Parga and the Underworld Realm – 5-Day Sea Kayak Adventure along the Mythical Ionian Coast

This year we have prepared for you a premiere adventure in the Ionian Sea, between Preveza and Igoumenitsa and more specifically in Parga. Set amphitheatrically above the sea, Parga is a unique place combining picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters.

There is not a person who has visited the city and has not left part of his heart in it! Its landscapes resemble those of an island, the Venetian influence can be felt from every corner, and if you look at it from above you will be overwhelmed by the feeling of being in Monaco. Parga has a rich history. It has been known to the world as a settlement since the 13th century, and there have been constant battles fought over it throughout the centuries. It was ruled by the Venetian, French, Turkish and British armies. A native of Parga was the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent.

The medieval fortress overlooking the town, built in the 15th century by the Venetians during their occupation of Parga, is a reminder of past grandeur and battles and is a natural end to the old part of the town, which begins just behind the promenade, and the sunset here is magical.

Program:

Day 1 (09.07.2025)

Meeting in front of Vasil Levski Stadium at 00:00 and departure from Sofia at 00:30. Arrival around 08:00 in Parga. We stop for coffee and breakfast, and buy fish from the local fish market, then head to Valtos Camping, which is located on the sandy beach of the same name. We check in and after a short break, head to the hamlet of Ammoudia. We unload the kayaks, do a briefing and introductory training for beginners in the bay, after which we will enter the kayaks at the mouth of the Acheron River. Paddling upriver we will soon enter deeper into the rich ecosystem of the area, passing by riparian forests with unexpected surprises.

We will ascend the river with our kayaks, but we will not reach the underground kingdom because it is still early :), and we will return when the wild foliage of the willows thickens and becomes impassable.

In Greek mythology, the river Acheron was used by the boatman Charon. Charon used to carry the souls of the dead on the boat across the River Acheron ("River of Pain") to the underworld if they had an obol (coin) to pay him with. Anyone buried with a coin under their tongue was taken away by Charon, and the rest wandered the shores of Acheron for a hundred years.

Mythology has always been a way of describing things that are not easy to explain or beyond our knowledge and perception, but in our day the River Acheron is still a magical place. Not so much for the history and mythology anymore, but for the natural beauty of this river. We will enjoy clear turquoise water surrounded by white gorges, waterfalls, lakes and greenery.

The hike upstream is approximately an hour and a half and the hike downstream is faster.
At dusk, we head to Valtos Beach, unload the kayaks and indulge in a well-deserved rest.
We'll have dinner at the campsite, and those who can't wait will head along the coastal path to Parga.

The paddle for the day is 11 km, half of which is along the crayfish.

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 2 (10.07.2025)

After breakfast and coffee, and making sandwiches for the day, we put the kayaks in the water and head left out of the campground to Aphrodite's Cave, which is one of the area's landmarks. We'll paddle slowly along the coast and enjoy the scenery. We will relax on the sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear sea waters. After exploring the cave, we will moor at Lichnos Beach for rest and lunch. There are three tavernas on the beach. After lunch we will head back, enter the bay of Parga and explore the city from the water.

In the evening we head to Parga to explore the fortress, have dinner and listen to live music.

The paddle for the day is 14 km. but in this adventure the distance is not important, because all the time we maneuver between islets, rocks, crevices, arches and caves.

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 3 (11.07.2025)

COMING SOON, THE DESCRIPTION!

Day 4 (12.07.2025)

After breakfast, we board the kayaks again and explore the coast to the right of the campground. The first break will be on a wild beach from which a narrow path leads to a monastery carved into the rocks, and the second will be on a wide sandy beach where we will have lunch. The taverna is on a plateau about 100 meters above sea level and the view covers the entire bay. In the afternoon we paddle back to the campsite, and at dusk we will head in an organized way with the vans to the castle of Ali Pasha, rising on a high hill above Antusa and overlooking the whole bay of Parga. The castle was built in 1814 by Ali Pasha of Ioannina as a military fortress.
For the evening we again provide a free program in the pleasant atmosphere of the campsite, or a walk to Parga.

The paddle for the day is 13 km. but again it is full of picturesque rock formations to circumnavigate.

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 5 (13.07.2025)

We gather at 08.00 at the boats. This day will be a short trip and paddle, we will head left from the campground and enter Parga Bay where we will emphasize training and continue to perfect the following techniques:

- Getting in and out of the sea with the kayak;
- Proper paddling forwards, sideways and backwards, stopping;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Basic capsize prevention techniques:
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue;

Training is mainly done on single kayaks!
Those who do not wish to participate can simply watch or stay on the beach.

At 11.00 we return to the campsite and all together we collect the equipment, wash and load the kayaks on the trailers and around 14.00 we depart back to Bulgaria.
Expected arrival in front of Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia is at 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 Valtos campsite, which is 7.5 euros per night and 6.5 euros per tent - these are payable by everyone on site, directly to the campsite management. The campsite offers accommodation in bungalow type rooms. The area is densely populated with hotels and guesthouses, if you wish you can make a reservation.

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.

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.

Price includes

FULL FOUR DAYS kayaking off the beaches of Parga;

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 Valtos campsite, which is €7.5 per night and €6.5 per tent - these are payable by everyone on site. The campsite offers accommodation in bungalow type rooms.

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 you to 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! 💙