Andros hiking tour: Mountain to beach with picnic

Walk from Arni's high slopes to Lefka beach in one morning

A small-group guided hiking tour in Andros descends from the mountain village of Arni through forests and river valleys to the unspoiled beach of Lefka, where you swim and eat a picnic lunch. The route takes 4 to 6 hours with a live guide in English, Italian or French. The minimum group size is 4 people, and children are welcome from age 7.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking from Arni to Lefka beach

• Start hiking from Arni village
• Walk through fertile ravines and forests
• Pass by Remata village and river
• Descend towards Lefka beach crossing river
• Rest and swim at Lefka beach
• Enjoy brunch on the beach

The experience

The hike starts in Arni, a village perched at 470 meters where the old Arvanitika language still lingers among residents. From there, the path drops through fertile ravines and past abandoned farmhouses, crossing slopes dotted with oak, plane, chestnut and walnut trees as it descends toward Remata. The terrain shifts as you go (from cultivated slopes to wilder ground thick with low vegetation), and the air fills with the sound of running water from the Arni river.

Remata sits in one of the island's greenest pockets, where the river still flows strong and old stone grape mills and threshing floors hide among the vegetation. The path follows the river downward, crossing it as you approach the beach of Lefka. The river mouth here is unusual: it flows into the sea through a natural aqueduct, creating a rare freshwater meeting point where you'll swim and rest. A picnic lunch waits for you at the beach, and the guide carries first-aid supplies and walking poles for the descent.

The tour runs with a live guide who speaks English, Italian or French, and a minimum of 4 people must book for the departure to go ahead. Pickup is included. If you need hotel collection, it can be arranged for an extra cost depending on your location. Children from age 7 are welcome on the hike.

What’s included

• A live guide in English, Italian or French.
• walking poles.
• snacks.
• first-aid supplies.
• pickup to the trailhead.
• a picnic lunch at the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 15 Dec

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 98 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by One Foot Forward

Is this one for you?The hike is a steady 4- to 6-hour descent with river crossings and uneven terrain, so you'll need a moderate level of fitness and comfort with a full morning of walking. The payoff is a beach most day-trippers never reach and a river mouth you won't find anywhere else on the island.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the village of Arni known for?

Arni is a 14th-century mountain village at 470 meters elevation where the Arvanitika language, an old Greek dialect, is still spoken by some residents, though it is rare now.

What will I see on the walk down to the beach?

The route passes through abandoned farmhouses, forests of oak and chestnut trees, and the green valley of Remata, where old stone grape mills and threshing floors sit hidden among the vegetation. As you descend toward the coast, the landscape opens to denser, wilder growth and the river valley narrows.

What makes the beach at Lefka different from other beaches on Andros?

Lefka is unspoiled and sits where the Arni river flows into the sea through a natural aqueduct, creating a freshwater meeting point that is unique on the island.

How long does the hike take?

The tour runs 4 to 6 hours from start to finish, including the walk down, the swim and rest at the beach, and the picnic lunch.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the trailhead?

Pickup is included in the tour price. If you need collection from your hotel, it can be arranged for an extra cost of 10–50€ depending on where you are staying.