Arrival in Ouranoupoli and first touch with the sea adventure

The meeting is at 05:30 in front of Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia, and at 06:00 we depart towards Ouranoupoli.

Our first pause is in the Kresna area – time for banitsa, supplies and water before continuing towards Ouranoupoli Camping.

After arrival, we buy fresh fish for the evening barbecue and head to Ouranoupoli Camping & Bungalows, located directly on the beach, in the calm bay of Ouranoupoli, with direct sea access and views towards the Drenia Islands.

All together we unload the equipment, leave the kayaks on the beach, organise the camp and after a short rest follow briefing, training and the first kayak outing until sunset.

In the evening we return to the campsite for dinner and relaxation. We will grill the fresh fish on the barbecue, and the peaceful beach atmosphere will complete our first day.

This is an introductory day – time for everyone to get used to the kayak, the movement of the sea and their own capabilities.

Our first evening will be spent calmly at the campsite — grilling the fresh fish on the barbecue. The calm sea and the starry sky will be the backdrop of our first day by the water.

Paddling distance for the day: approximately 8 km

Difficulty level based on distance: 2 out of 4

The Drenia Islands: Full exploration of the archipelago

This is the day when the group joining for the three-day adventure arrives. To participate fully, they must be in the campsite no later than 09:30, complete the briefing and receive their equipment.

After breakfast we launch the kayaks directly from the beach and head towards the Drenia Islands – a small archipelago of six islets known for extremely clear waters, white sandbars and calm turquoise lagoons.

First Part – The Big Island (Megali Drenia)

After about 15–20 minutes of paddling we reach the largest island. We stop at its northern lagoon for our first break – a place with shallow turquoise pools and perfect snorkelling conditions.

We continue around the island from the southern side, where the sea forms narrow passages and scenic rock niches.

The Small Islands and the “natural pool”

We head next to Micri Drenia and the surrounding cluster of rocky islets. Here the water is glass-clear and the seabed is made of bright stone slabs – one of the most beautiful snorkelling zones in the region.

Lunch break – the beach with the taverna

We take a longer break at the beach with the small taverna – the only serviced spot in the entire archipelago. This is the perfect moment for lunch and relaxation.

Return to Ouranoupoli

After lunch we follow the coastal route back to the campsite. This stretch is calm, with crystal water and wide underwater rock plates shimmering below.

We reach the camp in the late afternoon – filled with the lightness, silence and natural beauty of this small archipelago.

The second evening is free choice: stay in the campsite or join the group for dinner in a traditional taverna — depending on your mood. The day will have been long and full of paddling and beaches, so the evening is for rest, conversations, shared impressions and a sea of memories.

Paddling distance for the day: 14 km

Difficulty level based on distance: 2 out of 4

Circumnavigation of Ammouliani Island

From the beach of the campsite we head south and begin our full circumnavigation of Ammouliani. After just a few minutes of paddling, we reach our first stop – a quiet, wild sandy beach located to the right of the Drenia Islands. This is the perfect place for a short break, stretching and the first photos of the day.

We continue along the characteristic granite coastline of Ammouliani and enter the calmer part of the island, eventually reaching Alikes Beach – one of the most iconic sandy stretches. Here we will have lunch at the campsite taverna, with a view of the azure waters and the small islands across the bay.

In the afternoon, we continue the circumnavigation, entering the eastern side of the island. Our next rest stop is a picturesque sandy beach opposite the two small islands, Rema and Rouáki – a sheltered spot ideal for swimming and snorkelling among shallow underwater slabs.

After this pause, we set off again and soon reach the harbour of Ammouliani. Here we will have time for a short walk, a coffee or an ice cream before taking on the final part of the route.

From the harbour, we paddle directly back towards the campsite, completing the full circumnavigation of the island with the feeling of a complete marine journey – from wild coastal landscapes to the inhabited parts of Ammouliani.

After the intensive circumnavigation of the island, we offer an organised dinner in a traditional taverna — the perfect end to the day. This is a moment to share stories, feelings and new friendships, surrounded by the sound of waves and the aroma of fresh seafood.

Paddling distance for the day: 19 km

Difficulty level based on distance: 3 out of 4

We meet at 09:30 at the kayaks. This is our final day and it is dedicated to short, focused paddling sessions and practical training in the bay in front of the campsite. We stay close to the shoreline, continuing to build on the most important techniques in sea kayaking.

Today's training includes

Basics and kayak control

✅ correct entry and exit from the kayak at shore and shallow water;

✅ efficient forward and backward paddling with proper body positioning;

✅ stopping techniques and controlled speed reduction;

✅ course correction and directional changes.

