Meeting time: 9.45 am – Meeting & Walking point: Batsi waterfront parking

We travel by bus from the picturesque town of Batsi to the starting point of our walk over the mountain ridge of the Vourkoti area. Our hike takes us downhill towards the mountain village of Vourkoti. We walk along the riverbed of the largest river of Andros, the Achla, and over the arched bridge. We continue uphill to the small quaint village of Katakalaio where we can enjoy stunning views of the valley and the eastern coastline.

After a short break at the village spring, we continue downhill to the forested slope and village of Apikia, with its famous springs, then a visit to the Pythara waterfalls. As we walk we can take the opportunity to help with path maintenance, by replacing missing way markers, pruning back overgrown areas and improving the path by picking up fallen stones and placing them on adjacent dry stone walls.

At the end of the hike, coach transport to Agia Irini Monastery to visit the exhibition rooms, where flora, geology and musical instruments of Andros are on display. To complete the day, lunch of local produce will be available.

Finally, return by coach from Agia Irini Monastery to Chora

Hike: Vourkoti mountain ridge – Vourkoti- Katakalaio -Apikia ridge : Distance: 5.5km, Difficulty: medium-difficult 

Suggested area to stay night before hike : Batsi

Suggested area to stay night of hike : Chora