Sea Kayaking in Greece

Be captain of your own kayak in the island of Milos

Be captain of your own ship – well, kayak – on this week long holiday on the island of Milos in Greece. Explore the coastline, get close to nature and paddle away on a different guided tour each day. Then spend the evenings relaxing at your own pace, strolling the cobbled streets of the island’s capital, Plaka.

Milos is an island in the Cyclades in Greece – so expect a Mamma Mia-like setting of turquoise blue seas, matching skies and pale golden sands. Milos’s main claim to fame is that it’s the place where the Venus de Milo statue was found in 1820, but man-made artifacts pale in comparison when you set eyes on the Milos’s natural beauty. Milos’ moon-like landscape, where rocky crops of burnt reds, earthy browns and stark whites gel together, is as big a scene-stealer as any ancient artefact. And because you’ll be sea kayaking Milos's coastline, you’ll be able to go where most other boats can’t.

Rod Feldtman – a Level 4 sea kayak coach with the British Canoe Union is your guide on each of your trips – so even if you’re a complete beginner, you can rest assured you’ll be in safe hands. Over the course of the six days of kayaking you’ll have a choice of 12 trips to choose from. You can skirt the coast of Milos, taking in places like Tria Pigadia – a secluded beach with a natural spring, the Grandfather Cave – one of Milos’ biggest caves, and the beach at the old sulphur mine. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can paddle over to the island of Kimolos, or the tiny speck of Little Arcadia – an isle that hangs a few kilometres off Milos’ northern tip.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Each morning you will meet as a group at 9.00am for breakfast and to make a plan for the day. Departure is at 10.00am and you will return at around 5.30pm Each day will involve 3-4 hours paddling with 2-3 generous stops, for skills practice, snorkeling or swimming, or just laying on the beach.

There are a number of different sea kayaking trips around Milos that range from 11 kilometres up to 17 kilometres, and it all depends on the conditions and ability of the group as to which ones you set out on. You can spend your time paddling around stretches of the Milos coastline, or paddle further afield to the islands of Kimolos and Little Arcadia. The guide leader, Rod, will make sure you’re on the right excursion for your level.

In the evenings, after a hot shower, enjoy a drink in a cafe or take a stroll around the cobblestone streets of ancient Plaka. Then dine out at one of more than a dozen restaurants, all within walking distance (15min) of the guesthouse.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

You’ll be staying at Petrinela’s guesthouse in the friendly village of Triovasalos, within walking distance (15 mins) of the historic village of Plaka, the island's capital and cultural centre. On the days when you are not sea kayaking, there are some magnificent beaches in easy reach (about 5 mins by car) or you can walk to the site where the Venus de Milo was found.

Your accommodation is in a comfy, guesthouse run by Rod's wife, Petrinela. Rooms have been designed in that pared-down, simplistic style the Greeks do so well. Think whitewashed walls, pine furniture and tiled floors. Each room has its own balcony with views across the village rooftops and surrounding countryside. There are just seven rooms, so it’s got a nice and quiet feel and they’re all en-suite with air conditioning, plus some have their own kitchenette, too. For those who want to stay in touch with home, free internet access is also provided.

In terms of food, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast in the mornings, a morning snack and a packed lunch during the day, and in the evening you’re left to your own devices. You’re only a 15-minute stroll from Plaka, where you’ll find plenty of tavernas and restaurants.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Anytime from March to November offers excellent paddling conditions: clear skies, calm seas, warm water and air temperatures. April and May is when the island is at its most beautiful, green after the winter rains and full of wildflowers. June, September and October have the perfect combination of moderate air temperatures and warmer water temperatures - perfect for swimming.

July and August are the hottest months - You are assured 13 hours sunshine, everyday and water temperatures above 22 degrees, perfect for lots of swimming and snorkeling. The warm summer nights are ideal for moonlight strolls and eating -out, and remember, you will all ways be comfortable in the air-conditioned guesthouse.

March and November see very few visitors to the Greek Islands; airfares from northern Europe are very low; and, as kayaker's, we virtually have the islands to ourselves. The mild temperatures of early spring and late Autumn are recommended if you are more interested in kayaking than swimming and are perfect for longer expeditions.

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