OVERVIEW
Sea kayaking in Pelion
In the place where Jason famously set sail with the Argonauts in his quest to find the Golden Fleece and centaurs roamed freely in antiquity, myth merges with reality on a unique coastline of blue-green water, remote beaches and hidden coves. Pelion is one of Greece’s most magical mountain & sea destinations, with a coastline made for leisurely sea kayaking adventures.
The beauty of sea kayaking in Pelion is that there are options for everyone. Individuals, couples, friends and families with kids can choose from gentle day trips to nearby beaches and coves to multi-day excursions along the peninsula, with skilled guides and all the equipment you need for comfort and safety
Wherever you find yourselves on your holidays in Pelion, you’ll find sea kayaking options nearby. Excursions along the eastern coastline (close to many of Mt Pelion’s most famous villages) usually start from Damouchari beach, passing the sea cave of Panagia Megalomatas (look for the tiny chapel literally built into the rock) and on to Fakistra beach (a turquoise-watered sandy cove). And for the more ambitious, there are trips that continue up the coast to the even more remote beaches of Mylopotamos and Limnionas. And there are other options from Damouchari (as well as Horetfto beach) that include other beaches (some hidden gem and others organised with sunbeds & umbrellas and beach bars) like Papa Nero, Agios Ioannis, Plaka, Banikas and Agioi Saranta.
Slightly less explored is Pelion’s southern coastline within the Pagasetic Gulf, closer to many of Mt Pelion’s hidden gem villages. There are routes starting from Marathias village and passing the uninhabited islet of Prasouda (you might stop here to visit the 11th-century Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi) and on to picturesque Tzasteni beach. Alternatively, there are trips that start in Milina village that include the islets of Alatas or Pythos, off the southwestern-most point of the Pelion peninsula.
If you love sustainable experiences and unique vistas (the sunrise and sunset tours are especially recommended), this is for you. A kayaking trip in Pelion perfectly complements all the other unforgettable things to do in Pelion (culture trips, nature activities, visits to traditional villages and amazing food).
GET PLANNING
Discover Greece tip
Pelion (in the Thessaly region of central Greece) is named after the mountain that dominates the peninsula, which starts a little outside the city of Volos (near the villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa), and is around 80km long and 37km wide. In other words, the distances are large and the terrain is mountainous. There are things to do wherever you choose for your holidays in Pelion, so first decide where you want to stay and then choose a kayaking experience in that area.
How do you get to Pelion from Athens and Thessaloniki?
By car
- For greatest flexibility, the easiest way to get between the villages of Pelion and to and from your kayak departure point is by car.
- Below are distances from Athens and Thessaloniki to Volos and villages in Pelion.
From Athens to:
- Volos: 331km, 3hrs 31min
- Portaria (central Pelion): 340km, 3hr 53min
- Milies (southern Pelion): 357km, 4hr 13min
- Milina (southern Pelion): 379km, 4hr 45min
- Tsangarada (eastern Pelion): 375km, 4hr 48min
From Thessaloniki to:
- Volos: 211km, 2hrs 20min
- Portaria (central Pelion): 220km, 2hr 35min
- Milies (southern Pelion): 237km, 2hr 56min
- Milina (southern Pelion): 258km, 3hr 27min
- Tsangarada (eastern Pelion): 255km, 3hr 30min
By bus
- There are daily bus itineraries connecting Volos with Athens (4hr) and Thessaloniki (2hr 30min). And there are buses connecting Volos with the villages of Pelion and more limited itineraries between the villages. More info here.
By train
- You can reach Volos by train from Thessaloniki and Athens (via Larissa). More info here.
- You will then need a car from Volos or to continue your journey into Pelion by bus.
When is the best time to go kayaking in Pelion?
- Sea kayaking excursions in Pelion are available from April to October.
- April-June and September-October are the best months to enjoy Pelion’s most popular beaches with fewer people.
- If you hire your own kayaking equipment and choose not to use a guide, we recommend staying close to your starting point and the shore. The suggested routes are intended only for excursions involving experienced guides.
- All sea activities are dependent on weather conditions.
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
How long do sea kayaking experiences in Pelion last?
- Organised group kayaking trips in Pelion last from 2-7 hours.
- Multi-day kayaking trips can last 4-6 days, or you can create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your holidays in Pelion.
- There are plenty of kayaking options in Pelion you can choose according to your abilities (easy to moderate in difficulty).
- Experience providers will supply all the necessary equipment for your trip.
- Organised kayaking trips in Pelion include stops for swimming at beaches and food.
- Some providers also offer the same experiences with Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP).
Make sure you have:
