Andros Trail Self Guided Walk
Andros Trail Self Guided Walk
$990
Tour Overview
Embark on the Andros Trail Self Guided Walk and immerse yourself in the stunning coastal scenery of Greece's Cycladic island of Andros. This adventure offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, with opportunities to explore unspoilt beaches and encounter local wildlife. Stay in charming, handpicked hotels and savor authentic Greek cuisine at local tavernas. As part of a sustainable tourism project, you'll help maintain ancient paths while enjoying panoramic views, hidden villages, and historical sites. With a digital information pack and emergency hotline, this self-guided tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Athens, Transfer To Rafina Port, Ferry To Andros And Bus To Ormos Korthiou
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
On your arrival in Athens you will be met and transferred to the port of Rafina from where you will depart by ferry in the late afternoon to Andros (ferry: approx 2hrs). Pick-up is possible from Athens airport or city. From Andros, port Gavrio, you travel by local bus to Ormos Korthiou (bus: approx 1hr). On arrival you will receive a welcome package including a small pruner and gloves.
*You will need to arrive in Athens before 1.00pm to travel to Rafina and onwards today. For arrivals after 1.0pm, we can book a pre-trip night in Athens - please ask for our rates. Alternatively, you may wish to book your own pre-trip night in the port town of Rafina or the village of Mati (5km/3mi from Rafina). In this case, you will travel on the 7.30 am morning ferry to Andros. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Transfer To Tromarchion Monastery, Return To Ormos Korthiou On Foot (3Hrs)
Location: Andros
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk today starts at Tromarchion monastery, situated high upon a cliff near the west coast of Andros. You will enjoy panoramic views over the wide valley of Kothi and the sea on the horizon. A short section is via a dirt road but most of the walk is via old footpaths. The route is mostly hilly with ascents and descents but without too many height variations. Distance 9km/5.6mi, +180m (590ft), -350m (-1148ft).
Day 3 : Inland Walk To The White Town Of Chora (5 Or 6 Hrs)
Location: Andros Chora
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are 2 possible routes today. Walking from Ormos Korthiou to Andros Chora you will encounter outstanding views, tiny, well-hidden villages, old watermills and beautiful stony trails. The first part of the walk takes you through traditionally cultivated land that is used for small-scale farming. You'll cross a mountain ridge to the valley of Andros Chora where you will have impressive views of this great valley and the township of Andros Chora. Continue through forest and orchards until you reach town. Crossing the town you'll come down to the beach of Nimborio, where your accommodation is situated. Andros Chora has two fine museums and is a great town to stroll through or relax in a local cafe. Distance 14 or 15km/8.7-9.3mi, +530 or 700m (+1740ft/2296ft), -530 or 700m (-1740ft/2296ft)
Day 4 : Circular Walks From Chora - 2 Options (4 Or 6.5Hrs)
Location: Andros
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are a couple of walking options today. You can take the wide paved paths ('kalerimia') through the forest to Apikia, a village situated in a green valley that is famous for its spring water. The path descends along cypress hedges to the old Bitsis-tower house and on to the sandy beach of Gialia. Following this there is a short but demanding climb before a final descent to the beach of Nimborio. Alternatively, walking via great walled footpaths you ascend to the charming villages of Lamira and Messaria. After crossing the arched Venetian bridge of Stichiomeni the pathway climbs steadily to the monastery of Panachrantou (590m). The monastery clings to the side of the mountain Gerakonas. The monks will happily show you around this historical and architectural monument, and after taking a break you descend through the lush valley of Livadia towards Andros Chora. The path will take you along the river to the beach of Paraporti with the last section through some interesting wetlands.
Both walks are rewarding and you might want to add an extra night here (must be done at the time of booking the trip) - please ask for our rates.
Distance 9 or 17.5km (5.5-11mi), +400 or 600m (+1312/1968ft), -400 or 600m (-1312/1968ft)
Day 5 : Walk On The West Coast Of Andros To Batsi - 2 Options (6.5 Or 5.5Hrs)
Location: Andros
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are 2 options today as you explore the west coast of Andros. With the first option you take a local bus or taxi to Messaria, or a taxi to Ano Pitrofos further along. From Messaria you walk to the beautiful village of Menites, where in the village square you will find many water fountains, considered therapeutic in ancient times. Refreshed, you start your demanding climb up the Petalo mountain, followed by the old trading route over the side of thee mountain with great views over green valleys, villages and the sea far below. On the way up you pass through the village of Ano Pitrofos. Or if you arrive by taxi here, you will have avoided half of the ascent (300m) and shortened the walk by 5km. You then descend to the charming seaside resort of Batsi, where you will stay overnight.
