Pelion: Myths and Legends – 5-Day Sea Kayak Adventure along Greece's Mythical Coast

In the height of summer, we will seek refuge from the heat at the foot of Mount Pelion.

According to ancient Greek legends, the twelve gods descended from Mount Olympus in summer time to rest among the greenery and coolness of Mount Pelion, to bathe in the crystal-tear springs that gush from many places, to peer closer at the azure sea through the virgin forests. These legends, as we know, are so descriptive that we almost accept them as historical truth. The legends also tell us that this is the mountain of the centaurs, those mythical creatures who were depicted as humans in the upper body and as horses in the lower. And we're going to dive into the heart of one of the most famous myths about the march of the Argonauts. We'll follow their journey in kayaks from where the ship Argo set sail, on which Jason and the Argonauts boarded to go to Colchis in the Black Sea and bring back the Golden Fleece.

In many places the cliffs drop abruptly to the sea, forming cosy coves accessible only by water, full of overhanging rocks, caves and bays of fine light sand, on which peaceful and wild beaches have formed, without much presence of civilisation. And we will enjoy views that are the envy of the world's most famous resorts. The place is also a paradise for divers and is renowned as one of the most preserved and wild spots of mainland Greece.

Kayaking is a truly unique way of looking at Pelion. Not only because it is the best way to explore the coast, but also because there is something stunning about the view of the mountain from the sea.

The event is open to kids 10 and up, people with no experience, intermediate and advanced, but most importantly, have an adventurous spirit..

During the kayak trips, a beach and snorkeling break is provided every hour.

Program:

Day 1 (11.06.2025)

We will meet in the evening of 11.06.2025 at 00:10 in front of Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia, leaving at 00:30. Once we arrive in Pelion in the morning, we will have breakfast and coffee in Volos, where we will buy fresh fish from the local fish market and replenish our food supplies.

We check in at Olizon campsite, which is located next to the village of Milina. We will unload our equipment and kayaks and after a short break we will do a briefing and exploratory kayak trip until sunset. We'll paddle to the right of the campground, the first break will be at Olive Beach where we'll continue with instruction, then we're off to some wild beaches.

In the evening we will return to the campground to have dinner and relax.
Paddling for the day is about 12 km

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 2 (12.06.2025)

We have breakfast and kayak out on the turquoise-ink sea to Alatas Island, where our first rest will be, and then head to a small island that has the remains of a fully preserved medieval monastery. We'll have lunch on the island, after which we'll go around to the other side of Alatas Island and back to the campsite.

This day there will be no restaurants or tavernas on our way and we will bring our own food.
For the evening we again plan a free program. We return to the campsite for dinner and rest.
Paddling for the day is about 14 km

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 3 (13.06.2025)

Trikeri Island Tour: We will make a transfer to the port of Alοgopοroc, where we will unload the boats and reach Trikeri Island by rowing. During the tour we will stop at three wild beaches for breaks and diving, and the tour will end at one of the island's tavernas. After refueling we will sail to the peninsula, load the boats and continue to the small fishing village of Komac. The settlement is wild, οtdаl and least known, but has kept its authentic imprint. The harbour is really small, with fishing boats and a miniature strip οf pebbles and clear water, but what attracted us was the fresh fish and mоrcκi dаrоvе caught by the fishermen and offered in some taverns.

After dinner we return to the campsite.
The day's paddling is only 12 km, but compensates with amazing views and beaches.

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 4 (14.06.2025)

West Coast:
Swell and wind permitting, we will again make a transfer, this time to the eastern side of the peninsula, to Paltsi harbor, where we will head north to Melani and Potistika beaches, where we will also take our first rest. How we continue depends entirely on the excitement.

On the way back, we will explore the village of Agalesti, where we will have dinner in one of its tavernas, specializing in local dishes.
Paddling for the day is as Poseidon permits us!

Day 5 (15.06.2025)

Departure for Bulgaria Yes 12.00 pm free time for beach or paddling in the bay, we gather at 12.00 pm and all together collect the equipment, wash and load the kayaks on the trailers and around 15.00 pm we depart back to Bulgaria.
Expected arrival in front of Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia is 23.00.

Note: The organisers reserve the right to change the programme depending on weather conditions in order to maximise the safety of participants.

Training and improvement

Our mission is to pass on our knowledge to you, so during the event anyone who is willing, 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.

Transport and accommodation

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 and camping equipment, 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.

ACCOMMODATION: Overnight accommodation at Camping Olison is 12 euros per night - the same are paid by everyone on site directly to the campground management. The campsite does not offer hotel accommodation, but there are hotels and guesthouses nearby.

Food and drink

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. When we are in Greece, 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. And each participant has the choice of eating in the organized campsite, at a tavern or buying food from local shops.

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.

Conditions

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.

How to order:
To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the site and place an order. All available places are announced on our website and change in real time. You add the desired event to your cart and complete the order by selecting your desired options and payment method. Although delivery is electronic you also need to fill in an address. The possible payment options are by bank or card. By agreeing electronically to the terms and conditions, the order is tantamount to a contract.
You can pay the full amount or pay an advance of 50%. When paying in advance, please use the promo code "advance". After successful completion of the order, you will receive a confirmation by email. If the payment is by bank, the place is considered booked once payment is received. If paying by card, the reservation is instant. Once we receive payment, within a few days, an operator will contact you, change the status of your order and you will receive a confirmation email with the text "Your order is confirmed". Additionally, you will be contacted a few days 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: 620 BGN

For a company of at least 4 people the price is 558 BGN per person.

Price includes

FULL FIVE DAYS kayaking off the beaches of the Pelion Peninsula;

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, helmet if necessary;

Qualified kayak guide with extensive experience and completed a course with the British Canoe Association;;

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);

Price does not include

Overnight accommodation at Camping Olison is 12 euros per night. The campsite does not offer hotel accommodation, but there are hotels and guesthouses nearby.

The quoted kayak fee does not include transport. As we transport the kayaks with vans, you can travel with us completely free of charge using the kayak transport vehicles or your own transport;

Food, drinks and other personal expenses;

Personal gear listed under "TEAMWORK";

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 EU 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

🛶 Equipment needed for the kayaking adventure 🚣‍♂️

It is your personal responsibility to provide the following:

1️⃣ Drinking water - minimum 2 litres per day (mandatory).
2️⃣ Sunglasses - high UV protection (the presence of polarization is recommended).
3️⃣ Sun hat or head towel - for extra protection from the sun.
4️⃣ Swimsuit or beachwear - comfortable for water activities.
5️⃣ Kayak gloves - may be for kayaking, but they are not designed for kayaking and may cause injury.
6️⃣ Sunscreen - high factor for sun protection.
7️⃣ Beach shoes - quick drying as there are sea urchins in the sea!
8️⃣ Light, breathable and comfortable outerwear - long sleeved lycra and UV protection is recommended to protect from the sun when paddling.
9️⃣ Thin water/windproof jacket - for protection in cooler weather.
🔟 Lightweight and compact beach towel or scarf.
1️⃣1️⃣ Folding knife, thermos and drink jug - for comfort at the beach and during breaks.
1️⃣2️⃣ Waterproof mobile phone case - protection from water and moisture.
1️⃣3️⃣ ID card and money in local currency - if needed for the day.
1️⃣4️⃣ Food for the day - depending on personal preference.
1️⃣5️⃣ Dry (waterproof) bag with a capacity of 15-30 litres - to store personal belongings and food.
1️⃣6️⃣ Depending on conditions - a pair of dry clothes to change into (stowed in a waterproof bag/pack).

1️⃣7️⃣ For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
1️⃣8️⃣ Flashlight and/or headlamp - for evening activities or if additional lighting is needed.
1️⃣7️⃣ For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
1️⃣8️⃣ Flashlight and/or headlamp - for evening activities or if additional lighting is needed.

🏕 Personal items for the campsite

1️⃣ Tent, mattress (shawl) and sleeping bag (or blanket) - for a comfortable overnight stay.
2️⃣ Toiletries - toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo.
3️⃣ Drying towel - microfiber towels are more compact and dry quickly.
4️⃣ Mosquito spray/lotion - for protection from insects during overnight camping.
5️⃣ For those using rental tents and mattresses - bring sheets and blankets for them to ensure a comfortable night's stay.

🌊 Prepare well with the necessary equipment and personal belongings for a comfortable and unforgettable kayaking adventure day! 💙