The Cycladic island stands out not only for its beaches but also for its unexplored paths and villages.
No matter how often you visit Andros, you will always have something new to discover. The entire northwestern side of the island is a challenge for explorers, but the inland villages hide their treasures.
Exploring northwestern Andros
There are several dirt roads throughout this side of the island, so it is best to have an off-road vehicle. The starting point is Gavrio.
In the nearby village of Agios Petros, the Hellenistic Tower (observatory for pirates) stands out. It is believed to have been built between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC and is one of the best preserved in the Cyclades.
From there, you can go to Vitali Beach by following a path through a barren landscape. On the right of the road, you will see the Church of Pantokrator, built in 1600.
From Kato Fellos begins the dirt road to the Fassa Lighthouse, which passes by beautiful beaches such as Pisolimionas and Vlychada. From Pano Fellos, you can drive towards Zorkos Beach and the area where the rural settlements of Kolivari, Pano, and Kato Varidi are built.
Amolochos, built in 1882, is a relatively large village in the area. The tower of Giannoulis, from the 17th century, also stands out.
The Watermills
The watermills of Andros date mainly to the beginning of the 19th century, and their presence is due to the island's abundant waters. According to the records, there were 43 in the area of Korthio, 50 in the area of Chora, 14 in Arni, and 26 in Amolochos.
Today, you will see these monuments of pre-industrial technology mainly between Vouni and Syneti (in Korthi), in Frousaiou (in the area of Ammolochos), in the Dipotamata Gorge and Megalo Rema.
Arvanites founded the village of Arnas (Arni). Like Vourkoti, it is built very high in the island's interior. It was the region's centre in the past, and due to its fertile land, it had many crops.
Driving on the winding asphalt road towards Batsi, you will enter the green area of Remata (or Revmata).
It is full of plane trees, cypresses and olive trees. Camellias and huge hydrangeas decorate the yards of sparsely built houses.
Where the streams end, there is a spring on the left. Stop and walk along the shady path next to the little river with the pedestals until you reach the restored Lembesi Fiorini. The path ends at Arnas.
Vali Vaimaki is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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