Village of Tinos surrounded by hills and traditional architecture
Village of Tinos surrounded by hills and traditional architecture

Cycladic Islands: Andros & Tinos

LEVEL
3
DISTANCE
76 km
DURATION
8 days | 7 nights
PERIOD
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
PRICE FROM
€ 754
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  1. Greece
    2.  | 
  2. Self-Guided
    3.  | 
  3. Tourcode GRSW031

Discover the Cycladic islands: a journey through the lesser-known islands of Andros and Tinos, where ancient trails, timeless villages, and the Aegean’s deep blue create the perfect walking escape.

Andros, just two hours by ferry from Athens’ port of Rafina, is one of the greenest and most fertile islands of the Cyclades. Its stone-paved paths, once used by donkeys, lead through lush valleys, gardens, and sandy beaches. Don’t miss Chora, the island’s elegant main town, with its neoclassical mansions and lively piazzas.

Tinos offers a completely different atmosphere — sacred and serene. Known as the “Lourdes of Greece”, it welcomes thousands of pilgrims on August 15th to the holy church of Panagia of Tinos. Beyond its spiritual fame, the island hides remote bays, quiet villages, and ancient dovecotes scattered across the hills.

Stay in Tinos Chora, explore its inner landscapes and coastal trails, and end your trip with a dinner by the sea in one of its inviting fish taverns.

For a longer adventure, you can easily combine this trip with a stay in Athens or continue your journey by boat to Naxos and Santorini.

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Highlights

  • A great network of historical cobbled paths: walk along centuries-old stone trails through valleys, hills, and timeless villages.
  • The elegance of Andros Town: explore Chora, with its graceful mansions, marble lanes, and sea views.
  • The iconic dovecotes of Tinos: admire the island’s unique stone dovecotes, symbols of tradition and artistry.
  • Swim in turquoise coves and wander through green, peaceful valleys.
  • Two islands, two souls – one journey: experience Andros’ lush charm and Tinos’ serene spirit in a single trip.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrival in Athens. Travel to Andros
Arrival in Athens. Travel to Andros

After your arrival at Athens Airport, a private taxi will take you to the port of Rafina, where you’ll board your afternoon ferry to Andros.
The crossing takes about two hours. Upon arrival at the port of Gavrio, you’ll continue by local bus (approx. one hour) to Chora, the island’s charming capital. .

If your flight arrives after 2:30 p.m., we recommend booking an extra night in Rafina or Athens before the trip begins. In that case, you can take the morning ferry to Andros the following day.

Day 2

Chora-Apikia Loop Walk, 9 km
Chora-Apikia Loop Walk, 9 km

In the morning, take your time to explore Andros Chora, with its elegant shipowners’ mansions and small museums. For centuries, Andros has been home to great seafarers who left their mark on the island’s art and architecture.

In the afternoon, a short taxi ride takes you to Apikia, a peaceful village tucked in a wide, green valley. From here, follow old walled mule tracks as they wind down through olive groves and past the mystical ruins of Bitsis Tower.

Continue to the beach of Gialia, where you can stop for a refreshing swim, before a final gentle ascent and descent leading back to your guesthouse on Nimborio Beach.

Distance: 9 km (or 5 km)

Elevation Gain: +410/-380 m (or +90/-340 m)

Day 3

Chora-Panachrantou Loop Walk, 18,5 km
Chora-Panachrantou Loop Walk, 18,5 km

From Andros Chora, begin your ascent along a beautiful stone-paved path (kalderimi) lined with tall cypresses and olive groves. The dry-stone walls flanking the trail are built from slate in an almost artistic, traditional style, revealing the island’s craftsmanship.

The route passes through the charming villages of Lamira and Mesaria, each with imposing churches and freshwater springs, before descending to an ancient Venetian bridge arching over the dry riverbed. Higher up, the Monastery of Panachrantos comes into view — dramatically clinging to the side of Mount Gerakonas.

A steady climb brings you to the monastery itself, where the panoramic views and the warm welcome of the monks make the effort worthwhile. After your visit, descend through the green valley of the Livadia River, returning peacefully to Andros Chora.

Distance: 18,5 km

Elevation Gain: +650/-650 m

Day 4

Walk from Ormos Korthiou to Chora, 14 km
Walk from Ormos Korthiou to Chora, 14 km

Most of today’s walk follows kalderimia, the beautifully preserved stone-paved mule tracks of Andros, mixed with scenic dirt roads. Along the way, you’ll enjoy wide views over the sea, Ormos Korthiou, and Andros Chora.

Starting from Ormos Korthiou, the trail climbs gently along an ancient path bordered by orchards and the peaceful village of Kochilos. Soon, the ruins of Paleokastro fortress appear on the horizon — an optional but rewarding detour offers breathtaking 360° views over southern Andros.

From there, descend through the dramatic Dipotama Gorge toward Sineti, where a small café and folklore museum invite you to pause. Leaving the village, one final climb leads to a long descent ending at Paraporti Beach, on the eastern side of Andros Chora. Cross the town to reach the calm waters of Nimborio Beach, where your day ends by the sea.

Distance: 14 km

Elevation Gain: +530/-530 m

Day 5

Walk from Tripotamos via Mountados to Chora, 6,7 km
Walk from Tripotamos via Mountados to Chora, 6,7 km

In the morning, take the public bus to Gavrio and board the ferry to Tinos. After check-in, you can reach Tripotamos by bus or taxi and start walking toward the picturesque village of Mountados.

