Menites in Andros
Menites is located in the heart of the traditional settlement among plane trees and walnut trees a few kilometers away from Andros.
From the valley of Mesaria, where the village starts, you can see the beach of Neiborio. The river that runs through this wooded area also gives its water to the homonymous springs that have the shape of marble lions. The name of the springs comes from the Menades, the nymphs of the god Dionysus. But there is another theory about the name by the historian, Dimitris Paschalis. He claims that the name comes from the word “amoenitas”, which means beautiful, pleasant place.
The famous springs
The springs of Menites under the sanctuary of Panagia Koumoulou have a constant supply of water, of excellent quality.
The locals believe that in the location of the church there used to be an ancient temple. Many fields of the surrounding villages, such as Messaria, Livadia, and Mesa Chorio are watered by the springs which sustain their lands. Next to Koumoulos is the ancient fountain Fontana which is believed to have been the spring of the temple of Dionysus. Several mills and water mills operated next to this spring before and after World War II. Especially at that time, when the water supply was still in its very early stages, these springs were the best friend of the farmers so that they could cultivate their land.
The wonderful hiking trailers
Menites is also an excellent location to discover the magnificent trails of Andros.
The walk is truly spectacular as it passes through paved paths, old watermills, churches, and dovecotes. The lush green landscape, the wonderful running waters, and the sounds of birds will surely surprise you. As you explore the hiking trails of Menites in Andros, you will discover springs that have been giving their precious water to the surrounding fields for centuries. Dozens of churches and chapels from the Byzantine era with special architecture and exceptional aesthetics will start to appear as you complete the trail. Among these chapels is the 16th-century Panagia “Vergis”, a double-aisled church with an impressive wood-carved iconostasis. All along the route, old mansions and stone houses will appear, which blend harmoniously with the rest of the landscape.