Maneuvering and stability

✅ sideways paddling (draw stroke);

✅ maintaining stability using low brace and high brace techniques;

✅ essential techniques for preventing capsizing.

Rescue techniques

✅ self-rescue – re-entering the kayak after falling out;

✅ assisted rescue – two-person rescue techniques.

Training is carried out mainly in single sea kayaks, allowing each technique to be executed realistically, with proper dynamics and full safety.

Those who prefer not to participate in the practical exercises may observe from a boat or stay on the beach.

Wrap-up, preparation and departure

At 11:30 we return to the campsite. Together we clean the equipment, organise the gear, wash the kayaks and load them onto the trailers.

Around 15:30 we depart from Ouranoupoli, with a short stop for gyros in Ierissos, before continuing toward Bulgaria.

Estimated arrival at the “Vasil Levski” Stadium in Sofia – around 23:00.

Paddling distance for the day: short training routes within the bay.

✅ FOUR FULL DAYS of sea kayaking along the coastline of the Drenia Islands and Ammouliani

✅ High–class single kayak fitted to your size (or double kayak upon explicit preference)

✅ Modern lightweight carbon paddle

✅ High–quality PALM life jacket

✅ Spraydeck (nylon or neoprene depending on preference)

✅ Watersports helmet (if needed)

✅ Professional sea kayak guide with extensive experience, certified in all required disciplines:

- Sea kayaking, kayak leadership, first aid, risk management and open–water safety, navigation

✅ Instruction and training throughout the entire event

✅ Photos along the routes – taken by the team

For your comfort on land we provide:

✅ Tables, chairs and a shade tent (if needed)

✅ Gas barbecue, gas stove, electric kettle

✅ Automatic coffee machine with unlimited included coffee

✅ Mobile fridge and ice machine

✅ Cutlery, dishes and cups

✅ Consumables: kitchen rolls, foil, trash bags, etc.

❌ Overnight stays at Ouranoupoli Camping & Bungalows

❌ The announced price does not include transport.

Participants may travel completely free of charge using the transport vehicles we use for carrying the kayaks and equipment (until all 23 seats are filled), or, if they prefer, they can travel with their own transport. Participants who choose the three-day event travel only with their own transport.

❌ Food, drinks and other personal expenses

❌ Personal equipment listed in the “Equipment” section

❌ Tent rental and inflatable sleeping pad rental

❌ Health insurance for the duration of the event

Price: 4–6 BGN per person.

It can be purchased online here: http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8

The insurance is paid directly to the insurer.

We also recommend purchasing TRAVEL CANCELLATION insurance: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb

How to get to Ouranoupoli Camping & Bungalows?

You can travel completely free of charge with us, using the transport vehicles we use to carry the kayak equipment, until all 16 available seats are filled, or you may travel with your own transport if you prefer.

Participants who have chosen our exciting three-day adventure arrive with their own transport and must be at the campsite no later than 09:30. Please respect the time — the group departs exactly on schedule, and if you are late, you risk missing the entire first day of the program.

Luggage – what to bring

✅ Backpack or duffel bag with personal belongings (large, bulky suitcases are not allowed)

✅ Tent (if you will be staying at the campsite)

✅ Food and drinks for your stay

✅ No need to bring tables, chairs or additional camping equipment — we provide them.

Departure and return

Departure: Sofia – the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium “Vasil Levski”

Return: at the same location

⚠️ We do not offer pick-ups or drop-offs from personal addresses.

Accommodation – Ouranoupoli Camping & Bungalows

Price per night: 7.5 EUR per person

Price per tent: 7.5 EUR per night

The campsite also offers bungalow-style rooms, and you can make a reservation. Prices are listed here: https://www.camping-ouranoupoli.gr/book-your-dreamed-holidays

Accommodation fees are paid directly to the campsite management.

Dining at the campsite

We provide a fully equipped field kitchen, utensils, and the possibility for communal cooking.

We recommend bringing food at least for the first day, as we arrive early in the morning and begin with an active program.

Dining options

✅ Cooking with the group in the camp

✅ Dining in local tavernas along the route

✅ Purchasing groceries from nearby stores

✅ Preparing fresh fish or seafood on the barbecue

Storage and shopping

✅ A fridge in the van for perishable foods

✅ Refrigerators at the campsite for your use

✅ Coffee available at all times

☕ A coffee machine is provided with unlimited and free coffee for all participants

During kayak routes

✅ Bring dry food and sandwiches; each day, during the briefing, we will inform you whether there are tavernas or shops along the route.

✅ Bring enough water according to your personal needs, but at least 2 liters per day.

🌊 Eating is entirely your choice — cook with us, try the local cuisine, or combine both!