Kefalonia - The Emerald Ionian Paradise, 5 Day Kayaking Adventure
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Code:D00013T
Filled with enchanting features and landscapes, the island gained international fame after the release of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, a hit film shot here. Covering an area of 781 square kilometres, Kefalonia is a hot travel destination, luring passionate travellers with its legendary beaches, underground caves, culinary offerings, pulsating nightlife and beautiful fishing villages.
To help you make the most of Kefalonia's natural attractions, we've mapped out itineraries in different parts of the island, picking out the most attractive destinations. And to see more of this amazing nature, we'll start our kayaks from one point and end at another.
The program is of the adventure type with overnight camping or hotel accommodation, Suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced, as well as for children over 12.
Attention: To pay 50% in advance use promo code - advance
The remaining amount is payable locally (cash/card) or by bank.
ATTENTION: Discounts are not combined, the largest discount is taken into account.
At the beginning of September it is Kefalonia's turn to show us its breathtaking beauty. The island is one of the top destinations in Greece and one of our favorites for kayaking adventures. Several natural wonders on the island compete for our attention.
Filled with enchanting features and landscapes, the island gained international fame after the release of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", a hit movie filmed here. Covering an area of 781 square kilometres, Kefalonia is a hot travel destination, luring passionate travellers with its legendary beaches, underground caves, culinary offerings, pulsating nightlife and beautiful fishing villages.
The event will be varied and exciting, each day we will make transfers with the vans, trailers and kayaks to reach the desired destination.
In order for you to be able to make the most of Kefalonia's natural attractions, we have mapped out routes in different parts of the island, selecting the most attractive destinations. And in order to see more of this amazing nature, we will start our kayaks from one point and end at another. This requires complex logistics, which are executed in a rugged and difficult terrain mainly by climbing and descending steep slopes. All of this also determines a higher price for this event.
Program:
On the evening of 03.09.2024 the meeting is at 20:00 in front of the Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia, we leave at 20:30. In order to make the most of the days and not to wait pointlessly at the border, we will travel at night.
In the morning we arrive in Vassiliki (Lefkada) and make a ferry transfer to the island. We transfer by ferry to Kefalonia. We check in at the Karavomilos campsite, unload our equipment and kayaks and after a short rest organized by the vans, we will visit the Melisani cave, also known as the cave of the nymphs. Without a doubt one of the wonders of Kefalonia. Discovered in 1951, the cave is 3,5 kilometers long and has two main chambers. One of the chambers is dark with stalactites, while the other has a large opening at the top that lets in sunlight, illuminating the lake in a magical blue color. The cave has an underground connection to the sea and is salt water. Legend has it that this was the burial place of the nymph Melisani, who drowned in the lake after the God of Caves and Folklore failed to return her love.
Our second visit of the day is again to the cave - Drogarati, discovered in the early 18th century during another earthquake. Drogarati is millions of years old, 95 m. long and 45 m. wide and is famous for its great hall, offering amazing acoustics and full of stalactites and stalagmites. The 900 square metre space has been dubbed the "Hall of Praise". Its acoustics were tested by Maria Callas, and after her visit there the cave became host to many concerts. According to local legends, Drogarati used to be home to dragons, hence its name.
In the afternoon we return to the campsite where, after a detailed briefing, we make the first paddle on the island. We will visit beaches accessible only by water, villages abandoned centuries ago and wild goats.
The paddle for the day is 5 km.
Difficulty level 1 out of 4.
This day we will make a transfer to the southern part of the island. We depart from the small fishing port of Agia Kyriaki and paddle north, past the imposing limestone cliffs. Initially we will stop for a rest at one of the pristine remote beaches along the way. Our next stop is the large Papanikolis Cave, and the larger break and lunch will be at the famous Myrtos Beach.
Mythos is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches, having earned a worldwide reputation and been awarded many times for its cleanliness and natural beauty. It is one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Greece. It is also considered one of the 30 best beaches in the world by many travel magazines. After lunch, we continue to explore the wild beaches, caves and breathtaking scenery with high cliffs as we paddle around the Asos Peninsula. Above, we'll see a majestic Venetian castle of the same name, and the fortress that circles the peninsula is a reminder of past battles and grandeur. The day will end at the village of Asos, a spectacular fishing village located in the isthmus of the peninsula. The cypress and pine trees that cover the surrounding hills and the dramatic limestone cliffs create a breathtaking scenery full of contrasts.
The paddle for the day is 14 km.
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
This day we will again make a transfer to the southern part of the island. We depart from the port of Agia Pelagia. This part of the island offers a wide variety of landscapes, sandy beaches, caves and sea channels, and the view inland gives an excellent picture of the island: green hillsides and scattered colorful villages below the Ainos Mountain, which, due to its endemic black fir tree, is one of the ten national parks in Greece. Among the highlights of this day is the beach break with the crystals, and the beautiful islet of Dias, on which a small chapel has been built.
