Andros – Tinos Cycladic Experience (8 days / 7 nights)

Arrival day in Andros and check-in at the Hotel. Welcome drinks and Greek ‘mezes’ in the evening, first meeting and briefing about our exciting program!

The longest route in the network follows the old path which connected south west 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 will pass by two small waterfalls the watermills (Melida and the Olive Oil Museum one) finishing our lovely day at the charming village of Pitrofos for a gastronomic lunch with special local dishes of Greek islandic cuisine!

After our mighty breakfast we will leave Chora, for a beautiful circular hiking route. Heading to Gialia Beach, where the river forms a unique natural environment, the cemented footpath parallel to Pythara ravine, goes up towards Apikia Village passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros. Following a short break and a quick bite, we descend this time to Chora via a different excellent trail, with magnificent views to the capital city and the sea. During our hike, we will visit ‘the Fabrica’, an old pasta factory watermill, a medieval stone bridge, the Bistis-Mouvelas Tower dating from the 17th centrury and the ‘Pythara’ waterfalls. Light lunch during our hike to a local “mezedopoleio” and return to Chora. Stop for swim and free time to rest or walk in the center of the town. Transfer back to our accommodation.

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, unveiling the central agricultural and commercial artery for south-eastern Andros until 1950. We will cross Dipotamata ravine, the famous valley for its impressive water mills, an arched bridge and of course the ‘Kochylou’ medieval castle.

In the morning we will be transferred to the port of Andros (Gavrio) where we will take a ferry to Tinos (2hours), our next destination! Having settled at our hotel we will have the rest of the day free, in order 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 revealing 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 which leads to a year long pilgrimage to the island, having its highlight on the 15th of August, one of the most important and famous Greek holidays! Many pilgrims make their way the 800 metres from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as a sign of devotion, belief and thankfulness.

This day is devoted in discovering the picturesque villages and dovecotes of Tinos. Following an impressive medieval paved path (kalderimi), we will visit the old villages of Ktikados, Xatzirados and Tarabados, the heart of traditional dovecote architecture and we will reach Kiona bay. Light Lunch during our hike today, at the traditional “kafeneion” at Ktikados. Return to Hora, with a free evening for swimming or relaxing!

Via an old paved path, up we go up to Xobourgo, the old Byzantine fort of the island. The view of the Aegean sea from here is priceless! 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.
Our hike today ends in the village named Falatados, the second biggest settlement of the island, proud for its imposing Cathedral and the famous House of Scetch.