Alternative walk: If you missed visiting the monastery of Panacharantou yesterday, you have the option to walk there today. Instead of returning to Chora, you continue walking to Stavropeda and take the afternoon bus or taxi to Batsi. Distance 16 or 18.5km (10-11.5mi), +560 or 600m (+1840/1968ft), -400 or 700m (-1312/2296ft)
Day 6 : Walk In The Hills Above Batsi Via Villages And Terraced Fields (4Hrs)
Location: Batsi
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take a taxi to the nearby village of Remata to start your walk. Following a lush, shaded stream bed you ascend to the villages of Arni and Katakilos. Via a wide valley with terraced fields you walk to the hills above Batsi. After enjoying the great views, descend to Batsi and the sea.
Alternative walk: if you didn't walk to Ano Pitrofos village yesterday you can take the morning bus to Paleopolis and follow the route above the coast to this lovely village before continuing to Batsi. Distance 11-12km (6.9/7.5mi), +400m (+1312ft) -600m (-1968ft)
Day 7 : Coastal Walk Via The Monastery Of Zoodochou Pigis To Agios Petros Or Gavrio (4Hrs)
Location: Agios Petros
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
A lovely walk today above and parallel to the coast line. On your way you can visit the fortress-like monastery of Zoodochou Pigis. Further along is the imposing spring at Aguis Petros. This walk ends at the beach of Agios Petros. Overnight here or at nearby Gavrio (dependent on availability). Distance 11.5km (7mi), +450 (+1476ft) -450m (-1476ft)
Day 8 : Circular Walk From Agios Petros/Gavrio (3.5Hrs)
Location: Andros
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your last day on the Andros Trail you will walk in the interior near Gavrio. You walk below the beautifully located village of Ano Gavrio and ascend via a pleasant but steep path to the summit of a hill where there are spectacular views of the area. After descending into the valley of Agios Petros you walk past the imposing Hellenistic Tower back to the beach, or continue to Gavrio. Distance 12km (7.5mi), +400 (+1312ft) -400m (-1312ft)
Day 9 : Trip Concludes
Location: Agios Petros
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. The transfer from Agios Petros to Gavrio port is included. All other transfers and ferry tickets need to be booked at additional cost, ask our office for details, or can be arranged on the spot by yourself. Make your own way back to the mainland.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights hotels / B&Bs -
8 breakfasts - breakfasts are usually Greek style inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee & juices
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8 nights in simple hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes not included). Single rooms available on request - supplement applies
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Transfer Athens airport or city hotel to Rafina, Ferry ticket Rafina-Andros
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Luggage transfers, 1 piece per person, 20kg maximum. Supplement applies for excess
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Digital documents including Road book with maps, route direction, GPX and local information
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Emergency hotline
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Pruning tools on loan during the walk
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Travel to Athens and from Agios Petros/Gavrio - ferry ticket Gavrio (Andros) to Rafina (mainland) can be pre-booked for an additional cost, ask our office for details
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Hotel taxes, paid locally (approx. €2 to €5 per night)
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Entrance fees for museums and other sights
Entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest not stated as included are not covered.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes need to be paid locally and are not included.
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Local transfers by bus and taxi
Local transfers by bus and taxi are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as laundry, WIFI, and phone calls are not included.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided walking tour, so a tour guide is not included.
Accommodation
8 nights hotels / B&Bs. The choice of accommodation on Andros is limited and the simple hotels for the trip have been chosen for their atmosphere, comfort and hospitality. All rooms have private facilities and will almost always have a balcony or terrace.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily walks of 4 to 6.5 hours over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike on Andros so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Transfer from Athens airport or city hotel to Rafina, ferry ticket Rafina-Andros, local bus to Ormos Korthiou, and local transfers by bus and taxi.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Andros Trail Self Guided Walk?
The accommodation consists of 8 nights in simple hotels and B&Bs, chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, and hospitality. All rooms have private facilities and will almost always have a balcony or terrace.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts, which are typically Greek style and include breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include meals not listed as included, drinks, a supplement for solo travelers or single rooms, travel insurance, entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest not stated as included, hotel taxes, local transfers by bus and taxi, and items of a personal nature. ...more ...less
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Is there any support provided during the walk?
Yes, you will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a roadbook, and there is an emergency hotline available. Pruning tools are also provided on loan during the walk.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the Andros Trail Self Guided Walk?
The walking is graded as moderate with 4 to 6.5 hours of walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
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What happens if I arrive in Athens after 1.00pm on the first day?
If you arrive in Athens after 1.00pm, you can book a pre-trip night in Athens, Rafina, or the village of Mati. You will then travel on the 7.30 am morning ferry to Andros the next day.
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What are the options for the walk on Day 4?
On Day 4, you have two walking options. One option is to walk through the forest to Apikia and then to the beach of Nimborio. The other option is to walk to the villages of Lamira and Messaria, visit the monastery of Panachrantou, and then descend to the beach of Paraporti.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, the trip concludes after breakfast. The transfer from Agios Petros to Gavrio port is included. All other transfers and ferry tickets need to be booked at an additional cost or can be arranged on the spot by yourself.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Andros Trail Self Guided Walk
9 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Gavrio - Andros, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Andros, Andros Chora, Batsi, Agios Petros
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GRW
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours