Kayak trips Ionian Islands | Magical Blue & Green | from/to Kefalonia

Login

Sign Up

After creating an account, you'll be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour.
Username*
Password*
Confirm Password*
First Name*
Last Name*
Birth Date*
Email*
Phone*
Country*
* Creating an account means you're okay with our Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step

Already a member?

Login
BOOKING
From€1,690
BOOKING
From€1,690
Name*
Email*
Persons*
Desired Tour Date*
Accommodation*
transfers*
Additional Nights*
Enquiry or Comment*
* I agree with Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

1877
Info
Itinerary
Stay
Faq
Services

Ionian Islands Odyssey by Kayak

Following in Odysseus’ Footsteps

The Ionian Islands off the western coast of Greece are a uniquely picturesque island archipelago. Spectacular landscapes and idyllic fishing villages are waiting to be discovered. Between Lefkas and Kefalonia lie numerous small islets, perfect for an island odyssey by kayak.

Embark on a real voyage of discovery through breath-taking nature, past impressive cliffs, hidden caves, and stunning beaches. Along the way, you may feel as if you’ve been transported back in time! On some of the islands we visit, time simply seems to have stood still. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you discover traditional island villages as well as enchanting bays where you can dive into the crystal-clear Ionian Sea shimmering in all shades of blue.

The nights are spent in carefully selected, beautiful accommodation. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature and silently gliding through the water by kayak, this paddling adventure is perfect for you!

Highlights

  • True island hopping: Explore 7 islands in 9 days!
  • 100 shades of blue: Let yourself be mesmerized by the many hues of the Ionian Sea
  • Animal antics: With a bit of luck, you’ll see dolphins, turtles, and even seals.
  • Mythical places: Follow in the footsteps of Odysseus, once king of Ithaca


10 days/9 nights
Jun, Aug, Sep
Moderate
Kefalonia
Kefalonia
Persons: 4-11
Age: 18+

Included Activities

  • 7 guided kayak tours (each approx. 5 – 14 nautical miles, 3-5 hours)
  • Guided excursions to sites of cultural, historical, and archaeological interest
  • Swimming stops in secluded bays

Dates

  • 16-24 Jun 2023
  • 30 Aug-8 Sep 2023


DAY 1
Kefalonia: Livathos (Arrival) | Individual arrival on Kefalonia. You can either travel by plane or by ferry. We collect you either from the airport or the bus station in Argostoli and bring you to your first accommodation in Livathos at the foot of Mount Ainos, which is protected as a national park.

After you have checked in, we meet to prepare the kayak equipment and give you an introduction to the planned kayak tours as well as a safety briefing.

DAY 2
Kefalonia: Kefalonia – Fiskardo (6 nautical miles) |Today, we take a transfer to Fiskardo in the very north of Kefalonia. The picturesque village is often considered the most beautiful village in the Ionian Islands.

Our kayak tour takes us to the south of Fiskardo. Countless caves with turquoise water surrounded by wooded hills characterize the landscape. Passing Phoki Bay we reach a large cave leading to some tunnels, the remains of a limestone quarry.

Later we reach Evreti Bay, where we have time to snorkel above three sunken fishing boats. Here we have our lunch break before returning to Fiskardo. The rest of the day is spent in Fiskardo, where we visit the local environmental museum, hike to the old lighthouse, and have time to shop or simply relax in a café.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Melina for delicious homemade cakes. The lemon tart and chocolate soufflé are to die for!

DAY 3
Lefkas: Vasiliki – Sivota (9 nautical miles) | In the morning we take the ferry to Vasiliki on the island of Lefkas. The charming harbor town is the starting point of today’s kayak tour, which takes us along the beautiful southern coast of the “White Islands”.

You are sure to be enchanted by the spectacular sight of this multi-faceted landscape. At the end of the tour, we reach a natural fjord almost a mile long, where the charming village of Sivota is nestled into the landscape.

The “pearl of Lefkas” is the perfect place for a stroll or a swim at the beach. We check-in at the accommodation overlooking the entire bay and end the eventful day in a traditional taverna.

DAY 4
From Lefkas to Meganisi (9 nautical miles) | After a rich breakfast we begin another exciting day. Today’s kayak tour takes us through the strait between Lefkas and the mainland, home to the island of Meganisi and many other small islets.

Along the way we pass the Papanikolas Cave, named after a Greek submarine, that found safe shelter here during World War II. We stop at the small sandy beach inside the cave for a picnic and a swim. Afterwards, we continue paddling towards the bay of Spartochori on Meganisi.

Here we spend the next two nights. In the evening we walk up to the traditional island village where time seems to have stood still. A stroll along the narrow streets takes us back to times long past. Dinner and overnight in Spartochori.

DAY 5
Meganisi – Skorpios – Meganisi (8 nautical miles) | Today we enjoy a relaxing day. We paddle to the mini-island of Skorpios, which became world-famous due to its former owner, the great Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis.

It doesn’t take much imagination to guess why Onassis loved this island so much: Skorpios is exceptionally beautiful! Its rich vegetation and secluded beaches exude a particularly special charm.

Once we have circumnavigated the islet and enjoyed its beauty, we return to Spartochori on Meganisi. The wonderful beach bar and the white pebble beach with its crystal-clear water are the perfect places to relax after our wonderful day!

DAY 6
Meganisi – Kalamos (14 nautical miles) | We say goodbye to Spartochori and head towards the rugged northern coast of Meganisi in our kayaks. Here we treat ourselves to a swim and then tackle the five nautical mile distance to the island of Kalamos. Here we find solitude!

Kalamos is completely off the beaten tourist track and is an island paradise that to this day has been treasured and kept secret by the locals. First, we drive along the forested north coast of Kalamos until we stop near the village of the same name at a pebble beach where we have time for another swim.

This is also the location of our accommodation today. In the evening, we walk into the village for dinner.

DAY 7
Kalamos – Kastos – Atokos – Ithaca (11 nautical miles) | Four islands in one day – you can’t possibly do more island hopping than that! Our first destination is Kastos. Impressive rock formations await us on the east coast of this mini-island.

We take a break in the island’s tiny village and enjoy a delicious iced frappe. There is also time for a swim before we paddle to Atokos. This uninhabited but enchanting islet lies five nautical miles from Kastos in the midst of turquoise waters.

A small boat awaits us here to transfer us to Vathy on Ithaca. The wonderful capital of the island, once home to the mythical King Odysseus, lies in a fjord-like natural bay and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Greece.

DAY 8
Ithaca (kayak free day) | Today is dedicated to Ithaca. We treat ourselves and our kayaks to a paddle-free day and you decide what you would like to do!

You could enjoy the unique atmosphere of the town, spend a day on the beach, or you could come with us and explore the island: We visit the Odysseus Museum, the Katharon Monastery, the village of Kioni and take short walks to the most beautiful viewpoints on Ithaca with anyone who would like to join.

Those who visit Ithaca are sure to fall in love with its unique charm! 

DAY 9
Ithaca – Kefalonia: Filiatro Bay – Antisamos – Livathos (10 nautical miles) | In the morning a short transfer brings us to Filiatro Bay and we start our kayak tour along the south coast of Ithaca. We allow ourselves a short break before we cross the strait between Ithaca and Kefalonia, just two nautical miles wide.

Arriving on Kefalonia, we go ashore at the bay of Antisamos, which, along with many other places on the island, was used as a film location for the Hollywood movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. Enjoy the wonderful blue sea again and swim or snorkel one last time.

We are picked up from the bay later and transferred back to Livathos, where we spend the last night of the trip.

DAY 10
Kefalonia: Livathos (Departure) | Check-out from the accommodation, transfer to the airport or bus station in Argostoli, and individual departure or extension of your holiday in Greece. If you would like to leave the day before, please let us know.

Authentic guesthouses in exceptional locations

The guesthouses we have chosen on the Ionian Islands are distinguished by their excellent location with beautiful views, comfort, and great hospitality. In these authentic accommodations, you stay in lovingly furnished rooms with private bathrooms, TV, and air conditioning and can look forward to a delicious breakfast every morning.

After each variety-packed day filled with many wonderful experiences, you can enjoy a hot shower, relax, and rejuvenate in the best possible setting. Hotel bookings are subject to availability. You will receive a list of the accommodation booked for you before your trip.

How do I get to Kefalonia?
Kefalonia has its own airport, not far from the island’s capital Argostoli. It can be reached directly by charter flights in summer, as well as by numerous domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki.

You can also get to Kefalonia from Athens by bus and ferry: The bus ticket from Athens to Argostoli includes the ferry ticket only when issued directly at the bus station (not when bought online). On arrival and departure days, we offer free transfers between Argostoli airport or bus station and the accommodation in Livathos.

How fit do I have to be to participate in this tour?
Reasonable fitness level and some good experience in sea kayaking is needed as the trip has demanding distances and potentially conditions. Our daily tours vary between 5 and 14 nautical miles, which is equivalent to about 3-5 hours of paddling.

In addition to high-quality kayak equipment, you will also receive a safety and technical introduction. We always paddle in a group to ensure everyone’s safety. Your guide is always close by to give you tips and advice.

We take generous breaks along the way, which you can use to relax or jump into the shimmering sea. If there are strong winds, it may take longer to cover the distances. In such cases, good endurance is an advantage.

Are changes to the tour schedule possible?
As an outdoor sport, kayaking is always subject to prevailing wind and weather conditions. This means that changes to the planned itinerary are possible, but we ensure that in such cases these changes positively affect your holiday.

Our guides have the necessary experience to adapt the route so that your safety is guaranteed, while your days remain full of wonderful experiences.

Kayak tours that have to be completely cancelled due to weather conditions are not eligible for monetary reimbursement.

Are the kayak tours safe?
Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are experienced and qualified to lead groups on the open sea. They know how to make your kayaking experience a pleasurable one.

Of course, they are also trained to respond to emergencies. We will not start a tour until we are sure that each participant understands how to handle the kayak and is aware of what to expect along the way.

Is the trip suitable for children?
No, unfortunately not. Only adults are permitted to participate in this trip.

What language is the tour conducted in?
This tour is guided in English only.

What meals are included?
The tour price includes a daily breakfast (except for day 2 and 10) and lunch (except for day 8), which often consists of a picnic.

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian food can be catered for if you let us know well in advance. You can enjoy dinner individually in local tavernas and sample the whole range of Greek delicacies.

Your guide is happy to make recommendations on site. For each dinner, you should calculate an additional cost of approx. 20 euro/person.

What should I bring on this tour?

Below you will find a brief guideline for what you should bring, which you can of course modify according to your own needs.

  • Casual sportswear for the kayak tours (ideally quick-dry clothing)
  • Sandals or bathing shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimwear & beach towel
  • Snorkelling equipment (optional)
  • Casual clothes and comfortable shoes for the evenings
  • Warm jumper or jacket (due to the proximity to the sea, it often feels colder in the evenings than it actually is)
  • Rain jacket (it can rain more than average in the Ionian Islands, especially in May, June, and September).
  • Your own reusable water bottle (to help protect the environment, we try to avoid unnecessary plastic waste as much as possible).

You can safely store everything you don’t need during the kayaking days with us. We provide you with  dry-bags to transport the luggage you need (you take everything with you in your kayak).

Basic Tour Price

1,690 € per person in a double room

Single rooms can be booked for an extra cost of 260 €/trip (subject to availability). Depending on the season, it is possible that single rooms may not be available in all accommodation locations. In such cases, the participant must agree to accommodation in a double room and we will adjust the single room supplement individually.

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • 10-day trip
  • 9 nights in authentic guesthouses with breakfast
  • 6 x lunch picnic during the kayak tours
  • 7 guided kayak tours with professional kayak equipment
  • Transfers between Argostoli airport or bus station and accommodation in Livathos (only on arrival and departure day)
  • Transfers to the kayak tours according to the itinerary
  • Guided excursions to other places of interest
  • English speaking qualified kayak guide

NOT INCLUDED

  • Journey to Kefalonia
  • All meals not listed under included services
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance fees to individually visited sights and museums
  • Tips for guides and service staff

ADDITIONAL BOOKABLE SERVICES

  • Single room, surcharge: 260 € per trip
  • Additional nights on Kefalonia: prices on request

Trip

Tour Extensions