Lonely Planet Italy recently published an extensive feature about the island of Andros, describing it as the top Greek hiking destination.

As stated in the article, “Andros is a beautiful exception to the Cyclades through its maritime history and its unusually green nature combined with rivers and living springs. The ancient Greeks called it Ydrousa, meaning ‘watery’.

For centuries the islanders were self-sufficient, cultivating terraces for the production of vegetables, olive oil, wine, and herbs.

Andros has much to offer, a mountainous hinterland criss-crossed by green valleys and surrounded by crystal clear waters, an elegant capital with neoclassical palaces, picturesque villages, but also many historical sites such as ancient Greek monuments, 13th-century Venetian sites of interest and old watermills.”

Focusing on hiking as the best experience of getting to know the enchanting Cycladic destination, the established travel medium calls Andros Routes a “flagship” volunteer project that has created an impressive network of signposted trails tens of kilometres long, utilising impressive natural terrains, secondary village roads, and paved paths.

“Andros is a destination that ‘takes you on a journey’ to an earthly paradise just two hours from Athens and has its fair share of ‘optics’ for a holiday in the Cyclades without the masses. Excellent services at reasonable prices, wonderful beaches and an endless range of options for activities, relaxation, and fun make Andros stand out in this special summer,” says Andros Mayor Dimitris Lottsaris.