Slopes, rivers, ravines with plane trees, oaks and walnut trees, waterfalls and natural springs form a natural landscape that makes you forget that you are on a Cycladic island.
When we hear about the islands of the Cyclades, our minds drift to captivating beaches shaded by tamarisk trees, endless sandy beaches or whitewashed houses and cobbled alleys. The Cyclades islands, however, conceal a distinct world that few have truly explored.
There is an island in the Aegean Sea, southeast of Evia, the northernmost of the Cyclades, that holds its own natural treasures. It is Andros, an island that blends sea and nature, vibrant green and deep blue. Cosmopolitan yet alternative at the same time, alluring Andros with its maritime tradition is one of those islands you can enjoy in every season of the year.
Andros is the second largest island in the Cyclades by area and lies just 2 hours from the port of Rafina. This beautiful island is a popular destination for its beaches and its stately Chora, yet few know that Andros is also the greenest island in the Cyclades. Slopes, rivers, ravines with plane trees, oaks and walnut trees, waterfalls and natural springs compose its rich, natural landscape.
Pythara Waterfalls
The Pythara Waterfalls, or Fairyland, as locals call the place, are a fairytale spot, like an oasis, where abundant waters rush, forming waterfalls and pools. It is a small ecosystem for birds, amphibians and rare species of plants and wildflowers that thrive along the length of the ravine.
You will need to follow a short hiking trail (about 15 minutes) through nature to reach them. The more daring dive at the spot where the cold waters plunge, as a reward for the walk. A dreamy place on the island that deserves your time. Especially if you are there in spring or autumn, a stop at the Pythara Waterfalls is a must.
Gerolimni
Another equally impressive place on the island is Gerolimni, located in the north of the island, very close to the mountain village of Vourkoti. The lake is filled by the waterfall, so it always has water. Naturally, it is icy cold and only a few dare to dive. Access here is not easy and certainly requires patience and caution. For greater safety, the best way to visit Gerolimni might be with company or with a group.
Source: Reader.gr
