Your trip begins in Athens. Ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens is a heavy mix of history and edginess. The historic center is an open-air museum, yet the city's cultural and social life takes place amid these ancient landmarks, merging past and present. The magnificent Acropolis rises above the sprawling metropolis and has stood witness to the city's transformation.
Tonight we'll have a welcome briefing at 6pm to discuss the trip, followed by a walk in Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, and a festive welcome dinner.
Overnight in Athens in a 3* hotel
Dinner included
From Athens we drive to the fishing village of Marathoupoli where are we going to start our sea kayaking adventure. We get informed about today's paddling route, adjust the kayaks to our size and we are ready for departure. Within a small crossing of 1 nautical mile we reach Proti, an island with an intense past, hideout of pirates and sailors. We explore the coastline of the island and continue paddling south until we get to the Vromoneri beach where we swim and snorkel while enjoying the turquoise waters.
Overnight in Marathopoli in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Athens to Marathopoli 270 km / 3 hr
Paddling distance: 10 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 4-5 hr
We depart from Vromoneri and we paddle south until we get to the famous Voidokilia beach , which is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, but maybe also in the Mediterranean Sea. The sheltered bay is referred to in Homer's Odyssey and archaeologists believe it was used by King Nestor as a port in ancient times. We have enough time for swimming and snorkeling and then we depart with the bay of Navarino as our destination, paddling under the fortifications of the medieval Palaiokastro.
Overnight in Gialova in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Paddling distance: 14 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 4-5 hr
Our aim today is to explore the major sights of the Bay of Navarino and the island of Sfaktiria. All sights that we will encounter are the monuments dedicated to those who fought in the historic naval battle which took place in 20 October 1827 between the Ottoman and an Allied force of British, French and Russian vessels. We paddle around the bay, and visit the island of Sfaktiria where we can get off our kayaks and explore it. Then wehead south toward the imposing monolith of the islet of Fanari with its impressive stone arch formed in its northern end. We will continue paddling south of Pylos overlooking the imposing walls of the castle of Niokastro with final destination the medial town of Methoni.
Overnight in Foinikounta in a 3* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Paddling distance: 18 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 5-6 hr
Today we start in Methoni and with our sea kayaks we paddle to the Venetian fortress which is built on a promontory south of the modern city. The medieval port town was Venetian first and their longest-held possession in the Peloponnese and also a stopover for pilgrims en route to the Holy land.
We leave behind Methoni crossing the channel, with countless ancient shipwrecks, and we reach the northern part of the verdant island of Sapienza, integrated into the Natura 2000 network, and home to rare species of flora and fauna. The pathways that surround the island lead to the interior of the island with a unique ecosystem nesting inside. From there we continue heading east to Foinikounta, where we end the day.
Overnight in Foinikounta in a 3* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Paddling distance: 18 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 5-6 hr
Leaving behind Foinikounda we depart with destination Cape Akritas one of the southernmost capes of European mainland. We cross the channel between the cape and Venetiko, a deserted island with a rugged coastline full of huge rocks and we visit the island's single beach. After that we head northeast until we reach Kalamaki, paddling along a coastline full of sandy beaches and coves with the snowy peaks of Taygetos and the Messinian Bay, in the background, uncover slowly.
Overnight in Koroni in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Paddling distance: 20 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 6-7 hr
Departing from kalamaki we paddle along the coastline with destination Koroni, a lovely Venetian port town of Messinia. On our way, we will come across golden sandy beaches and small coves where we stop for swimming and snorkeling. We will also observe a lot of fishing boats departing from the nearby fishing villages deploying their nets. When we arrive at Koroni we explore the medieval mansions and churches that line the town's quaint, narrow and winding streets that lead to a promontory on which an extensive fortress and monastery perch.
From Koroni we will drive back to Athens and after settling in our hotel we will go for our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Athens in a 3* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Paddling distance: 12 km / Paddling Duration with breaks: 3-4 hr
Driving distance:
Marathopoli to Athens 270 km / 3 hr
Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel and following that, your Tripin Adventures trip in Greece concludes. Transfer independently from our accommodation in Athens to the international airport for return flights or continue exploring one of Europe's oldest cities.
Breakfast included
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.