The last stop of the day is Trapezaki Beach, where we will end our experience with a cold beer at the local beach bar.
The paddle for the day is 12 km
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
We set off from Argostoli Lighthouse along a scenic coastline full of caves and natural arches. The first break will be at Palaiostafida Bay, where in the ancient Ithaca of Odysseus, the candidates for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage, ambushed Telemachus (son of Odysseus) when he went in search of his father.
We continue our journey and after Makris Gialos beach, the landscape changes radically. On all sides we will be surrounded by high white limestone cliffs, caves, turquoise waters and remote white sand beaches. This view will make our paddling a truly impressive experience!!
We'll take another break for swimming and snorkeling, then acoustic at Minies Beach (near the airport) to watch planes land from the water or while drinking a cold beer at the local beach bar. But that's not the end of our adventure for the day! We load up the kayaks and head out in the vans to the bay shaped like the Greek letter Xi, located on the western side of Kefalonia. Its sand and rocks are red and the clay soil is great for cleansing and firming the skin. This is the infamous Red Beach. We will stay on the beach until sunset. The reflection of the last rays of the sun on the red earth is a sight to be seen.
In the evening, we will walk and have dinner in the capital Argostoli, and visit the De Bossett Bridge that connects the capital to the main island.
De Bosset is 689.9 metres long and was built in 1813. As the longest stone bridge over the sea, it has architectural significance. There is a four-sided obelisk called the Column next to the De Bosset Bridge. As a result of the bridge, the Coutavos lagoon was formed and is now a breeding ground for carta tortoises.
Paddling for the day is 10 km.
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
We assemble at 9.00 am and all together we stow the equipment, wash and load the kayaks on the trailers. Then we leave by ferry to Lefkada. We'll have lunch in a nice taverna in Vasiliki, then head back to Bulgaria.
Expected arrival in front of Vasil Levski stadium is 22.00.
Note: The organizers reserve the right to change the program depending on weather conditions in order to ensure maximum safety of the participants.
Our mission is to pass on our knowledge to you, so during the event everyone will learn or improve the following techniques:
- Lifting, Carrying;
- Getting the kayak in and out of the sea;
- Effective forward paddling;
- Paddling backwards, stopping;
- Lateral movement;
- Changing direction;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Techniques for dealing with environmental phenomena;
- Group behaviour;
- Basic techniques to avoid capsizing;
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue;
- Basic principles of movement at sea.
You can travel free of charge with the means of transport for the kayaks and equipment, until the free places are exhausted or with your own transport, the price does not change.
Space for luggage is limited. You can bring a backpack, pack, tent and food.
No need to bring tables and chairs, we've got you covered.
We leave from the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium "Vasil Levski", Sofia and return there again, we do not offer personal visits.
Ferry fees are not included in the original price. There are two reasons for this:
- The price is the carrier's and we cannot calculate on it the discounts we offer.
- The price is payable locally and depends on the number of participants.
ACCOMMODATION: Overnight at Karavomilos Camping, which has a tavern, shop and swimming pool. The cost is 9.5 euros per night per person and 5.5 euros per tent - the same is paid by everyone on site. It does not offer hotel accommodation, but the area around the campsite is densely populated and accommodation abounds.
Traditionally, meals are at the campsite. It is recommended to bring prepared food for at least the first day. We have provided everything needed for a field kitchen and to feed the whole group. You do not need to bring absolutely anything.
If you want to eat at our campsite, each participant has to bring their own ingredients or buy them on site. We can't miss the opportunity to buy fresh fish and fish delicacies from local fish markets, fishmongers or shops to barbecue at the campsite.
If desired, anyone can eat at the tavern or buy food from local shops.
During the trip from Sofia to Greece, we will have a refrigerator in the van in which we can stow perishables. Our first stop is at a 24-hour convenience store in Kresna where we can buy water and groceries. The campsite usually has fridges in the communal kitchens.
We have a coffee machine at your disposal and the coffee is unlimited. It is your responsibility to prepare your own dry food and sandwiches for the kayak treks, and you must have food and water provided for the time on the water according to your personal needs.
The events we organise are of the adventure type and are open to all, beginners and experienced people alike, as well as children over a certain age described in the event. Each event has a published difficulty level and the distance we will cover on the day. The routes are chosen so that there is a beach and dive break approximately every hour. You will feel more comfortable if you have at least average fitness.
All availability is posted on our website in real time. To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the website and place an order.
The order is equivalent to a contract.
You add the desired event to your cart and complete the order by selecting your desired options.
You can pay the full amount or pay 50% in advance. When paying in advance, please use the promo code "advance".
Possible payment options are by bank or card.
Upon successful completion of your order, you will receive a confirmation email. Once we receive payment, you will receive a confirmation email stating "Your order is confirmed". We will contact you before the event.