Surrounded by 28 small and large churches, Mountados is dominated by the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis, built in 1849. From here, continue along the dam of Vaketa back to Chora. Take your time to wander Mountados’ narrow cobbled lanes, its tiered alleys and quiet charm — a perfect place to slow down and soak in the island’s atmosphere.

Distance: 6,7 km

Elevation Gain: +25/-335 m

Day 6

Falatados Loop Walk, 15 km
Falatados Loop Walk, 15 km

Today’s walk takes you on a wonderful loop around Mount Exombourgo, through some of the most beautiful villages of Tinos. The trail winds across valleys and terraced fields, along narrow village alleys, and past countless churches and a monastery.

In the broad valley between Loutra and Kambos, you’ll find some of the finest dovecotes on the island — elegant stone towers that are among the most distinctive symbols of Tinos’ rural charm.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation Gain: +570/-570 m

Day 7

Walk from Falatados to Chora, 8 km
Walk from Falatados to Chora, 8 km

This final walk on Tinos rewards you with beautiful views over Tinos Town and the southern coastline. After a short transfer to Falatados, walk through cultivated fields toward Mount Exombourgo, where you can visit the remains of the Venetian fortress perched on its summit.

From here, descend south along ancient mule tracks, passing the ruins of old windmills before following a long kalderimi back to Tinos Town. The walk takes around three hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the lively town center, dominated by the grand Church of Panagia, or simply relax on one of the nearby sandy beaches.

Distance: 8 km

Elevation Gain: +100/-470 m

Day 8

Arrivederci Andros&Tinos!
Arrivederci Andros&Tinos!

For your last day, you can choose between two options — please indicate your preference when booking:

• Return to Athens via the port of Piraeus, with the possibility to add one or more extra nights in the city.
• Continue your journey to Naxos, where you can join our Naxos–Santorini walking trip for the perfect island extension.

Details

Is this for me?

This trip is perfect for walkers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy a mix of gentle exploration and rewarding climbs. Expect to walk 4 to 6 hours a day, not counting breaks, along well-maintained but sometimes stony trails that wind through hilly and occasionally mountainous landscapes — the ideal pace for an authentic hiking Cyclades experience.

It’s a journey for those who love to take their time — stopping for views, swims, or a seaside lunch — yet enjoy the satisfaction of a good day’s walk. With luggage transfers and comfortable accommodations waiting at the end of each stage, you can simply focus on the joy of walking between villages, beaches, and hidden valleys.

Included

What is included 

  • 7 Nights in double room on B&B basis, 4 in Chora (Andros), 3 in Chora (Tinos) 
  • Ferry ticket Rafina-Andros, Andros-Tinos and Tinos-Piraeus OR Tinos-Naxos OR Tinos-Rafina
  • Book ‘Hiking on Andros’  
  • All transfers as described in the day by day program
  • Maps and detailed description of the itinerary
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance


What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • Lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • Visits and entrance fees - tips
  • Personal expense
  • Possible sojourn taxes
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.


Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Accommodation

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

 

In Andros you stay in a pension near Andros Chora in the area called Nimborio.

The  pension  Stella  is  a  small  pension  with  a  lovely  roofed  terrace  overlooking  Nimborio beach  and  the  Aegean  sea.  The  rooms  are  simple,  but  well  maintained  offering  the  basic comfort you need. All rooms have a balcony or terrace. The host, Popi Regoukou, will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. 

In Tinos you first stay in a pension in the village Falatados in the inner land and the last night you will say in lively capital of Tinos Chora. All rooms have private facilities and usually a balcony or terrace.  

The hotel Vincenzo is located in Chora, the capital of the island Tinos. The hotel is run by a lovely owner offering all services you need. Being in the center of Tinos, you have immediate access to the lively center of Chora, its taverns, cafes, churches and the nearby beaches. 

When to travel

You can start this trip any day of the week between April and October.
The best time to explore the Greek Islands is from April to June and from September to early November, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

In spring, the islands are alive with flowers and fresh greenery, while in autumn, the sea stays wonderfully warm — perfect for a refreshing swim after a day’s walk. Summer can be quite hot, so if you love active travel, the shoulder seasons are your best choice for enjoying every step in comfort.

What to bring

Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive

How to Get There

The nearest airport is Athens International Airport, well connected with direct flights from many European cities.

Your package includes a transfer from Athens Airport to the port of Rafina (about 30 minutes) and the ferry ticket to Andros (around 2 hours).

In low season, the last ferry departs around 17:30, while in summer departures are often later. If your flight arrives after 14:30, we recommend adding one extra night in Rafina or Athens before starting your trip.

How to Depart

At the end of your journey on Tinos, your package includes one of the following options:

  • A ferry ticket to Piraeus (Athens’ port), arriving around 20:00 after a 5-hour crossing.
  • A ferry ticket to Naxos, if you’ve booked the Naxos–Santorini extension.

Between Tinos and Naxos, a morning catamaran usually operates; occasionally, it may be necessary to travel via Paros or Syros with a short stopover.

For your convenience, we can also arrange private transfers from Piraeus to Athens and additional nights in Athens before or after your trip.

Mobile App

Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

You may also like:

The Cyclades: Naxos & Santorini
LEVEL: 2
DURATION: 8 days
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50122 Firenze FI
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