Text: Dimitra Pappa
Photos/Videos: Valentini Deskoulidou, Katerina Pantazi, Kristen Mann, Antonis Sassalos, Filippos Perrakis
English Translation: Dimitra Pappa

On Saturday, April 12th, the 6th Maintenance Hike for 2025 organized by Andros Routes took place, following Route 7 from Panachrantos Monastery to Stavropeda. It was yet another beautiful and meaningful gathering of people who love Andros, nature, and offering.

Hikers of all ages came together from every corner of the island – Batsi, Gavrio, Fellos, Kypri, Aprovatou, Apoikia, Apatouria, Strapouries, Menites, and Korthi. Among them were visitors from Germany, inspired by the work of Andros Routes and eager to get to know the island in an immersive and participatory way. This colorful group also included two small children and five four-legged friends, who brought extra joy and energy to the experience.

The hike began at the awe-inspiring and serene Panachrantos Monastery, overlooking the Livadia valley and Chora. After the usual round of introductions, we picked up our tools and set off with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.

The route was rich with natural and cultural treasures: we walked through areas filled with the colors and aromas of spring, over stone steps that hold centuries of stories, and past the picturesque villages of Sasa and Aladou, perched on the ridges of the mountain range. Each stop became a chance for small discoveries and care-taking activities: pruning overgrown vegetation, replacing worn trail markers, and collecting garbage.

Route Angel Kristen Mann, and also the leader of the hike, accompanied us with simplicity and enthusiasm, sharing her knowledge about the local flora and the cultural significance of the places we passed through. Her presence was instrumental in deepening our overall experience.

The landscape changed along the way – from lush inland valleys with birdsong and the flutter of hawks’ wings, to rural areas marked by dry-stone walls, old konakia, and threshing floors, remnants of a time deeply rooted in the land. On the way to Stavropeda, we passed through a narrow section flanked by tall stone walls – silent guardians of the island’s history.

The hike ended at the chapel of Agia Triada in Stavropeda, leaving us with a sense of fulfillment, collective contribution, and pleasant fatigue. We were filled with images, sounds, scents, and beautiful moments that make up the mosaic of Andros.

The trail is in great condition, ready to welcome locals and visitors!

See you at the next Maintenance Hike, on Easter Monday, April 21st, on the route from Ano Pitrofos to Paleopolis.

We would like to warmly thank everyone who took part in the 6th Maintenance Hike of 2025, for their energy and smiles.