Island hopping: Andros & Tinos
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Ancient Athens
While many travelers stay in the cozy but touristic Plaka, we opt for the less busy, hip Psiri district where the Athenians also like to come. You sleep in a trendy hotel but are still within walking distance of Plaka and Monastiraki. In the evening there is a cozy and friendly atmosphere on the terraces and along the souvenir shops. The nice thing about Athens city center is that you meet both tourists and local Greeks as you get lost in its maze of narrow, cozy streets on your way to one of its many outdoor restaurant bars and cafes. Besides walking, the metro is the perfect way to explore Athens and is even adorned with archeological finds discovered during its construction. Head to the parliament building or the Acropolis Museum, one of the highlights of Athens. At the foot of the Acropolis is the Dionysus Theater, the oldest theater in Europe. If you want to visit some extra ruins, choose the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate.
Days 4-7 – Bobbing boats and secret streams
Today you will be collected by a private car and driver in Athens and transferred to the harbour at Rafina. We’ll arrange your ferry tickets for the trip from Rafina across to Andros. The journey takes about 2 hours. When you get there, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the outside world and embrace the tranquility that envelops this lush jewel of the Cyclades. Stroll along the quays, where fishing boats gently sway in the crystal-clear sea. Nestled within this idyllic setting, your small-scale guest house promises a truly authentic experience. Your hotel is blessed with a lovely sandy beach right on its front door, with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, leaving ample space for you to relax and unwind.
Andros has countless beaches where you can bask in the glorious Greek sun and immerse yourself in the shimmering azure sea. Discover hidden coves nestled between rocks and expansive sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Venture a bit further from your hotel and uncover the secluded beach of Kolona, enclosed by green rocks. The Cyclades are generally quite dry, but Andros stands as a testament to nature’s generosity with many natural springs, meaning you’ll find flowing streams, cascading waterfalls and a lush, vibrant ecosystem. You’ll get to explore the island’s natural beauty during a river hike with a guide (and a few other fellow travellers). You’ll hike along the streams and rivers until you reach a waterfall – a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. And if you fancy more hiking opportunities, you’ll have your prepared route to explore the island independently in your free time. Put on sturdy shoes and get ready for rocky hills, flowing creeks, ancient monasteries and great views over the Aegean Sea.
Days 7-10 – Pigeon houses of Tinos
Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and brought to the ferry harbour. We’ll arrange your ferry tickets for the trip from Andros across to Tinos. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. The ferry will take you to Tinos town, a pleasant town set on the harbour where you’ll find plenty of charming restaurants and cafes along the waterfront promenade with views of the bobbing boats. Although still a well-kept secret among many tourists, Tinos town has been a revered destination for pilgrims for centuries. In August, the faithful flock to the Panagia Evangelistria, a majestic church that holds great significance. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find statues of the Virgin Mary and the smell of incense. On arrival, your driver will whisk you off to your hotel, ideally located between the beach and the centre of Tinos. Check in and grab a local iced coffee in the shade of the trees on the terrace of a nearby taverna.
After breakfast the following morning, it’s time to embark on a day of exploration and discovery. While Tinos may be less verdant than its neighbouring island of Andros, its beauty is no less breathtaking. Keep an eye out for the renowned “pigeon houses” that dot the landscape. These remarkable structures, adorned with intricate decorations, once served as breeding grounds for pigeons, adding a unique touch to the island’s architectural heritage. Walking through the traditional villages of Tinos, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of a Greek travel brochure. Amongst these picturesque settlements, Pyrgos stands out as one of the crown jewels of Tinos and you can reach it on a circular walk along the donkey roads from Ormos. If you prefer the coast, Tinos offers a multitude of small coves and rocky beaches, glistening with crystal-clear waters. Venture to these hidden gems scattered throughout the island and succumb to the temptation of a refreshing dip in the invigorating sea. We have also pre-booked your return ferry tickets to Mykonos, where you’ll have a full day to wander around and explore this bigger island.
On your final day, you will be collected by a private car and driver at your hotel and transferred to the ferry port. We’ll arrange your ferry tickets for the trip from Tinos across to Rafina. The journey takes about 2 hours. We’ll arrange your ticket and reservation in advance. You’ll then be collected by a private car and driver and transferred to Athens airport and fly back to the UK, with hundreds of beautiful pictures and an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation
