Camping
Explore Gavrio Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Gavrio, Greece, Greece
This is a unique trekking experience that introduces you to Andros’ unique natural landscape. Walk a vast preserved hiking network on the ancient paved trails of the most diverse Greek island in Cyclades. Crossing the mountain ranges of the island, passing through landscapes of great natural beauty and important monuments, while having plenty of time for swimming in crystal blue water, this is the ideal trekking holiday in Cyclades.
We meet and greet you at the port upon your arrival.
We escort you to your accommodation where we will 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. We call it the “walker’s pack” including all necessary technical details, descriptions, navigation application, travel guide and recommendations on the island. We will be there for you 24 hours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival on Andros. We meet you at the port and we escort you to your accommodation. Receive the Walker’s Pack.
Stop At: Gavrio, Gavrio, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
We will meet you at the port and escort you to your hotel.
You will receive the Walker’s Pack and you will enjoy a welcome dinner, with a little talk about the program and Andros’ trails with one of our guides.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Dinner: A welcome dinner and a little talk about the program and Andros ‘ Trails.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gavrio, Ostria Hotel.
Day 2: Trek 1 : North Andros. We will drive you to the starting point. Today you walk 15 km.
Pass By: Gavrio, Gavrio, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
After your breakfast you will get a transfer to the starting point of your trekking day.
Stop At: Ammolochos 845 01, Greece
Your trekking experience starts from Froussei Valley. You will walk through this unique ravine between Ammolohos and Palestou, along the stream where you will meet old stoned watermills, with homes that operated until the mid- 20th century and were altogether the unique millers village that served the surrounding villages. One can be surprised by the use of water as energy in Andros, considered Cyclades is a dry and windy complex.
Τhen the route gradually ascends to cross the village of Ammolohos and reach the top of the mountain (600 m). Crossing the high slopes of Gavrio and with magnificent view to the port and the sea, your first trekking day ends in Gavrio and your accommodation.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gavrio . Ostria Hotel
Day 3: Trek 2 : North West Andros. You start from your accommodation. Today you walk 10km
Stop At: Tower Agios Petros, Ano Agios Petros, 845 00 Greece
Starting your trekking day from Gavrio Town and before reaching the homonymous village, you will cross the Agios Petros (St. Peter) Tower, dated from the Hellenistic (4th-3rd century BC) is one of the best preserved Cyclades. It is cylindrical tower of 20m height. The diameter of its base is 9,40 m and it is made entirely of local slate. A preserved helical stairway leading to at least five floors inside.
The tower is built in a very privileged position, as it dominates the land of Gavrio and overlooks the sea with the ability to observe the ships of the port. Also around the monument there are copper (copper) mining facilities that operated until the beginning of the century. But there are indications that similar work was done in ancient times. Obviously the role of the monument was to control land and sea.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Zoodochos Pigi, Zoodochos Pigi, Euboea Region, Central Greece
Your route will continue the high slopes of Batsi and must visit to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi or Agias, wich is the largest on the island. Once arrived in front of the main door , just ring the bell and the hostess of the church will open the door for you. Initially monks lived monks until 1928, then changed to a women’s monastery. The church of the monastery is of Byzantine style and architecture, with a wood-carved icon screen. In the monastery there is a rich library of books and manuscripts, as well as a museum with holy vestments and utensils and a small collection of prehistoric tools.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Batsi, Batsi, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
Batsi is the location where you end your today’s trek. Batsi, is known for its picturesque round bay that once made it the perfect location for a fishing village in Andros island. Still today, it has a small fishing harbor where not only fishing boats can be found but leisurely yachts, too. The windless beach with the fine sand it is fully organized and is a great solution for families and lovers of water sports.
The total duration of your trekking day is approximatelly 4 hours.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Batsi Town, MareVista Hotel or Anemos Studios
Day 4: Trek 3 : West to Central Andros. You start from your accommodation. Today you walk 16km
Stop At: Palaiopoli, Palaiopoli, Samothraki, Northeast Aegean Islands
Starting from your hotel you will follow the old trail which connected south west Andros to the central villages and Hora, the so-called “Ample Way” (Fardia Strata). Starting from Batsi with panoramic view to the west coast we head to Paleopolis for a first stop. The route crosses steep mountain slopes with holy-oak, wild olives and seasonal crops. The shady stoned-path, which has a wonderful view of the sea, passes springs, stone water tanks, old farmhouses, unusual rock formations and two waterfalls, flowing down the steep hills of Kouvara, impressively appearing through the dense plantation of Paleopolis.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Cyclades Olive Museum, 6 km from Andros town towards Batsi, Pitrofos 84500 Greece
Don’t miss to visit the Olive Oil Museum at Pitrofos Village. You will cross the village a few kilometres after passing Melida watermills.
