Andros Island and hiking in complete freedom
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationThe Cyclades / Andros
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AgeUp to a 80imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions71.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the island of Andros through self-guided hikes , far from mass tourism. This verdant jewel of the Cyclades, nourished by abundant springs, cultivates a refined way of life amidst deserted beaches and unspoiled nature.
Your itinerary begins in Chora , the capital, famous for its stately shipowners' mansions and its museums of modern art , archaeology, and naval history. The trails wind first through cypress trees towards the jasmine-scented villages of Mesathouri and Lamira . The adventure continues in the heart of the Dipotamata Gorge with its traditional watermills, before climbing to the Venetian ruins of Paleokastro Castle, which magnificently overlooks the Korthi Valley.
You will then explore Apikia and Stenies , flower-filled villages offering splendid sea views, followed by a wooded crossing to Gyalia Bay . Finally, following the ancient kalderimia , these paved stone paths, you will reach the Papachandrou Monastery , a 10th-century gem. Between panoramic ridges and fertile valleys, this authentic trek reveals a pure and unspoiled Mediterranean.
The highlights
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The island is the closest to the mainland and Athens, therefore requiring little travel and still relatively unvisited.
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Quite unique and varied landscapes and villages with original architecture
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Beautiful paths and a Mediterranean atmosphere
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
Management
Your travel guide is also available in print, ready to take with you everywhere. 🗺️
Program
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Arrival in Athens
- Transportation Bus - 00h45 - 40km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Athens airport , you will collect your luggage before heading to Rafina . To reach this nearby coastal town, you can easily take a local bus for a journey of approximately 30 to 45 minutes . Once there, you will check into your hotel for the night. This first evening is free, allowing you to relax or begin exploring the surrounding area at your own pace. Meals are not included for this day.
Day 1 -
Crossing to Andros and hiking in Chora
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 9 km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, you'll take a ferry to the island of Andros . Upon arrival at the port of Gavrio , a local bus will take you to the charming town of Chora . Your first hike begins amidst cypress trees and leads you to the traditional villages of Mesathouri and Lamira , renowned for their white houses adorned with jasmine .
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the island's rich culture. You begin with a visit to the Archaeological Museum , home to the remains of the ancient sites of Palaiopolis and Zagora. Next, you'll discover the Museum of Modern Art , one of the most renowned in Greece, founded by the Goulandris family. Finally, the Naval Museum immerses you in local maritime history. Lunch is at your leisure , allowing you to sample the island's specialties. You'll spend the night with breakfast in Chora .
Day 2 -
Hiking from the Dipotamata Gorge to Paleokastro Castle
- Transportation Bus - 00h20 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A beautiful day of hiking awaits you, starting from Chora. Your route begins towards the village of Syneti , characterized by its houses built of local stone and arranged in an amphitheater shape. You continue your walk through the heart of the Dipotamata Gorge , renowned for its ancient watermills , before beginning the ascent to the summit that shelters Paleokastro Castle . From this ruined Venetian fortress , you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over the entire Korthi Valley .
Your journey ends with the descent to the village of Kochilou . To conclude this stage, you return to Chora by bus or taxi , a journey of approximately 20 minutes . You spend another night with breakfast at your accommodation.
Day 3 -
Hiking in the kalderimia and swimming in Gyalia
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day hike takes you along the kalderimia , those famous traditional stone-paved paths. You'll first hike towards the verdant village of Apikia , renowned for its mineral springs , before reaching the picturesque village of Sténiés with its grand bourgeois houses. Your path, shaded by cypress and plane trees , then descends to the bay of Gyalia . Its lovely sandy and pebbly beach offers the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
After this relaxing break, you'll take a pleasant path to begin your return walk to Chora . You'll enjoy a free evening in the island's capital and spend the night with breakfast at your accommodation.
Day 4 -
Scenic hike from Apikia to Gyalia Bay
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your day's walk begins with an ascent along the kalderimia , traditional paved paths, leading to the villages of Apikia and then Stenies . These verdant, flower-filled villages offer breathtaking panoramic views across the entire Chora Bay . Your route then continues through cypress and plane tree groves to reach Gyalia Bay .
Once you reach the water's edge, you can enjoy a well-deserved swim in the Aegean Sea. The return to Chora is on foot along a pleasant coastal path. Your evening is free for dinner, and you'll spend the night with breakfast in Chora .
Day 5 -
Historical hike to the Papachandrou Monastery
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your hike today takes you along the kalderimia , the traditional paved paths typical of the island. Your walk first leads you to the Papachandrou Monastery , a remarkable historical building dating back to the 10th century . After exploring this site, you continue your journey, passing through the village of Mesaria .
You complete your loop by walking back to Chora . This end of the day allows you to enjoy the town's atmosphere one last time. You spend the night with breakfast at your accommodation.
Day 6 -
Return to the mainland and settling in Rafina
- Transportation Bus - 01h - 40km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Chora in the morning by taking a local bus to the port of Gavrio , a journey of approximately one hour . You then board the ferry to Rafina , located on the mainland. Depending on the ferry schedule and the type of boat available that day, the crossing of the Aegean Sea takes between two and six to eight hours .
Upon arrival at the port of Rafina, you will be directed to your accommodation to settle in . Enjoy this last evening on the Attica coast, relaxing by the water. Overnight in Rafina.
Day 7 -
Transfer to Athens airport and return flight
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay in Greece is drawing to a close. You leave your accommodation for your transfer to Athens airport , a quick and easy journey taking between 30 and 45 minutes from Rafina. Once there, you check in your luggage before boarding your flight back to France .
Day 8
Accommodation
Accommodation in Rafina.
Accommodation in Chora.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Bed and breakfast accommodation (night and breakfast) except in Rafina
- All maritime transfers
- A roadbook with maps and detailed descriptions of your trip's route
- 24/7 telephone support
The price does not include
- International flights
- Breakfasts on Rafina
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- Public bus transfers
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
