Hiking holidays on
Andros
Cyclades, Greece
General Information
-
Hiking on
Andros
Andros: The greenest and most diverse yet
undiscovered island of the Cyclades!
The Aegean island trails are often those same
ancient routes that people used to follow,
centuries ago, to reach the shrines and
temples, build their towers and villages, and
take care of their animals and land.
The term “monopati” (trail) is used today to
characterize all these different paths, cobbled
through multiple time periods, "stenes"
(narrow trails), passages, trails, grand
Venetian-time trails, such as "Fardia Strata"
(Big Wide Trail), the "Communes" (commoners
trail) or the Noble’s Pathways and streets, that
make up the rural landscape of Andros.
We cannot think of a better island than Andros
for nature lovers and for those seeking a
walking adventure.
Andros is mountainous and it is intersected
with a number of mountain ridges which
create numerous fertile valleys, steep ravines
and deep gorges. In comparison to the rest of
the Cyclades it rains a lot and there are
numerous rivers, streams, springs and
waterfalls. As a result the island is remarkably
green and characterised by a rich flora and
diverse landscape which are waiting for you to
be explored.
Areas covering almost half of the island are
Natura, IBA sites (important sites for birds)
or wildlife sanctuaries where many rare or
endemic species of flora and fauna find
refuge. Oak trees, cypresses, plane trees,
chestnut trees & walnut trees, weeping
` GET OUTDORRS willows, poplar and olive trees, fields of
thyme, oregano & sage, crocus, unique wild
Explore
flowers in spring... can be observed along
the ancient paved trails that connect the
picturesque villages, castles, churches,
watermills, farms, byzantine monasteries,
Andros
solitary golden beaches...
For centuries, Andros has been crossed by
cobbled streets and footpaths. They used to
serve as the main communication channels
between feudal estates, castles and villages,
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as well as to connect with the shores,
pastures, farms and churches. This
network of streets and trails is the
backbone of Andros’ rural areas.
Nowadays, a number of accessible
trails are still preserved.
Following the old trails, a unique
landscape reveals small forests, fertile
valleys, numerous beaches,
ravines with continuous water flow,
streaming waterfalls and springs. In
addition, there are windmills,
watermills, dovecotes, monasteries,
rural chapels, stone bridges, beautiful
villages and mansions of unique
architecture, with balconies decorated
with flowers and green garden.
The island is covered by an 170 km
accessible network of paths which
traverse the whole island while part of
the route (100km) have recently
received the European Quality
Certification - Leading Quality Trails-Best
of Europe managed by the European
Ramblers Association. ANDROS ROUTE.
The network includes
20 waymarked routes.
Andros Routes, an initiative of
the non-profit organization
"Andros Research Center", is
responsible for the
identification, maintenance and
promotion of these ancient
hiking routes of the island as
well as for the Certification.
For further information on the
Routes and their work visit the
website: [Link]
the trails
These paths include cobble or earth
trails, dirt trakcs or cemented, ranging
from mild to rough rocky terrains,
which frequently take you through
streams or dense vegetation and are
categorized as EASY - MODERATE -
DIFFICULT depending on the distance,
the field (inclination) / terrain and
altitude. Previous experience is not
required for these hiking trails, but a
relatively good state of health is
essential.
On the tracks, you may find improvised
doors or metallic grids used as gates.
Please open them and close them again
behind you – they are mostly used for
keeping out or herding goats.
There are many springs and rivers with
safe drinking water on the routes of
Andros. Look for the safe water
pictogram.
Sometimes parts of the paths coincide
with ravines or small streams, so it is
important to have the necessary gear
and preferably waterproof hiking boots.
There are several types of paths and
trails on Andros, stone or cement-
paved.
Most of Andros’ paths are walled and
are called in the local language “stenes”
(plural), “steni” (singular).
Andros is a mountainous island with a sharp relief. The highest mountain, Petalon, rises
to 1,000m altitude. The paths of Andros are of small to medium difficulty level.
Nevertheless most of the footpaths include steep parts, so one should keep that in
mind.
source : Andros Routes
Hiking Ethics
Take only memories, leave only footprints!
Take all rubbish back with you.
Leave the place you're visiting in a natural
condition
Don’t start a fire or smoke on the trail
Avoid any actions damaging flora and
fauna.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times:
mating, nesting, raising young, or winter
Leave rocks, plants and other natural
objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-
native species.
It is strongly advisable that you never walk
alone!
Stay on the waymarked hiking routes
USEFUL INFORMATION
EQUIPMENT WEATHER
Long trousers, appropriate shoes and Always ask your assistant before you
socks,lightweight casual clothing, Light set off. In bad weather -especially
Jacket or Sweater, Rain Jacket regarding the strong north winds-
Sun Block Sun Hat Sunglasses and proper equipment and navigation skills
Extra t-shirt to [Link] are particularly vital. Ask your local
Water Bottles or Hydration System contact if you are unsure and for
A walking stick is usually useful, though advice as how best to reach your
not absolutely necessary destination.
Always keep with you a first aid kit. A
torch, and a well charged mobile phone WILDLIFE
are also advisable.
The only wild animal you may encouter
while hiking can be badgers or wild
[Link] only dangerous species are
WATER vipers, especially during spring and
summer
Go Green and Refill Your Water Bottles
In case you get bitten, stay as calm as
from the springs. Water is much better!
possible and, with someone’s help, go
directly to the medical center