The Cyclades Olive Museum is a private museum located in the mountainous village of Ano Pitrofos, very close to Menites. This museum is housed in a traditional building that was bought and restored by civil engineer Dimitris Chelmis, originating from Pitrofos and personal guide to the museum. The old oil mill that houses the museum is part of a two-floor building and occupies a large part of the ground floor (called katogi). Entrance Fee 5 euro per person
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Menites, Menites, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
This is where your trekking day ends. Menites is the greenest village on Andros, it lies at the foot of the mountain Petalos. It is especially known for its many water sources and the green area with many large plane trees. According to the legend, in ancient times wine flowed from the statue of lions’ heads. These days, water flows. According to tradition, wine festivals, called “Dionysus parties,”were held here. These were feasts with an abundance of wine. Hence the lion heads where called “the sources of Dionysos.”
The total duration of your trekking day is approximately 6 hours
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Menites Village, Mainades Maisonettes.
Day 5: Trek 4 : Central to South Andros. You start from your accommodation. Today you walk 12 km
Stop At: Monastery of Panachrantos, Moni Panachrantou Greece
A combination of two different routes of the Andros Routes hiking network, and a part of Andros Trail Race trail, this trekking day will take you to Panachrados Monastery, located at the mountain range of Gerakonas at 550 m. You can stay as much as you want and visit not only the main church but also the very impressive medieval building
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Palaiokastro, Palaiokastro, Crete
The area of Palaiokastro include several picturesque villages, which you cross them as you take tha downhill trail to the sea. First you will meet Giannisseo and then Lardia, both wonderful ol white settlements located in a varied natural and man-made landscape with impressive views to the sea.
Stop At: Ormos Korthiou, Ormos Korthiou, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
This is where you end your trekking day. This picturesque seaside village, called Korthi, is situated in the southern part of Andros, characterized by its rural landscape. It is crossed by two mountain massifs, Gerakones in the north and Rachi in the south. Between them lies the fertile Korthi valley with its traditional settlements and its numerous streams. This is where you will overnight today.
The duration of your trekking day is approxemately 4,5 hours
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Korthi, Villa Korthi Aprtms / Avgoustis Suites
Day 6: Trek 5 : South to North East Andros. You start from your accommodation. Today you walk 12 km
Stop At: Faneromenis Castle, Ormos Korthiou Greece
One of the most popular routes of the network with an abundance of agriculture landscapes. That was the old road leading to Hora, connecting the two medieval castles of the island which was the central agricultural and commercial artery for south-eastern Andros until 1950. Your first stop will be the Upper Castle or Faneromenis Castle, which was the largest medieval city-fortress of Andros. It is built on a plateau with very good natural fortification at an elevation of 560 meters.It was not a huge place but it could provide sufficient protection for a population of 1000.
Generally, it is considered a Venetian fortification, although it is possible that a settlemment existed there since the Byzantine period and it was fortified and developed by the Venetians after the 13th century.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Stone bridge in Dipotamata, Korthio 845 02, Greece
Heading north, the trail will lead you to a unique natural area. Dipotamata (literally meaning 2 rivers) is a beautiful gorge about 7 km long, between Syneti, Paleokastro and Kochylou settlements. The vegetation is very dense and the whole valley is a haven of a great number of animals and birds. The water has now diminished, but never stops even in times of drought. The natural environment has remained nearly untouched, because the wide paved path crossing through the gorge once, used as a main road network- stopped being used in the last 60 years. At the point where the path intersects with the river there is an arched stone bridge. Apart from the paths, the stone walls and the watermills you will also see their outbuildings, pens, huts, threshing floors etc. But the most important buildings in the area are the watermills. Today there are only 22 mills (reserved, deserted or in ruins) saved across the gorge. Αn excellent spot for your pic-nic.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Andros Town, Andros Town, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
This is where you end your trekking day today. Hora, is the capital city. It is built on a peninsula ending in a small island where the medieval castle is situated. In front of the castle there is Tourlitis, the only lighthouse worldwide which is built on a rock in the sea. It was built in 1887, destroyed by the Germans during World War. The capital of Andros has an impressive architecture with several museums (Archaeological, Modern Art, Nautical, Folklore) and institutions (Kydonieos, Kairios Library). You can enjoy a beautiful walk in the alleys and the paved market, wander next to rivers or entertain yourself in the numerous bars, coffee places and taverns. You can swim in Neiborio and Paraporti beaches, but also do water sports in the Nautical Club.
