Hike through two beautiful and less-visited Islands in Greece
This Greek hiking tour can be done as a guided or a self-guided tour and is perfect for people that want a trekking tour where they can spend time exploring local villages, learning about Greek history and having time to relax in the famous Greek sunshine.
This trekking tour explores two extremely beautiful Cycladic Islands, which are part of a chain of islands in the Aegean Sea. One of the most ancient European civilizations, the Cycladic Civilization (3,000-1,000BC) was born and prospered here.
You will explore magnificent paths and trails with breathtaking views on this hiking tour in the Greek islands. Discover traditional Greek villages, local craftsmen and the unique Cycladic architecture and history. Along the way stop at pretty sandy beaches and enjoy beautiful sunsets.
While some of the Cycladic Islands are quite popular with international travellers, this trekking tour takes in two islands that are still largely undiscovered: Andros and Tinos! Andros is the 2nd largest and the most northerly island in the Cyclades. Thanks to local springs, Andros is irrigated and thus verdant with a large number of olive trees, pines and fruit trees. One mile from Andros is Tinos, famous for its characteristic dovecotes, and full of picturesque villages and windmills. Twice a year, on March 25th and August 15th, pilgrims inundate the island to visit the famous church of Virgin Mary (in Greek: Panagia).
During this guided or self-guided hiking tour, you will explore magnificent paths and trails with breathtaking views. Along the way discover traditional Greek villages, local craftsmen and the unique Cycladic architecture and history. Don’t forget to take time to stop at pretty sandy beaches and enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Make your way to Andros (it’s a 1 hour ferry transfer from Rafina port near Athens) and get a transfer from the port and check-in at the hotel. You will meet the other guests for the first time to get to know each other and have a small talk about the trekking program. You will enjoy Greek hospitality, with welcome drinks and small bites of Greek delicacies (mezes in Greek).
Today is the longest walk of the tour, following the “Ample Way” (Fardia Strata), an old path which connects Andros to the central villages and Chora.
The first part of the hike provides panoramic views of the west coast and the ancient port of Palaiopolis. You’ll be walking on a beautiful cobbled path with holy oak, wild olives and seasonal crops. Later on, you will pass by two small waterfalls and the watermills of Melida and the Olive Oil Museum. You’ll end up in the charming village of Pitrofos for an authentic gastronomic experience: lunch with special local dishes.
Today you will start from Chora on a beautiful circular route. As you hike past Gialia Beach you can admire the unique natural environment formed by the river. From there, you will be on a good footpath that runs parallel to Pythara ravine as it goes up towards Apikia Village, passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros. After a rest and a light lunch, descend back to Chora via a different path, enjoying a magnificent view of the capital city and the sea. During this hike, you will visit ‘the Fabrica’, an old pasta factory watermill, a medieval stone bridge, the Bistis-Mouvelas Tower dating from the 17th century and Pythara waterfalls. There will be a light lunch during our hike to a local “mezedopoleo” and then return to Chora. You’ll have free time to enjoy a swim, enjoy a rest or walk to the center of the town.
Todays route is a great hike all about variety, as you connect central and south Andros. You will follow the old road leading to Korthi, connecting the two old medieval castles of Andros, using the main agricultural and commercial road for south-eastern Andros until 1950. You will cross the pretty Dipotamata ravine, a valley with impressive water mills, an arched bridge, and Kochylou medieval castle.
After 3 days of walking, today will be a bit of a day off, as you transfer to the port and take a boat to the island of Tinos (2hours). Having settled at your hotel, we have the rest of the day free to explore the town of Tinos.
A highlight of the town is the church of Virgin Mary in Chora. Tradition says that a nun, Pelagia, from the nearby convent of Kechrovouni had visions of Virgin Mary revealed to her the burial place of an icon. After intensive searching, an icon was indeed found, at the spot where the Church stands today. Today the icon is widely believed to be the source of numerous miracles and Tinos has become the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the 15th of August. Many pilgrims make their way the 800 meters from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as a sign of devotion.
Today you explore the picturesque villages and dovecotes of Tinos. You will be trekking on an impressive medieval paved path (kalderimi), and visit the old villages of Ktikados, Xatzirados and Tarabados. These are the heart of traditional dovecote architecture in Tinos. You will end up in Kiona Bay. Along the way you will have a light lunch at a traditional “kafeneion” at Ktikados.
You will return to Chora either by hiking or by taxi. Enjoy a rest or go for a swim in the evening.
Today you will hike on an old, paved path up to Xobourgo, the ancient Byzantine fort on Tinos. Enjoy remarkable views of the Aegean Sea. Continue walking down to Volax, an isolated and beautiful white village in the middle of a plateau surrounded by hills of round granite blocks. Then continue on to the village of Falatados, the second biggest settlement on Tinos, with an imposing Cathedral and the famous House of Scetch.
Unfortunately, this wonderful Greek trekking tour of Andros and Tinos is complete today. Enjoy a transfer to the port, where you can take a ferry back to Athens. There are also ferries to other nearby Greek Islands if you want to explore more of beautiful Greece.
This tour in Greece is run as a private tour for your group only and can be booked as guided or self-guided. The pricing depends on whether you need a guide or not, and on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person.
The accommodation on this trekking tour in Andros and Tinos is in private rooms for 2 people/room. For groups with an odd number of guests, you can choose a triple room and receive a discount on the tour price.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms will require single supplement, please enquire about the pricing.
Centrally situated in Andros Town just a 5-minute walk from Paraporti Beach, Anemomiloi features studios with free Wi-Fi. Units have furnished verandas overlooking the Aegean Sea and the Cycladic countryside.
The whitewashed Onar Studios is located 100 m from Tinos Port and 150 m from the nearest beach. Enjoying views to the Old Port, it offers self-catered accommodation and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners if booked on guided mode.
7 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 0 dinners if booked on self-guided mode.
Accommodations for the duration of the tour
Trip includes return transfers from ports to hotels as well as necessary transfers for the hikes.
How hard is this tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. Relatively easy hikes and activities for beginners (3 – 4 hours per day), good start for a first outdoor holiday. The walking is on a mixture of dirt tracks and well – constructed stone mule paths. These trips are designed for active people who enjoy energetic days. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and able to walk similar distances.
Do I need a Visa?
Check with your local country about visa requirements for travel to Greece. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included?
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included for guided trips.7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 0 dinners are included for self-guided trips.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Travel Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. You can get travel insurance here.
How do I get to the start of this tour?
Make your own way to Andros (it’s a 1 hour ferry transfer from Rafina port near Athens). You will get a transfer from the port and check-in at the hotel.
Are the tours in English?
Yes, your tour leader is English speaking (and a heck of a lot of fun!)
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in the port on the Island of Tinos. You can arrange your own ferry transfer to Rafina port near Athens, or other nearby Islands.
Can I rent gear?
You shouldn’t need to rent any gear for this tour.
Do I need vaccines?
You should check with a doctor at a licenced Travel clinic or talk to your family doctor.
Should I tip a guide?
Tips are optional and based on good service.
What should I bring with me?
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your entire luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights. You can leave the luggage that you don’t need on the trek, at the hotel in Athens or in our offices.
When is the best time to travel to Greece for this tour?
The best time to travel to Andros and Tinos islands is May through October.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. Relatively easy hikes and activities for beginners (3 – 4 hours per day), good start for a first outdoor holiday. The walking is on a mixture of dirt tracks and well – constructed stone mule paths. These trips are designed for active people who enjoy energetic days. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and able to walk similar distances.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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