Where the participants for whom you are placing the order are more than one, please complete the form below to send us their details
https://bit.ly/3PsYVR0
Money paid will be refunded immediately if the reason for the event not taking place is due to travel restrictions, if we do not form a group or due to a significant deterioration in the weather across the region. Depending on weather conditions, an alternative kayaking destination in another region of Greece may be chosen.
The maximum number of participants in the organised transport is 20 and the programme is run with a minimum of 8 participants.
If a group cannot be formed with the minimum number of participants, the organizer will notify all registrants up to 7 days before the event date.
The ratio of guides to participants is approximately 1-10
In case of cancellation of the event due to inability or illness, requested more than 14 days before the announced date, we will provide you with a voucher for another event of ours at the paid value.
If you wish, it is possible to participate with your own kayak and you can transport it yourself or we can transport it.
Participation is subject to further arrangement and is only allowed if you strictly follow Dopamine Team's instructions and program!
Documents required:
- ID card
- Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It is also taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and paid to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide them).
We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb
PRICE PER PERSON: 690 BGN
For a company of at least 4 people the price is 621 BGN per person.
All vacancies are published on our website in real time. To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the site and place an order. Add the desired event to the cart, enter the promo code "advance" to pay 50% in advance or if you wish pay the full amount.
FOUR FULL DAYS of kayaking near the beaches of the island. Kefalonia; Use of double or single kayaks according to preference and availability. (All our boats are high class and manufactured by the world leaders) Kayak equipment: modern lightweight paddle, PALM life jacket and spritz; Qualified kayak guide; Instruction and training; Photos along the routes.
In order to be different and to get the maximum comfort during your stay on land, we have provided for you full camping equipment, namely:
Tables, chairs and tent (if needed); Gas barbecue; Coffee machine with coffee included; Two mobile refrigerators; Ice machine; Utensils; Supplies (kitchen rolls, foil, garbage bags);
Overnight accommodation at Karavomilos campsite, which is €9.5 per person per night and €5.5 per tent and is paid by each person personally on site; The advertised fare does not include transport, you can travel free of charge with the kayaks' means of transport until places are exhausted or with your own transport, the price does not change; Ferry fees from Vasiliki to Kefalonia and back, personal and for transporting the equipment, which are between 60 and 70 BGN per person depending on the number of people, and are paid on the ferry. Food, drinks and other personal expenses; Tent and air mattress hire at prices from 20 BGN for the whole period (if you wish to hire a tent and air mattress, we ask that you request them in advance); Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It can also be taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and is payable to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide these).
We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb
WARNING:
During the event, participants must strictly comply with the regulations of the drivers, be in good physical health, have no illnesses and injuries of which they have not notified the organizer.
There is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for the use of all supplies, camping equipment and optional extras.
You only need to keep and take care of the inventory.
The participation fee offered by Dopamine Team Ltd is for the service of transporting kayak and camping equipment, renting kayak and camping equipment, logistics, providing an instructor and guide.
If there are other prices listed they are for information purposes only and are not subject to the sale of goods and services by us!
Any discounts at tavernas and campsites (if any) are shared with you and we do not take advantage of them.
Equipment
Personal responsibility is the provision of:
1. Drinking water. 1;
2. Sunglasses (with high UV protection; the presence of polarization is recommended);
3. Sun hat/head towel;
4. Swimsuit or beachwear;
5. Gloves for kayaking (can also be for a bike);
6. Sunscreen (high factor);
7. Beach shoes (quick drying) - there are sea urchins in the sea!
8. A light, airy, light and comfortable outer garment (for sun protection when paddling). Long sleeved lycra with UV protection is best;
9. Thin water/windproof jacket;
10. Lightweight and compact beach towel or scarf;
11. Folding knife, thermos, and beverage jug;
12. Waterproof mobile phone case;
13. ID card and money in local currency, if needed for the day;
14. Food for the day depending on personal preference;
15. Dry (waterproof) bag with a capacity of 15 - 30 l;
16. Depending on conditions, a pair of dry clothes to change into (stowed in a waterproof bag/pack);
17. For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
18. Flashlight and/or headlamp.
Personal items for the campsite:
1. Tent, mattress (shawl) and sleeping bag (or blanket);
2. Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo);
3. Drying towel (microfiber towels are more compact);
4. Mosquito spray/lotion.
Level of difficulty
Difficulty level according to the distance of the adventure programs:
1 out of 4
- Introduction to kayaking performed in lakes, bays with calm waters.
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Distance covered in a day - 3-6 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 2-3 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
2 of 4
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 6-14 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 3-4 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
- Participants must be able to spend at least 1hr in the kayak.
3 of 4
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 14-20 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 4-6 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
- Participants must be able to spend at least 1hr in the kayak.
4 of 4
- Distance from shore greater than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 16-25 km.
- Previous experience is required.
- No swimming skill required
- At least average physical fitness required
- Participants must be able to spend more than 1hr in the kayak.
Warning:
Difficulty level may change depending on weather conditions, wind and waves.
