Cycladic Islands: Andros & Tinos

After arrival at Athens Airport, our taxi driver will take you to the port of Rafina, where you will depart late afternoon by ferry to Andros. The ferry journey takes approximately 2 hours. Once you arrive at Gavrio harbour, you will take a local bus for about an hour to Chora, the capital of Andros. Your accommodation is in the Nimborio area. If your flight arrives after 14:30, we recommend that you book an extra night in Rafina or Athens, in which case you will travel by ferry to Andros the next morning.

In the morning there is plenty of time to explore Andros Chora, with its impressive mansions and museums. Andros has long been an island famous for its shipwrights, who built beautiful houses and donated museums to the island.
In the afternoon, take a bus or taxi to the nearby village of Apikia, which is built along a wide, green valley. Here you follow old, walled mule tracks that lead you through the valley. You pass the dilapidated tower of Bitsis, which has a mysterious atmosphere. Through olive groves you reach the beach at Gialia. After a swim, you hike a short distance up to cross a headland, before continuing down to your beachfront accommodation in Nimborio.
5km +90m -340m

From Andros Chora you hike up a beautiful paved path (kalderimi) surrounded by tall cypresses and olive groves. The walls of the path, built of slate, are both traditionally and almost artistically designed. You will pass the villages of Lamira and Mesaria, known for their impressive churches and natural springs.
This is followed by a pleasant descent to an old Venetian bridge, crossing the riverbed. High up on the mountain you will see the Monastery of Panachrantos. A steady climb leads you up to the monastery, which seems to literally hang from Mount Gerakonas. The view of the island and the warm welcome of the monastery make the climb well worth it.
After the visit to the monastery, you will hike back through the green valley of the Livadia River to Andros Chora.
18,5 km +650m -650m

Today’s linear hike mainly follows kalderimia (paved mule tracks) and dirt roads. Throughout the hike you will enjoy great views of the sea. Start the day by bus or taxi to the Ormos Korthiou hike start, where you will make your way up an intact old kalderimi, through orchards and past the quiet village of Kochilos.
After Kochilos you will reach the ruins of the old fortress of Paleokastro. The final stretch to the top is an optional detour, but definitely worth the effort due to the impressive 360-degree views of South Andros.
Through the dramatic Dipotama Gorge, you’ll continue to the village of Sineti, where you can take a break at a local café or visit a folklore museum. Leaving Sineti, you’ll face one last climb before beginning the descent to the beautiful sandy beach of Paraporti, on the eastern side of Andros Chora. You then cross Andros Chora to reach the beach of Nimborio.
14km +530 -530m

In the morning, take a transfer to Gavrio and the ferry to Tinos. A transfer will then take you to your hotel. After check-in, take the public bus or a taxi to Tripotamos and walk through the picturesque village of Mountados, surrounded by 28 small and large churches, including the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis, built in 1849.
You will then continue via the Vaketa Dam back to Chora. It’s definitely worth spending some time in Mountados, exploring its narrow, winding cobbled streets and steps.
6.7 km +25m -335m

Today’s hike is a fantastic tour that takes you around the impressive Exombourgo Mountain and through some of the most beautiful villages on Tinos. You’ll hike through valleys and terraced fields, past villages with narrow alleys, many churches and a monastery. In the wide valley between Loutra and Kambos you will find the finest dovecotes, so characteristic of Tinos. The hike starts and ends with a transfer.
8,3 km +280m -280m

This last hike on Tinos offers great views of Tinos town and the south coast. You will take a transfer to Falatados and then hike through agricultural fields towards Exobourgo. On top of the mountain you will find the Venetian fortress of Exoburgo. You then continue southwards, descending via old mule tracks. You will pass several impressive ruins of windmills before continuing downhill along a long kalderimi to Tinos town. The hike takes just 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the bustling town, which is dominated by the great church of Panagia. Alternatively, you can choose to visit one of the fine sandy beaches nearby.
8 km +100m -470m

We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.