6 days guided hiking tour
Explore South Andros
Explore the “unknown” Korthi as you hike!
By choosing this walking holiday you will explore the area of Korthi. Located in the southern part of Andros is crossed by two mountain ranges, Gerakones in the north and Rachi in the south. In between lies the fertile valley of Korthi, and the impressive gorge Dipotamata, with abundance of running water and numerous watermills.. In the area dominates the Faneromeni Castle or Upper Castle a medieval fortification with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. In the are you will find many beautiful and sandy beaches, with the most famous “Grias Pidima”. On this 6-day walking holiday you will have the opportunity to “go deep” into this beautiful authentic area of the island. We suggest this holiday for those who want to keep out of the touristic areas and familiarize with the local way !
Let our local nature lovers guides to introduce you to the flora and fauna as well as history and culture of the most authentic island of Cyclades. Our qualified guides are fully First Aid and CPR certified.
Day 1
Arrival day transfer and check-in at your accommodation. Welcome drinks and Greek ‘mezes’ in the evening, first meeting and some information about the program.
Chora
Chora – Andros
Korthi
Korthi
Panachrantos monastery
Panachrantos monastery
Tromarchia
Dipotamata
Zagora
Day 2: Upper Castle-Dipotamata Gorge-Chora
Our first walking adventure starts with the most popular route of the network. We follow the old cobbled trail from Korthi to Chora, the central agricultural and commercial artery for South-East Andros until 1950. Admire the splendid views as you ascent to the Upper Castle. Explore the most important structures in Dipotamata gorge, the watermills, consisting the basis of an open-air eco-museum!! Passing through the picturesque village of Sineti we arrive in Chora. Enough time to explore the city, visit the museums, enjoy the beach and have lunch. We drive back to the village in the evening.
Distance 11 km, (Korthi – Hora ) walking time around 4,5 hrs
Upper-Castle-Korthi-Andros-Cyclades
Stone-Bridge-Dipotamata-Valley-Andros
Andros_190428_td_1075-727
Day 3: The Mountain Range of Rachi
Today you will come upon one of the most beautiful rural and diverse landscapes of the island. We will cross the mountain to reach the southwest side of the island. Starting from Aidonia Village with the marble-covered spring, decorated with post-Byzantinein bas-reliefs, the trail leaves Korthi behind and leads to Moschionas, a monumental complex of traditional architecture. On the route, you will cross small picturesque villages with beautiful mansions and tower houses, springs, and watermills.
And as the stone-paved path continues to the south west coastline it will lead you to the precipitous area of the Tromarchia Monastery where you will really experience breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. You will have enough time to visit the monastery and have your picnic at the shady yard. Then we will come back by the same path. Evening Free.
Distance 14 km (Aidonia-Tromarchia and back) – walking time around 4 hrs
Day 4: a sightseeing tour or Another 10km hiking ?
Today you have the choice of a leisure day exploring the west side of the island or another extraordinary walking tour. A sightseeing tour, crossing the island, from the eastern to the northern part and then to the west. See the highlights of this wonderful island, from stunning natural landscapes and important sights to picturesque villages. Visit Batsi Town – the cosmopolitan area of Andros. Discover the charm of this little traditional seaside village, with the neoclassical architecture and the red-tiled houses that spread amphitheatrically around the bay. Take a walk to the small labyrinth of narrow Cycladic streets or enjoy the sandy, large, and organized beach. Free time for swim and lunch before we drive back to Korthi.
What about another hike? The circular Andros Trail Race10km waits for you to be explored. An opportunity to know better the wider area of Korthi Bay, by crossing traditional villages, beautiful trails surrounded by a unique agriculture landscape. Stone springs, dovecotes, the windmill, the watermill, and the Love Bridge (Little England movie) in Episkopio, the traditional villages of Alamania, Episkopio, and Lardia are some of the points of interest you will cross along your hiking tour.
Distance 10km – (ATR 10K) walking time around 3,5 hrs
Tavlomilos Andros Korthi Episkopeio Greece
Batsi Andros Cyclades Greece
Day 5: Panachrados Monastery and Zagora Ancient Settlement
Today will drive to the hiking starting point. Destination The Panachrados Monastery, where the monks will introduce us to the history of this impressive stone building and its spirituality.
Our hiking day tour will start through one of the major routes crossing the Mountain Gerakonas connecting the east coast to the west. The beautiful rural landscape will unfold in front of you the agricultural character of the old times, while you will experience magnificent views of the country villages Pitrofos, Menites, Lamyra, and the capital of the island, Chora. Among the uniquely beautiful trail, overgrown with oak and Mediterranean maple trees your guide will introduce you to the magnificent herbal world of Andros. The hiking trail leads us to a hill peninsula with the impressive remains of city walls, houses, streets, and the temple of the settlement of Zagora, dating to the Geometric period. The area has been nominated as a zone of absolute protection against modern interventions. You will be astonished by the view of the Archipelago!!! After a short rest and time for your picnic, you will walk for another 1,5 km to reach the main road where a car will wait to drive us back to Korthi. Optional a swim to the nearby beach. Evening free.
Day 6: Departure Day
Depending on your departure time you will get a transfer to the port.
Information about the trip
-
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
-
Persons
min 2 – max 10
-
Overnight
Ormos Korthi (Korthi Bay)
-
Departure Dates
Any time between March – November
-
Trip Type
Guided Walking Holiday (This holiday can turn into Self-Guided mode)
-
Difficulty
Moderate
-
Highlights
Experience 3 or 4 guided hikes
Explore and overnight at the most authentic side of Andros
Walk ancient cobbled paths
A sightseeing half day tour to explore the rest of Andros
Traditional cuisine welcome dinner
-
Included services
- Ferry Tickets Rafina – Andros – Rafina
- 5 night accommodation with breakfast shared in a twin/double room.
- 3 or 4 guided walking tours
- Picnic on route.
- One sightseeing tour
- Welcome dinner
- All necessary local transfers.
- 24 hour support on the island for any troubleshooting or advice.
- English-French-Italian speaking guide with local knowledge.
-
Not included
- Flight Tickets
- Athens Airport transfers (upon request)
- Other than mentioned meals/beverages
- Travel Medical Insurance *
* Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can organize travel insurance with your preferred insurance company.
Trip Details
Insurance: Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation.
One Foot Forward is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour. (See Terms & Conditions)
Transportation: We travel by private cars, taxis or minivan.
Accommodation: We stay in family run hotels or studio/apartments in the main towns (all with private facilities).The tour prices are based on double occupancy with breakfast.
Food: Every morning we have breakfast and picnic lunch on route. Then dinner, if included in the program. (Vegetarians are welcome on our tours. Ask for the special diet menu)
Group Size: 2-10 participants.
The walking tours offer an easy to moderate level of difficulty with a maximum of 4 hours walk per day. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little experience.
Things you need to bring :
- Daypack (approx. 20 lt.)
- Trekking shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Fleece
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimming suit