Northern Greece is a fantastic kayaking destination. Many rivers of moderate
difficulty offer sporting fun without great stress. There are also numerous paddling
alternatives for professionals and beginners. The amount of wild, secluded,
scenic, and breathtaking gorges can easily compete with the greatest classics
of the Alps.When to go:After snowy winters, expect good water levels from April to mid-
May. The Pindos Mountains rise to 2600 meters, and are usually covered with
snow until late spring (April). Otherwise, water levels are strongly dependent on
precipitation. In autumn (September-November), Northern Greece is worth a
trip. High mountains, cold weather can still be expected in May, though warmer
temperatures may prevail on the Mediterranean coast.How to get there:The journey was less expensive than we feared, comparable
with an Easter trip to Corsica. Traveling from Nussdorf, Germany, we reached the
Italian port in Ancona within eight hours. We chose to cross the Adriatic Sea by
nocturnal ferry, relaxing and sleeping in a cabin; 14 hours later we docked at the
port in Igoumenitsa, and not three hours later we were unloading kayaks at the
put in of the Kalamas.For ferry options from Ancona to Igoumenitsa, Minoan Lines (www.minoan.gr)
offers affordable prices, numerous connections, and special prices for families or
motorhome owners interested in a “camping all-inclusive” rate.Accommodation:There are hardly any campsites in the mountain regions,
as the majority of Greek tourism takes place on the Mediterranean coast, but
a must-stop for every kayaker is the paddler camp in Plaka, at the foot of the
Tzoumerka Mountains. The small village of Plaka is an ideal base for rivers such
as the Arachtos, Kallaritikos, Acheron, and Acheloos, but is also a perfect starting
point for hiking and mountain biking. The small, cozy campsite near the Arachtos
belongs to the operators of the great and inexpensive Hotel & Restaurant Teloneio
(www.teloneio.gr). Away from localities, wild camping is still possible directly at
the rivers, in consultation with the local population. Be aware: in national parks
(eg: Vikos-Aoos National Park), camping is strictly forbidden!Info: There is currently no up-to-date kayaking guidebook about Greek rivers.
Greco Band 1 & 2 by Franz Bettinger are a good basis for planning, though
much of the information they contain is no longer relevant. Though only
available in the modern antiquarian booksellers, they are nevertheless a help
on every Greece paddling trip. Extensive information can also be found in the
DKV foreign guidebook Band 5 South Eastern Europe (ISBN: 9783937743196).
Good online information sources for paddling in Greece are kajaktour.de and
4-paddlers.com.Kayak guides: The guides from Christian Zickes kayak school (www.outdoordirekt.
de), or Greece and Balkan expert Christoph Scheuermann (toros-outdoors.de),can provide outstanding planning and support on the spot, and offer many
valuable tips from real Greek experts.Pindos Mountains Rivers:
Acheron: 12 kilometers of grade III-IV. The Acheron is the absolute highlight of
paddling in Greece. With sufficient water, paddling here is practically a sacred
duty. With lively blue-green whitewater roiling through white limestone rocks in a
completely isolated and pristine canyon, you will never be bored from the put-in
to the take-out. Large waves and big boulders form steep rapids separated by
flat pools. After the upper section, the canyon opens up. A somewhat longer, un-
runnable section towards the end of the canyon can be easily portaged over a
small hiking trail. Water levels are most reliable in April and early May.Aoos:50 kilometers of grade III-V. Located near the Albanian border, the Aoos
is long, wild and adventurous. Anyone who feels bored on the moderate rivers of
Northern Greece will feel just right on the wild Aoos.Arachtos: 50 kilometers of grade III-IV. Ranging from technical to surprisingly
powerful, the Arachtos offers several stretches of entertaining and challenging
whitewater in breathtaking gorges that are impressive and imposing. With
big waves, boulders, and narrow canyons, the Arachtos is one of the richest
whitewater experiences in Greece.Kalamas: 40 kilometers of grade II –III. The Kalamas is a beautiful, varied river,
easy to reach from the ferry port of Igoumenitsa. Its proximity to the ferry makes
it an ideal place to start or end your vacation. It features easy whitewater, great
camping, and beautiful spots to rest among green plane trees.Kallaritikos:13 kilometers of grade II-IV. The Arachtos’ cheerful tributary, the
Kallaritikos starts in a wide, high mountain valley. Fast current and many waves
rise to a furious finale of beautiful landscape and numerous boulder gardens
in the great canyon of the Kallaritikos.Venetikos: 30 kilometers of grade II +. The Venetikos is a cozy, wild river that
travels through predominantly open countryside. This is a good stretch if you
want a break from some of the more committing, claustrophobic canyons,
or for whitewater novices. For additional challenge, continue on about
six kilometers after the tributary with the Aliakmon for slightly more difficult
whitewater and one grade IV rapid.Voidomatis: 5 kilometers of grade III-IV, then 5 kilometers of grade I-II. The
Voidomatis is a small tributary of the Aoos in a great 5-star gorge. A challenging
descent into the upper section is followed by fantastic, crystal clear whitewater
to the next road bridge. The upper section features small drops, plenty of waves
and a few tightly locked, boulder choked labyrinths. Below the bridge is a short,
wonderful stretch for beginners, with friendly eddies.Other river destinations worth checking out with sufficient water levels are
the Mileapotamos, Metsovitikos, Acheloos, Lagavitsas, Agrafiotis, Lakmos and
Krikellopotamos.PADDLING IN GREECE
PLATA US
N
NThe Acheron
offers a perfect
blend of
challenging
rapids, relaxing
flatwater, and a
beautiful canyon.ZOOM IN