Text: Valentini Deskoulidou

Translation into English: Katerina Pantazi

Photos/Video: Valentini Deskoulidou, Antonis Sassalos, Peter Straatjes

On Saturday, September 13, the 11th maintenance hike of 2025 took place on the largest section of the Palaiopolis circular route waymarked with no 9a. The mosaic of 29 participants was as usual colorful and impressive. We had friends from Chora, Gavrio, Pitrofos, Mainites, Katakilos, Ano Korthi, Kapparia, Charakas, and even from Palaiopolis itself. Also, outside of Andros, we had participants from Rafina, Vyronas, Marousi, Athens Center and Switzerland.

The day was sunny with a strong meltemi, which from time to time it was strong, but it was also beneficial, as it cooled us down given the high temperatures.

We started by descending to the beach of Palaiopolis. The steps lead to the sea at the northern end of the beach, where there is an old stone building that the Palaiopolis people called “the shop” and was the point where the fishermen placed their catch for sale. Today, as the locals told us, it has been bought by a private individual. Its masonry has been preserved, but it still does not have a roof. We continued our hike along the beach, where it is impressive to see the scattered ancient structural marbles sculpted by the sea, remnants of the glorious history of Palaiopolis, as well as the sunken ancient breakwater. This was followed by the climb back to the village, which was done via quite steep stairs and through slightly more intense vegetation. We re-entered the lower village with its well-kept houses and courtyards and the well-maintained old tap.

Throughout our journey, a little pruning was carried out and the signage was checked. The ages of the participants were very diverse, but everyone responded excellently to the demands of the hike, and the 3 little girls who participated impressed us all with their speed and endurance.

At the end of the route, the people of the Cultural Association of Paleopolis were waiting for us at the Cultural Center of the village for the moustalevria festival. In the old elementary school of the village, the Association has created an amazing folklore museum with exhibits donated by local residents, which transports the visitor to other times. Items of a household economy that are lost in our days, but also school supplies in the commemorative corner of the old elementary school.

However, it was not only these exhibits that filled our eyes with images, it was also all the goodies that the ladies of the Association had prepared, starring of course, their amazing moustalevria. And if sight was the first sense that overwhelmed us, smell and taste quickly followed, taking us on a journey! Delighted and happy faces everywhere! And that enthusiastic “mmmmm!” that followed every bite!

Many thanks to all participants, as well as the people of the Paleopolis Cultural Association for the warm hospitality!

See you soon on future hikes!