Explore the Island of Andros like a local

Explore the Island of Andros like a local

Explore the beautiful island of Andros just two hours by boat from Rafina port, near Athens, and learn all about its gastronomy and its local agricultural tradition. Andros is the second largest island in the Cyclades, an island that combines dry Cycladic landscape, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams, countless beaches and imposing mountains.

In this two-days tour you will discover the best kept secrets of the island with the help of a local guide, who will introduce you to local traditions, food culture and hidden natural beauties. You will have the chance to meet with local producers and learn about the cultivation of traditional Greek products, you will taste delicious food made of local agricultural products and get to know how locals live on the island.

A perfect tour to escape from the city life and experience local culture and nature in one of the most unique Greek islands, the island of water and dreams.

Day 1

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Athens and will be transferred to the port of Rafina, where you will board on the boat to Andros island. After a two hours trip you will meet with your local tour guide in Gavrio port and start your culinary tour. Your first stop is the Bay of Korthi, where you will visit a local traditional coffee shop, “kafeneio”. There you will meet with women from a cooperative group that produces local traditional sweets made of pure local products. You will not only learn about the secrets of making these “spoon” sweets, but you will also taste them, together with a traditional Greek coffee or herbal tea. In Korthi you will also see a rare example of local architecture, a recently renovated horizontal stone windmill, where you will learn all about the tradition of Aegean windmill architecture. You will continue the day with a visit to the Monastery of Panahrantos, one of the most characteristic historical monasteries. A monk will talk to you about the monastery's history and the tradition of monastic life on the island. Next stop will be a traditional taverna, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch made of locally produced ingredients. After lunch you will visit a traditional olive mill that has been converted into a museum about the tradition of olive oil production. There you will also have an olive oil tasting experience. Then you will head towards the main town of the island, Chora, and your hotel, where you can have some free time. In the evening you can have a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Old town.

Day 2

On your second day you will start the tour with a short walk through orange and lemon groves. There you will meet with a local producer who will welcome you in his orange grove and talk to you about the history of citrus cultivation and trade in Andros. Υou will head back to Chora and have a walking tour exploring its paved streets, squares, picturesque alleys with the beautiful neoclassical mansions. Your next stop will be the village of Vourkoti where you will visit a local farm, meet a local producer and learn about the agricultural traditions and the cultivation of special local crops. He will also talk to you about his beekeeping activity and you will taste locally produced honey. Υou will head towards Apoikia village where you will visit the famous thermal spring of Sariza and have a refreshing ten-minute hike in a lush landscape, along a river and amidst traditional gardens and oak trees, to the small waterfall "Pythara". On your way back you will admire the traditionally built stone-walls, named “emasies” or “pezoules”. Your last stop will be at a traditional kafeneio near Sariza spring filled with friendly locals where you will have a light lunch. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to Gavrio port to take the boat for Rafina. Our driver will be waiting for you there, to transfer you to Athens.