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Day by day - Kalamata - Cape Tenaro
Day 1. Gardermoen-Athens-Kalamata
We are met at the airport by one of the guides, board the bus, and arrive at the hotel in Kalamata after approx. three hours drive. It is late at night, so we check into the hotel. We live by the sea and you have the opportunity to swim for a while before crawling under the covers.
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 2. Kalamata - Kardamyli
After breakfast at the hotel, there will be distribution of equipment and adaptation of kayaks before the paddling adventure begins. The first years start sheltered in the Gulf of Messina on the way southeast. We paddle past small beaches, stopping for a stretch and a swim, before continuing to the fishing village of Kitries, famous for its distinctive lighthouse. After the lighthouse we arrive in the village of Kardamyli where we will stay in tents on the beach. If we have time and desire, we will visit the village and an old defense structure a short walk from the tent site. Here we can look up to mountain peak Taygetos (2407 m above sea level)
Daysetapp: 19 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 3. Kardamyli - Agios Nikolaos
We start from the beach in Kardamyli, and paddle south along the coast. A river that flows out on the seabed gives a clear rise of fresh water out at sea right outside the cliffs. We see exciting caves and beautiful beaches. We take the time to paddle into the caves and visit some of the beaches. We paddle in crystal clear warm water, and have the opportunity to visit Stoupa with the famous Kalogria beach. We end the day by paddling into the cozy harbor of Agios Nikolaos, where we spend the night in cozy apartments. Dinner will be at a tavern overlooking the scenic harbour.
Day stage: 11 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 4. Agios Nikolaos - Limeni
After a good night's sleep, we have breakfast by the pool. During today's trip, we leave behind the lush olive tree-filled landscape and cross into a drier landscape with a rougher coastline. After Agios Nikolaos, the distance between the coastal towns increases. Along the way we visit the Katafygi cave. The cave is the bed of an old underground river that flows into the sea 200 meters from the cave. The village of Chotasia is famous for its natural salt pits. In the past, people collected sea salt as a source of income. We arrive at the picturesque village of Limeni which is literally built on the edge of the cliffs where waves crash almost under the houses. Perhaps we will see the sea turtles that have a colony in the harbor area. We end the day by setting up camp at the entrance to the village.
Day stage: 20 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 5. Limini - Mezapos
Bathers start their day with a bath. We enjoy breakfast outside the tent. Today's coastline is stunning and we will pass small coves and impressive cliffs and a navy blue sea all the way to the old port of Mezapos. In the first bay we meet Diros Caves, one of the largest sea caves in the world. It has an intricate network of passages and galleries, decorated with shining stalagmites and stalactites. It is not on the plan to explore the Diros Caves, but we can make an exception if the group wishes. After the cave, we paddle south in search of a small fjord that gives us a great place for snorkelling. And a taste of fresh local delicacies for lunch. Towards the afternoon we arrive at the sheltered bay of Mezapos where we set up the tent. It is exciting to explore the old village and maybe take a bath while the guides prepare dinner.
Day stage: 19 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 6. Mezapos - Gerolimenas
Early breakfast. On our fifth paddling day, we will paddle around Cavo Grosso, which we have seen in the distance since the start of the trip. Cavo Grosso is a huge cliff with 30 meter high walls down towards the sea. We spend two hours paddling around and have only one exit point on our way around the cliff. We pass the bay of Ohia and several fjords before arriving in Gerolimenas for a tasty dinner at a traditional tavern. Accommodation in a guest house.
Day stage: 16 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 7. Gerolimenas - Cape Tenoro
From Gerolimenas we paddle south towards Cape Tenaro, the destination of our expedition. Cape Tenaro is the southernmost point on the European mainland. We look at the old defense works. Opposite where we disembark is the village of Vathia with its many tower houses. Along the way we stop for lunch at the beautiful remote beach of Marmari. We pass Ades. In mythology described as one of the gates to the underworld. After a short time we arrive at the lighthouse, before turning the kayaks north for the first time on the trip. After a few kilometers we take the last rafts at the end of the paddling trip. There we unpack from the kayaks, eat lunch and get a ride back to Kalamata where we check into the hotel. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner with our Greek friends.
Day stage: 18 km
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If we're lucky, we see sea turtles outside the tavern in Limieni
Day 8. Kalamata - Athens
After breakfast, it is time for a short walk in the old town of Kalamata. We have lunch in Kalamata, before we travel to the airport near Athens. On the way we stop at the Corinth Canal, a fantastic canal excavated between the Gulf of Corinth and the Eger Sea.