The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each otherrmed with gloves and pruners, my friend and I are near Pythara waterfall above Chora – the capital of the Greek island of Andros – and we are cutting back thorny and overhanging vegetation. We are helping out the local voluntary association. Andros RoutesThe restoration of an ancient network of mule paths from the coast, to the interior, and the low mountains, has been undertaken by. The tracks form part of a new walking holiday that allows us to explore the pretty island on foot – and give something back, too.
Ramble Worldwide offers an eight-day tour that takes you from Ormos Kothiou in the south to Gavrio on the north coast via Chora, all with low-key accommodation and luggage transfers between hotels. You can tailor your holiday to fit your energy level, and choose from easy circular walks or full-on hiking days. Taxis or buses are available to help you skip sections. You can help maintain the paths along the way (secateurs, gloves and other tools are delivered directly to your hotel).
Andros Routes was founded in 2010 by Olga Karayiannis. She returned to the island after living in Athens to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the island. So far, 100 miles (160km) of trails have been restored and broken into numbered sections – with plans to extend them to 150 miles – and each part has its own “angel” who checks up on the route and steps in when a problem is reported.
As we make our way slowly down from Pythara, towards the shimmering Mediterranean of Chora, we are often accompanied by cats. They may amble along the path, watch us as we move stones, cut back spiky plants, or pick up garbage. As we walk past homes where tomatoes and courgettes are growing in abundance, butterflies and lizards kiss our legs. We stop to smell wild jasmine as well as mints and herbs of all kinds.
On our way to the sea, we pass through cacti and groves of olive trees. We can also see caves in the cliffs that were once used by locals as a refuge from Turkish invasions and monks. Folklore says that fairies live in the shaded pools. We also walk past chapels and abandoned watermills. We finish our walk by swimming in the cool, green sea just outside Chora. Then, we sip on fresh juices from the watermelon garden at the Votsalo Beach Bar.
For a deeper understanding of the Andros Routes Project, guests are encouraged to time their trip with the community maintenance walks (held every other weekend in spring and autumn, and announced on the news page). Two of the “angels”, Valentini and Vicky (both in their 40s), join us on a walk to share stories and information about Andros, the vegetation and the importance of the routes for them and the island. The majority of “angels” on Andros are women. This is appropriate for an island that has a culture of strong women who manned the fort when the men were away at sea.
Islanders tell us that they love the pathways. The oldest sections date back to the 1200s. They can see the impact of the plan on the island which was once wealthy due to its shipbuilding industry. Olga’s vision consists of a “chain” of sustainability where locals are supported by visitors who eat in their homes, and stay in old stone houses that have been restored. The trial bunkhouse “Konaki” in Katakalei, near Apikia, will now have more options. It’s also helping to extend the tourist season, with more people coming in March–May and September–November for the more pleasant walking temperatures.
My friend and I walk the ancient irrigation channels from Mesaria to Menites in the evening. These ancient irrigation channels bring water from the mountains down. Andros Routes, in collaboration with the local cultural association, leads us to a children’s weaving workshop at the community center. Andros was once known for its silk production due to the mulberry trees. The cultural association leader, Despina, is one of those who are trying to preserve the tradition.
Olga was also one of founders of Andros Research Center which has created an interactive map Bookable visits can be made to small-scale producers on the island to view their work and to stock up. You may also see them working as you stroll along. We stop and watch a local honeybeekeeper care for his hives.
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As the days pass, our walks become more varied. Some days we spend all day walking, while others we use shortcuts like a taxi or bus to do a shorter walk. We also pay attention to what needs maintenance, and we help with secateurs when we can. In some areas, we walk through lush vegetation and shaded valleys. We also pass by old ruined churches where goats take refuge. Some areas are rocky and arid. Sunscreen is essential.
One of our favourite days is spent exploring inland around the villages of Remata and Katakilos, which includes lots of steep, challenging-but-rewarding uphills. This section contrasts with the last part of the route between Batsi resort and Gavrio ferry port, which is flat with breathtaking coastal views. We send a picture of a sign in a remote area that is starting to crumble but no one has noticed.
The charmingly low-key Irene Hotel is our final destination. On San Pedro beach, outside Gavrio we decide to chill out instead of walk. There, with uninhabited islands as a dreamy backdrop, we swim in the Aegean and relax at great-value beach bars serving Greek salads, paellas, sangrias and the like – the perfect antidote to hike-weary limbs.
Ramble Worldwide, the company that provided this trip, was responsible for arranging it. eight-night Walking on Andros Holiday costs £729pp B&BTransfers, luggage transfer, maps, route descriptions and telephone assistance 24 hours a day. The departures between Between May and October 2025
