The natural relief of Andros with the successive horizontal ridges that allow one to cross the island from east to west, and at the same time make communication between its northern and southern parts difficult, has contributed to the creation of a network of paved cobblestones and paths, the which, with many branches, can connect the NW with the SE coast. Within the framework of an organized program of highlighting and maintaining the traditional stone paths, many of which follow the traces of the ancient road network, marked hiking routes and intermediate stations have been created, the coverage of which varies from 1 hour and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The route through the rich vegetation of the island and the traditional architecture of the small inland settlements (Arnas, Mesathuri, Menites) is a wonderful choice for those looking for alternative forms of tourism and makes Andros an ideal destination for nature lovers and people who love hiking and exercise .
1. From Batsi to Agios Mama
Duration 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Starting from the square in Batsi we walk towards the river (It is dried up in the summer). From there the climbing starts, passing small farms towards the northern side of Batsi. The last part of the route crosses rural roads, so the strain is less. You pass the ridge and head towards Agios Mamas from where there is a view to Ateni, and to Katakilos On the way back you can see Agios Zacharias, another small church. Deserted crops are located around the church. After some rest you start for the return to Batsi. Note Recommended for those who want to make some effort. Bring water and snacks with you.
2. From Stavropeda to Batsi.
It is a new route, one of the longest. From Batsi go to the Stavropeda intersection by some means. Starting from there, we proceed uphill towards the chapel of the prophet Elias where we rest and enjoy the view. From there we find the old cobbled path - at one time it was the main road from Batsi to the center of the island. It goes high above Paleopolis. Along the way there are small rivers while you have a view of Paleopolis and the acropolis site. On the way back the path passes Ano Aprovatou where you can stop at the tavern for a light meal. Going down you pass through Kato Aprovatou and from there you can return to Batsi via Agia Marina - Delavoya - Stivari.
3. From Menites to Chora.
It is an easy route suitable for all ages through beautiful places. Menites is a village with lots of water. The area you pass through is covered with citrus groves. You pass by Strapouries, a rural village with a beautiful view of the country. Lamyra is a rich village where many of the island's shipowners come from, The old houses used as country houses and the elegant gardens stretch along the hillside we pass. Taking the riverside road past citrus groves we end up at Niborio beach which is further north of the country.
4. From Apoikia to Gialia.
Duration 3 hours.
Path quality : Clear Path. It starts from the hillside in Apoikia. It is worth going to Pythara first, an area with waterfalls and lakes just outside Apoikia. Returning from the same path we continue down following the wooded road to Stenies, the village of the rich where many retired captains have their summer houses. Before arriving at the village, visit Pyrgos BISTI MOUVELA. Both Stenies and Apoikia have beautiful houses and gardens. Before reaching Gialia you will see the oldest watermill in the Balkans. If you want to spend the afternoon at Gialia, don't forget your swimming equipment. Note. Get water from the Colonies.
5. From Kaparia to Korthi
It is an easy route suitable for all ages through beautiful places. You start from Kaparia. The route passes through Megalo Chorio, a half-disappeared place with many traditional pigeon houses, each with its own decoration. You cross the river and take the road to Morakeio, a traditional farming village from where a bridge spans the river that flows into Korthi. We take the path next to the river. Note. Take water with you. In the afternoon you can swim in Korthi.
6. From Aladinou to Chora Andros
Starting from the upper part of the village of Aladino, you cross the old stone bridge where you can see many turtles and butterflies. Then you head uphill towards Phallika, you pass through a shady forest and come across a path that was used by the conductors which has been used for thousands of years. The view of the countryside is wonderful, especially from the monastery of Panahrantos which is located in the middle of the route on a hillside. This beautiful route takes us directly to the beach in Paraporti which is close to the country. Here you can enjoy the beach tavern, swim or visit Chora.
7. Ammolochos to Agios Petros
Route duration 4 to 41/2 hours
It is a new route, the only one in the northern part of the island of Andros. You can take a taxi to Ammolochos a beautiful rural village facing Kavo Doro. We pass through the village, and take the path that starts on the hillside above the village. From here you can enjoy a view of the two beaches of Andros and 2 small churches to visit as you walk up the hillside. After a little rest at the prophet Elias on the eastern side of the hillside you walk down to Agios Petros and you can stop at the village spring and then at the Hellenistic era Tower of Agios Petros. From there you continue down to the beach of Agios Petros for swimming and eating.
