Hiking in Andros: The Trails That Start Minutes from Kypri

As summer ends, life in Andros slows down. The beaches become peaceful, the air gets cooler, and the island welcomes anyone who wants to explore its trails. Some of the nicest trails in the north start just minutes from Kypri. Hiking in Andros doesn’t require long distances or much preparation. Spend your morning walking and your afternoon by the sea.

Andros is known for having one of the best trail networks in Greece. The group Andros Routes maintains over 300 kilometres of marked paths, and in 2015, Andros became the first Greek island to receive the Leading Quality Trail, Best of Europe award. Several of these trails start just minutes from Kypri.

Which Trails Start Near Kypri?

Five marked routes start in Gavrio, in Ano Agios Petros, or along the road to Batsi. All of these places are just a short drive from Kypri. The routes are moderately challenging and take 1 to 4 hours to complete.

Trail 15 goes from Gavrio to Ano Agios Petros, past the Tower, and ends at the beach. It’s 5 km long, takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and has 285 meters of climbing. The route starts on the road to Ano Gavrio, crosses two green valleys, and climbs up to the village of Ano Agios Petros and its ancient tower. After that, it leads down to the long sandy beach of Kato Agios Petros, just a few minutes from the hotel. Along the way, you’ll see views of the west coast and the Gavrionisia islets. You can find water in Gavrio and Ano Agios Petros.

Trail 15a is a loop that goes through Scholi, Ano Gavrio, and Ano Agios Petros. It’s 4.4 km long and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route connects the valleys of Agios Petros and Gavrio, passing by the old Kotzalis spring in Ano Gavrio and the small church of Agia Mavra. From the highest point, you can see Gavrio, Ano Gavrio, and Agios Petros. Since it’s a loop, you’ll end up back where you started.

Trail 16 starts in Ano Agios Petros, passes the Monastery of Agia, and ends in Batsi. It’s 6.1 km long, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and has 350 meters of climbing. The route goes from the village down to Batsi, stopping at the fortified Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, which locals call Agia. You’ll have views of the west coast the whole way, and at the end, you can relax in Batsi’s small harbour with a coffee or a meal.

Trail 14 goes from Gavrio to Ano Gavrio and Agia Leousa. It’s the shortest option at 2.7 km, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes with 270 meters of climbing. The path follows a stream from the plain of Gavrio toward the northern mountains, passing old watermills, stone farmhouses, and very old olive trees. There’s no water on this route, so bring your own.

Trail 11 goes from Batsi to Katakilos, Ano Katakilos, and Arni. It’s 8.6 km long and takes about 4 hours, making it a good choice if you want to spend a full day inland. The route leaves the coast, climbs to the green village of Katakilos, then continues to Arni. The last part is narrow and steep. You can get water and food in Katakilos.

If You Only Have One Morning, Which Trail Should You Choose?

Choose Trail 15. In just over two hours, you’ll see what makes Andros special: green valleys, a 2,300-year-old monument, and Aegean views. The route finishes on the long sandy beach of Agios Petros.

The Tower of Agios Petros is one of the best-preserved ancient towers in the Cyclades. Built in the 4th or 3rd century BC from local schist, it stands about 20 meters tall and has an internal spiral staircase. The site is open every day until sunset. Take a few minutes to enjoy the view—it’s easy to see why people long ago chose this spot to watch the sea.

Is Andros Good for Hiking in Autumn and Winter?

Yes, autumn and winter are some of the best times to visit. In summer, the sun and the meltemi winds can make walking tough. From autumn to spring, the weather is milder, the routes are quieter, and the hills become green again.

Andros stays lively even after summer ends. The villages stay active year-round, and Hotel Perrakis is open in every season. During these months, you can enjoy a slower pace: take a morning walk, have lunch in a village, and return to Kypri in time to watch the sunset over the sea.

What Should You Bring?

The routes are clearly marked, and you don’t need a guide. Still, a bit of preparation helps:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes. The paths mix old stone-paved tracks with stretches of dirt.
• Water. Some trails, like Trail 14, have no spring along the way.
• A map. Andros Routes publishes a map with all the island’s trails.
• A light jacket. It gets windy on higher ground, especially in the cooler months.
• Time. Plan to finish before dark, especially in winter when the days are shorter.

Let us know which trail you have in mind, and we’ll help you reach the starting point. Then book your stay and make Andros your hiking base.

After hours on the trail, the return is a pleasure in itself. The sea at Kypri is just steps from your room, and in the evening, the sun sets right into the water. Take a walk along the shore, then relax with a hot drink or something stronger, and enjoy the peacefulness that follows a day spent walking.

Andros is at its best for walking when the air turns cool, and the adventure begins right at our doorstep.