This where you overnight for today.
Total duration of your trekking day approxemately 4,5 hours
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hora, Paradise Art Hotel / Edem Suites
Day 7: Trek 6 : Central Andros, A circular walking route from your accommodation. Today you walk 12 km
Pass By: Gialia Beach, Stenies Greece
Starting from Hora, you will first meet the beautiful beach Stenies, where a beautifull small wetland is created. The stream comes from Pythara (Apoikia). You will follow the trail along the river bed towards Steneis.
Stop At: Stenies, Stenies, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
Next stop the beautiful seamen village of Stenies with its charming neoclassical architecture. The highlight of the area is the stoned old tower house, It was built in the 17th century by Stamatelos Bistis who had also the nickname “Mouvlelas” which means the representative of the Turkish Kadi. In 1674, Andros was looted by pirates and after that, the rich were looking for safer locations in the interior of the island. So the tower was built after 1674 and certainly before 1696, as it is certain that Bistis was already living there. The house was built over an older medieval tower from the 13th century. In the 19th century, two walls were added at the sides to support the building, thus increasing its volume.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Apikia 845 00, Greece
Another beautiful Cycladic settlement with lush vegetation and abundance of water and springs. This is where is located the famous Sariza spring with its therapeutical water. Don’t forget to refill your bottle with fresh water.
Stop At: Waterfalls of Pithara, Andros Town Greece
The stream of Pythara is located in Apoikia, 10 minutes away from the road through a shady trail. Its abundant waters run wild and create an amazing biotope in the green landscape with waterfalls and lakes where aquatic life abounds. The springs are on Mount Petalos, in the area of Evrosies, and the estuary is on Gialia beach. It is a small ecosystem for many birds, amphibians and rare species of plants and wildflowers that grow throughout the stream.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hora, Paradise Art Hotel / Edem Suites
Day 8: Trek 7 : Central to West Andros. We drive you to the starting point. Today you walk 19 km
Pass By: Vourkoti 845 00, Greece
Vourkoti is the most mountainous village in the Cyclades. Hidden in a deep ravine with intense vegetation and isolated, it is often under fog.
Pass By: Mount Kouvara, Paleopoli 84500 Greece
Walking on the ridge of the highest point of Andros, Kouvara, you will experience breathtaking views and a unique diverse scenery.
Don’t miss to visit the smal chapel of Prof. Elias located on the top of a strange rock formation.
Pass By: Arni 845 01, Greece
Passing first from the verdant and mountainous village of “Arni”, the mainland of the island you will walk through fertile ravines and streams, old abandoned farm houses, small forests of oaks, planes, chestnut and walnut trees.The village is built on a smooth slope at an altitude of 500 meters. The area is one of the most forested on the island. The park of Kanavas is a natural beauty area with rich vegetation and running waters.
“Arvanites” settled in the area of Arne in the 14th century after the invitation of the Venetian conquerors. The old dialect remains in use in the region even today, though, it is spoken by few.
The trail crosses three consecutive hills in absolute beauty scenery and descends towards “Katakoilos” where the river passes through the scattered settlement. With beautiful view to the sea and to Batsi bay, a well preserved narrow trail with the typical dry stone walls, will lead you to Batsi, where you will overnight.
Stop At: Batsi, Batsi, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
This is where you end your last trekking day. The cosmopolitan Batsi.
Trekking day duration around 6 hours
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Batsi Town. MareVista Hotel / Anemos Studios
Day 9: End of trekking program. Departure Day. Transfer to the port upon your departure time.
Pass By: Gavrion, Gavrion, Andros, Cyclades, South Aegean
You will get a transfer depending the time of your departure to the port of Gavrion
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.