The island of shipbuilders and sailors, Andros has not developed its tourist profile until recently. He had an introverted temperament. There were many positive aspects arising from this inclination of the inhabitants. Despite being large in area, it remains sparsely built-up, with intact landscaping and a few inconsistencies that hurt the eye. Also, if tourism is like a “fungus” that eats up crops to build rental rooms, grows umbrellas on every sandy beach, and forces everyone to work seasonal jobs, Andros has survived both as nature and as a community of people. The bad thing, on the other hand, is that while there is good local produce and culinary richness like all of the Cyclades, it has all fallen into obscurity. Even today there is no organized extraversion to advertise them, at a time when more and more people are discovering the best of their closest destination in Attica.

Thus, the efforts made last week by the Andros Cyclades Tourism Network, the network that organized the Andros Waters and Flavors conference, are commendable. The Axis have brought together authenticity, gastronomy, activity and the worship of nature, on which the island’s tourism product is based. Renowned Greek-American chef Nick Poulmentis, who traveled from America to Greece to join his efforts, was inspired by the developed primary sector, i.e. livestock and fisheries, which provide the island’s businesses with amazing products. “Greece is a blessed place, and Andros confirmed this to us. The culinary richness of the island inspires creativity. All products are made with love and passion,” he said enthusiastically. In the elegant premises of the winery, Kourtesis Poulmentis, accompanied by the chefs of the island’s enterprises, has created excellent tasting proposals based on Andriocian recipes and raw materials.

At the same time, the leading Greek sommelier Aris Sklavenitis spoke about Andriot wines. Also present was Olga Karagianni, Andros Routes project coordinator and Andros Research Center, a non-profit organization, who presented the project for mapping, cleaning, signaling and ongoing maintenance of the track network, which today reaches many kilometers. He mentioned the transformation of Andros into a hiking destination and the subsequent extension of the Andros tourist season from April to October. The good news is, however, that CTN Andros, at the suggestion of the Ministry of Tourism (Deputy Minister Sophia Zacharakis attended the events along with the local authorities), decided to launch an investigation with the Municipality of Andros to establish an organization to promote the island.