Andros has been crowned Greece’s best hiking destination for 2025 at this year’s Greek Travel Awards in London, a win that puts the Cycladic island firmly on the radar of the UK’s outdoors-loving travelers.

Organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization’s UK Office, the awards are now in their fourth year and rely entirely on public voting. This year, the British public responded decisively: Andros rose to the top as Greece’s premier place to explore on foot, edging out other well-known destinations with its network of lovingly maintained hiking trails, dramatic landscapes, and warm, walker-friendly island hospitality.

The award was announced on November 5 during a special GNTO event held after the opening day of the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, one of the tourism industry’s most important annual fairs. Present were leading travel journalists, bloggers, and industry professionals, giving Andros a high-profile moment in the UK market. Voting was carried out in partnership with IceLolly and TravelSupermarket, two of Britain’s most trusted holiday-comparison platforms, ensuring the result reached a broad and credible audience.

The recognition also highlights a year of close cooperation between the GNTO UK Office and the Municipality of Andros, who have jointly promoted the island’s hiking culture. Central to that success is Andros Routes, the celebrated volunteer network that has spent years restoring, marking, and maintaining more than 240km of footpaths – ancient shepherds’ routes that wind across hillsides, ravines, and mountain villages. Their crown jewel is the certified “Andros Route,” a 100km continuous trail running the full length of the island. Thanks to their efforts, Andros has become one of the most accessible and rewarding hiking destinations in the Aegean.

Nikos Moustakas, Andros’ Municipal Councilor for Tourism, welcomed the award, offering warm thanks to Eleni Svarveli, Director of the GNTO UK Office, for her role in supporting the destination abroad. “This award vindicates the tireless efforts of Andros Routes, the volunteers, local organizations, and the municipality,” he said, emphasizing the community-driven spirit behind the island’s growing reputation.

For travelers seeking an island escape where pristine nature, mountain villages, and ancient pathways meet the sea, Andros’ win comes as no surprise.

The northernmost and second-largest island of the Cyclades – and by far the greenest – Andros lies just two hours by boat from Athens and within easy reach of Mykonos and Naxos, yet it feels a world apart. Sparsely populated and environmentally rich, it boasts four mountain ranges (the highest rising over 1,000m), rolling hills covered in diverse flora and fauna, rare wildlife, and protected areas that together make up nearly half the island, including Natura 2000 sites and Important Bird Areas. Add more than 70 tranquil beaches and an abundance of freshwater springs, and the result is an ideal destination for slow, nature-centered travel.

And with British interest in walking holidays on the rise, Andros is well-positioned to welcome even more visitors eager to experience island Greece on foot.

Source: moneyreview.gr