At the top of The Times list of Europe's 25 secret islands without crowds this year, was Andros.
The British daily national newspaper praises the excellent initiative of Andros Routes and the walking possibilities of the destination, focusing on the network of trails that connects Byzantine monuments, museums, but also the Venetian castle and the beautiful beaches.
"Ancient shepherds’ tracks restored a decade ago by the volunteer group Andros Routes and easy access from Athens make this is an island to pique walkers’ interest. On this guided tour you’ll arrive after seven nights on the neighbouring island of Tinos. Accompanied by an Andros Routes guide, you will walk three to five hours daily, visiting Byzantine forts on terraced hills, meeting locals in nicely ramshackle villages and ambling through chestnut valleys spanned by stone bridges. The trip also slots in free days to explore the Venetian fort and antiquity museum. Accommodation throughout is beachside," the publication writes.
Greece outshined against other European islands including Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Germany and Norway, etc.
Andros' Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Nikolaos Moustakas, stated that the distinction from The Times belongs primarily to the wonderful environment of the island and its people with the initiatives they develop, such as the Andros Routes.
