Adventure along the west coast of Messenia

General information about the trip

Hamar kayak has set up the content of this trip in close cooperation with our local partner to give the participants a unique experience in Greek waters. 

We put the kayaks out on the water in the small fishing village of Marathopoli,  approx. three hours' drive southwest from Athens. From there we will paddle south along the exciting coast of the Ionian Sea. We are picked up at the airport in Athens, and everything from food, accommodation and travel equipment is taken care of by our locally known guides who take us to exciting treasures along the coast. 

 

The trip this year is specially designed with an included "day off" where there will be time for a hike, reading or relaxation. If you don't, you'd rather take part in the wet card course or learn Eskimo roll under perfect conditions in bath-warm water.  

 

On our way south along the coast, we stop at islands, islets and the finest beaches. We will see traces of the Middle Ages, and will experience sea paddling. Among other things, we will stop at the picture-perfect and omega-shaped beach Voidokilia. The beach is characterized as "A Place of Particular Natural Beauty". We visit exciting caves, swim, snorkel and enjoy the joys of paddling. The trip gives us three nights in a tent on the beach under a fantastic starry sky. Or as Trifonas says: "We sleep in  the million star hotel". And we get five nights in small cozy hotels and inns in the harbor area in the villages we visit. We eat delicious Greek food prepared by our friends based on local tasty ingredients, and  we sometimes eat in taverns. Food and wine in the area are known to be some of the best Greece has to offer.

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Safety is ensured with our English-speaking guides who are certified paddlers and well-experienced tour guides. I myself am a certified kayak instructor, and have been a tour leader on a number of trips. The guides were born and raised in the area, and know the people, geography and sea conditions very well. In addition, they know their history, and love to tell stories from Greek mythology. My favorite is the story from the city of Labyrinth, and the monster that lived there. The story ends well, but of course has traces of its Greek tragedy.

 

The day's stages will be 12 - 20 kilometres, the paddling speed will be close to a comfortable 5 km/h, and we will paddle about 100 kilometers in a week. It is an advantage if you prepare your body with a few kayak trips before the trip. This is not an extreme trip, but also not a beginner's trip for inexperienced paddlers. It should be a pleasant expedition for those of you who have paddled a little before.

 

We take our time for morning baths, coffee and breakfast, long lunch stops with brought food prepared on the beach, and exciting dinners. Every day with new flavors. In mid-September, it has become a good summer climate suitable for Norwegian paddlers, and the clean bathing water maintains a lovely temperature.

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We basically paddle double kayaks, but you can get a single kayak for a small extra charge if you'd rather be the captain of your own keel. Double kayaks are perceived as easier to paddle because there are two people to drive the kayak and they are very stable. The kayaks are from the brands Prijon and Perception. We can borrow everything from kayak equipment, tents, freshly washed sleeping bags, mats and all eating equipment. You only need your own clothes. You will receive your own packing list well in advance of departure. Accommodation is in double rooms - two and two in the room and in the tent. If you want a single room, there is an addition to the price for that.

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Here you can read the travelogue from the trip in autumn 2022. Greece Expedition West Coast Messenia 2022 (kajakk-adventures.no)

 

Including:

• 9 days and 8 nights of guided sea kayaking adventure

• Professional, English-speaking certified tour guides

• 7 days of coastal paddling in crystal clear warm water

• Wet card incl. self-rescue and Eskimo roll (if you would rather not have a rest day)

• All sea kayaking equipment included (Boats, oars, life jacket and splash pad)

• All camping equipment included (Tent, mat and sleeping bags)

• Lovely food on the beach under the stars

• Taste authentic Greek food

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Return transport Athens airport

• Escort car that takes the luggage and provides shore support

 

Not included:

• Flight ticket

• Drink with food

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We moor the kayaks for a refreshing swim

 

Practical info

• There is 4G and telephone coverage throughout

• Remember travel insurance and Helfo card

• You will receive a list of recommended equipment upon registration

• The phone can be charged where we spend the night in a hotel. Norwegian contacts are fine

• Deposit NOK NOK 7,000 is paid upon enrolment.

• Terms and conditions relating to cancellation and refund apply to "Terms and conditions".

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Tent life can be beautiful 

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