8. From Paleokastro To Korthi.
Route duration 31/2 hours
The route passes from the kokinospita of the village of Kokhylos to the Venetian castle Paleokastro also known as the upper castle. You can walk around the ruins of the fortress and admire the view towards Korthi and even Tinos looking south. The steep slope below the castle is full of nests of birds of prey, eagles, hawks and crows. Ideal place for bird watchers Return to Kokhylou village from another place, where you can stop at one of the village cafes for a drink. You take the categorical road which was once a road of conductors towards Korthi.
9. From Zaganiari to Korthi
Route duration 3-4 hours
It is an uphill route on a difficult path that goes from the ridge of the northernmost part of the Korthio valley. where there is an impressive view of the two beaches of Korthi, in the area of the village of Korthi and Kaparia. Then you descend towards Korthi passing through the villages of Lardia and Rogos and proceed along the river towards Korthi. At the beginning of the route there are no springs. You can get water from a spring in the village of Lardia.
10. From the beach of Agios Petros to the Tower of Agios Petros and the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis
Route duration 4-5 hours
From the square in Batsi you go to Agios Petros, usually by local bus. The intensive route starts from the beach of Agios Petros to the Tower of Agios Petros which is located just below the village. You proceed towards the village where at three of the shady springs you can rest and get water. From the village square the route continues towards the hill which, depending on the season, is covered with thyme, lavender or heather towards the women's monastery of Zoodochos Pigi where you can visit the small church and the old loom. In the women's monastery women must wear long skirts and men long trousers.
ALADDIN'S CAVE
The cave is of great tourist interest due to its rich stalagmites and stalactites and white calcite curtains. Its depth reaches 11.5 meters and the length of its tourist route is 200 meters.
CAVE IN VITALI
The cave in Vitali is located on the beach next to the riverbed. You will see wonderful and colorful stalactites.
CAVE OF MANIFESTED.
The cave of Faneromeni is located in the "Castle of Faneromeni", above the village of Kokhylou about 200 meters to the left of the main gate of the above castle.
Andros hosts several wetlands, due to its abundant streams, rivers and lakes. In these areas, rare species of migratory birds
, DIPOTAMATAS, find shelter for resting and breeding.
The Dipotamata area is a rare ecologically protected habitat and characterized as of special natural beauty. It is also declared by the European Union as a house museum. It is a valley full of wonderful buildings, dovecotes, bridges, threshing floors, cobblestones and 22 watermills. To pass through the area you must decide to hike. You will start from the ravine between the villages of Kokhylos and Vouni, which are located to the north of the Korthio bay, and you will end up at Syneti beach. Through a beautiful green Dipotamata valley, you will walk on a stone-paved path, next to the gorge with the stream. You will see many watermills, some in good condition and others in ruins. Once they were the most important means of exploiting the power of water in the Cyclades.
You can then reach it by a hiking trail. The road starts on the left from the village of Apoikia. Following the signs you will go through a green path down the river, to the point of the waterfall formed by the springs.
OLD CITY.
In Paleopolis before the village, 9 km. from Batsi, there is a small settlement, built on the road on the side of the mountain. At the beginning of the settlement the abundant water you will see comes from a waterfall located high on Mount Petalo.
STREAMS.
The waterfall at Remata is located on the road to the village of Arni. The waterfall is located going up along the ravine that we will meet. The gully is overgrown and the route will repay you.
Pithara.
You can then reach it by a hiking trail. The road starts on the left from the village of Apoikia. There are signs and following them through an overgrown path will take you down to the river, to the point of the waterfall formed by the springs.
Menites.
In the village of Menites, a quiet settlement with lush vegetation, where you will see streams with plane trees and
Pithara springs.
Arni On the beautiful route from the village of Kato Katakoilos to the village of Arni, on the slopes of Mount Kouvara, with beautiful landscapes, old houses, springs and dense vegetation, you will see many springs and running water from them.
Colony.
In the village of Apoikia, which is 5 km. from Chora, you will see the famous Sariza spring, with the large stone fountain, known for its drinking and thermal water, valuable for kidney patients. Next to the spring is the water bottling factory. Other well-known springs are Lezina, Zenio in Kouvara, Koumulos in Menites, Meliti and Metohi in Strapouries, Abyssos in Livadia and Akoi and Livada in Lamyra.