Ariana Masselou
A not so easily satisfied spirit, Ariana has studied French Literature and worked for many years as a marketer in the film industry before settling in the world of tourism. Thousands of miles of traveling around the world meanwhile, she has been strongly attracted to local cultures and has persistently immersed herself in exploring the places she has visited, visiting the homes of the locals, learning their language, and sampling their meals. Holding in her quiver three foreign languages (French, English, Italian), a hiking guide diploma, a group escort certification, she continues to visit and read about various parts of Greece, and there is nothing that brings her greater joy than presenting travelers to Greece’s profound beauty, particularly her beloved, Cyclades, where her base is.
She chose Andros as her homeplace and still continues to explore inch by inch the Andriotic land, wandering the old trails, discovering and “feeling” this peculiar and diverse landscape, reading about history and culture through books, and getting closer to the locals.
In 2012 with some friends and partners with the same approach towards life, she created a team of experts, who would introduce the “alternative” Andros to travelers, and each one of them sharing their knowledge and practices. And this is how 10 years later One Foot Forward Travel was born. An eco-friendly outdoor and cultural activities agency in the Cyclades.
Her aim is to offer sustainable and responsible travel services, with activities that animate and enrich with new experiences the mind, body, and soul of the visitor!
She worships the God Sun, and lives with 7 cats…..
Violetta Kapsali
Violetta Kapsali grew up in Athens and has deep roots in Andros, an island that shaped her connection with nature, wellbeing and mindful living. She holds a degree in Public and Community Health and a Master’s in Public Health Science & Policy from the University of West Attica.
Her professional background includes work in health-care and educational settings, supporting children and participating in community health programs that promote wellbeing and quality of life. This experience has strengthened her understanding of communication, care and human connection — values central to One Foot Forward.
Violetta is passionate about the outdoors, enjoys exploring natural landscapes, and is inspired by travel, new cultures and experiences that encourage personal growth.
Today, she is a key member of the One Foot Forward team, responsible for Operations & Administration, coordinating logistics, partners and guest communication. As a local from Andros, she also accompanies selected cultural experiences, offering guests a warm and authentic insight into the island.
Kostis Giannopoulos
I was born in Switzerland to a Greek father and a Dutch mother. Thanks to my father’s work, I had the unique opportunity to spend my childhood in Switzerland, Africa, France, Greece, and Luxembourg, where I completed my studies at the European School.
Having graduated in Economics from the University of Athens, I pursued a career in Finance, working in the banking sector for fifteen years. In 2015, I made the decision to turn the page and reinvent myself in the field of tourism — specifically in sailing trips and hiking in Greece.
Fortunate enough to have a secondary home in the Cyclades, specifically on Tinos since the early 2000s, I was able to fulfil my dream of living there year-round.
My love of nature, the discovery of new landscapes, the pursuit of well-being, and above all the desire to share that joy with others are the defining traits of my profile as a tour guide.
On Tinos in particular, I strive to make known the warm Cycladic spirit — one that is slowly fading due to mass tourism. Beyond that, I seek out places well off the beaten track.
For me, every hike is a new adventure. I make it my goal to create an enjoyable experience for everyone, blending warmth and conviviality with professionalism.
Alex Karadimos
Alex was born and raised in a village of Andros until his teenage years where he moved to Athens and later to Holland for studies on geology and music. Growing up surrounded by sea and mountains he was involved in different athletics such as skiing, climbing, mountaineering, running.
As a musician he is participating in the local scene of Athens playing guitar and composing strange music and sounds for dance and theater.
He holds certification from Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing, has numerous ascents on mountains in Greece and Europe and is impassioned to convey his experience on nature through guiding.
He speaks Greek and English.
