A project launched on the Cycladic island of Andros in 2010 has helped reshape its tourism identity by focusing not on beaches and summer holidays, but on hiking, nature and cultural heritage.
Created by the non-profit Andros Research Centre, the Andros Routes initiative revived and mapped the island's historic trail network, turning it into a major attraction for visitors from Greece and abroad.
According to Olga Karagianni, coordinator of the Centre for Contemporary Research and Action on Andros, the trail system serves as both a gateway to the island's rich natural and cultural heritage and an important piece of infrastructure for sustainable tourism.
The network links traditional villages, historic monasteries, rivers, springs and lush ravines, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Andros beyond its coastal attractions.
Extending the Tourist Season
The development of the trail network has significantly expanded the island's tourism season, attracting hikers mainly during the spring and autumn months.
Although some local residents were initially sceptical of the project, support grew as the economic benefits became evident.
Karagianni said the initiative has provided an important boost to the local economy, particularly benefiting residents of smaller and more isolated villages by drawing visitors into areas that traditionally saw little tourist activity.
Focus on Sustainable Tourism
The trails are maintained and cleared throughout the year by the Andros Routes volunteer team, ensuring safe access for visitors while preserving the island's natural environment.
Andros became the first Greek island to receive the European Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe certification for its hiking network, a distinction recognising both trail quality and visitor experience.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it attracts environmentally conscious travellers who appreciate and respect the island's landscape, culture and traditions.
The project is also viewed as an important tool for preserving Andros' rural environment and safeguarding a landscape that remains central to the island's identity and future development.
A Network Stretching Across the Island
Andros boasts more than 200 freshwater springs and a trail network extending for nearly 240 kilometres.
The routes trace ancient pathways once used by farmers, shepherds and villagers, helping preserve both the physical landscape and the stories of the communities that lived and worked in the island's mountainous interior.
Today, hikers following these paths not only experience Andros' natural beauty but also contribute to a model of tourism that emphasises sustainability, cultural preservation and support for local communities.
Source: Euronews
