Hiking Trails and Andros — two words that go hand in hand. Andros boasts an extensive network of trails, many of which are centuries-old stone paths. These trails once connected settlements, places of worship, and ports across the island. However, with the rise of automobiles in the mid-20th century, many of these paths were either cut off or replaced by roads.
Today, Andros still retains an exceptionally vast network of hiking routes, estimated to exceed 300 km in total length, with over 200 km of accessible trails. The island is dotted with over 200 watermills, 69 windmills, numerous bridges—many of them arched—and hundreds of chapels, creating an idyllic setting for exploration.
Chora – Ypsilou – Mesathouri – Lamira – Menites – Messaria – Panachrantos Monastery
Chora – Apoikia – Katakalaioi – Vourkoti (with a detour to Pythara waterfalls)
Chora – Syneti – Dipotamata – Epano Kastro – Kochylou – Ormos Korthiou
Moni Tromarchion – Piso Meria – Ammonakleiou – Mousionas – Aidonia
Vrachnou – Exo Vouni – Mesa Vouni – Gianniseo – Ladia – Rogo – Ormos Korthiou
Vourkoti – Monastery of Agios Nikolaos – Ahla Beach
Stavropeda – Aladou – Sasa – Panachrantos Monastery
Apikia – Apatouria – Stenies – Gialia – Nimporio
Strapourgies – Ano Pitrofos – Palaeopolis – Ano Aprovatou
Apikia – Evrouses – Strapourgies – Mesathouri
Batsi – Katakilos – Ano Katakilos – Arni
Batsi – Aprovatou
Vourkoti – Kouvara – Prophet Elias – Arni
Arni – Remata – Lefka Beach
Gavrio – Ano Gavrio – Agia Leousa
Gavrio – Ano Agios Petros – Tower – Beach
Scholi (Gavrio) – Ano Gavrio – Ano Agios Petros – Scholi
Ano Agios Petros – Moni Agias – Batsi
Chora – Livadia – Chora (Circular)
Livadia – Vrachnou – Prophet Daniel – Petrias – Falika – Aladinou – Vakoni
Piso Meria – Prophet Elias – Stavros Beach
Pera Choria 1 & 2 (Circular)
Aprovato (Circular)
Amolochos - Livadeza - Vitali - Amolochos (Circular)
It’s easy to see why Hiking Trails and Andros have become inseparable in the minds of visitors. Unlike other Cycladic islands, Andros is lush and mountainous, with abundant water sources, dramatic landscapes, and diverse scenery. The island features small forests, fertile valleys, countless beaches, gorges with continuous water flow, waterfalls, and springs found in nearly every slope and valley.
Continuous human presence throughout history has left visible marks even on the steepest slopes, where stone-built landscapes shape the scenery. The variety of rural architecture is fascinating, with stone walls, terraces, old olive presses, and traditional threshing floors blending harmoniously into nature.
The Andros Routes initiative, maintained by a dedicated team and volunteers from around the world, plays a vital role in restoring and preserving these historic hiking trails.
Andros Routes is a project aimed at combining environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism development on the island. Its core mission is the mapping, maintenance, and promotion of Andros’ ancient footpaths, as well as the documentation of oral history.
The project actively involves residents, local authorities, researchers, visitors, and tourism businesses. Most of the work is carried out through volunteer efforts, supported by private individuals and organizations. Thanks to these efforts, Andros has become a top hiking destination, offering an authentic experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
12 recommendations for Andros from the andros-guide.gr team