Pelion – Land of the Centaurs – Late Summer on the Aegean Sea – 4 Days SEPTEMBER 2026
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Code:D00393T
Pelion is a place where the mountain and the sea coexist in perfect harmony, and every shore carries a sense of ancient myth. According to legend, this is where the centaurs once lived, and where the gods of Olympus descended to find coolness among forests, springs, and crystal-clear waters.
The kayak adventure along the eastern coastline of Pelion takes us through wild, sparsely populated shores, high cliffs, and secluded beaches accessible only by water. This route combines marine dynamics, raw natural beauty, and the feeling of traveling back in time — far from tourist noise and close to the essence of real Greece.
What to expect:
✅ Five-day sea kayak adventure along the wild eastern coast of Pelion
✅ Paddling under towering cliffs and past beaches inaccessible by land
✅ Crystal-clear waters, depth, and dramatic coastal relief
✅ Visits to small coves and traditional coastal villages
✅ Swimming and snorkeling in natural sea pools
✅ Camping nights by the sea, away from mass tourism
✅ Fully equipped campsite with all essentials
✅ Balance between adventure, technique, and relaxation time
✅ Walks through ancient mountain villages
✅ New and high-quality kayak equipment
✅ Professional guides and training
The program is adventure-based, with nights spent at a campsite.
Suitable for:
✅ Beginners, intermediate, and advanced paddlers
✅ Children 12+ with an accompanying adult may paddle in a double kayak
✅ Children 14+ may paddle in a single kayak
Attention:
✅ Reservations are made only online through the website.
✅ You may pay a 50% deposit using promo code “advance”.
✅ All available spots are displayed on our website — no need to call and ask for availability.
IMPORTANT!!! Discounts (if any) cannot be combined; the largest discount will be applied!
When mornings in Bulgaria are getting chilly, days are getting shorter, and autumn is creeping in, southern Greece is still living in the full swing of summer. Pelion is one of those rare places where the end of September is not the end, but a continuation – quieter, milder, and even more beautiful.
Located between the mountains and the Aegean Sea, the Pelion Peninsula offers natural coolness during the day and a warm sea that stays above 25°C. The water remains crystal clear and pleasant for swimming, the air is mild and stable, and the sea is calmer and more predictable than at the height of the season. This is the moment when summer does not disappear, but simply slows down.
Our kayaking adventure during this period reveals Pelion in its best light. The beaches are emptier, the paths on the slopes smell of pine and figs, and the sea bays welcome us without crowds and noise. Paddling becomes more rhythmic, more contemplative – without the heat of August, but with all the energy of summer.
We will row at the foot of the mountain, where the greenery descends directly to the sea, we will enter small bays with dark blue depths and we will dock on beaches that seem even wilder and more authentic during this season. The days are long, the sun is soft, and the evenings are perfect for slow conversations by the sea.
Autumn Pelion is no compromise – it is the luxury of an extended summer. A place for people who are not ready to part with the sea, but are looking for a quieter, deeper, and more authentic experience. This is the moment when the Aegean Sea remains summer, while the rest of the world is already thinking about autumn.
Program:
The meeting is at 22:30 in front of “Vasil Levski” Stadium, and at 23:00 we depart from Sofia.
Our first break is in the Kresna area — time for pastries, supplies, and water before continuing toward Volos.
First encounter with Pelion
We arrive and settle at Camping Olizon, located near the coastal village of Milina – a peaceful place nestled between green hills and the Aegean Sea. In the village we will have breakfast and feel the first rhythm of Pelion – slow, coastal, and authentic.
After breakfast, we unload the equipment and kayaks. A short rest follows, then a briefing, gear distribution, and introduction to the route and conditions. The day is planned as an orientation day – both with the sea and with the boats and the group.
We divide the group into two. The advanced paddlers will circle the island across from the campsite, while with the beginners we will conduct introductory training and practice the basic techniques of sea kayaking. Afterwards, we all continue together in calm waters toward our first stop – Olive Beach – a small, sheltered beach with Pelion’s characteristic rocky shore and exceptionally clear water. Here we continue with practical training and refining the core techniques.
The next part of the route leads us to a sequence of wild, rarely visited beaches hidden between the cliffs and forested slopes. This is the ideal beginning of the adventure – moderate pace, plenty of time for swimming, breaks, and a gradual introduction to the character of eastern Pelion.
In the late afternoon we return to the campsite. The evening is dedicated to rest and relaxation – dinner at the campsite or at a tavern in Milina. The barbecue is available for participants. It’s worth noting that the village does not have a fish market, but there is an excellent butcher shop, and local fishermen regularly pass by offering fresh fish straight from their vehicles – part of the authentic rhythm of the region.
Paddling distance for the day: 12 km
Difficulty level according to distance: 2 out of 4
Islands, silence and traces of the past
After breakfast we launch the kayaks and head out across the turquoise–ink waters of the Aegean Sea. The day is dedicated to paddling in open sea, island silhouettes and a sense of complete isolation from the mainland.
The first rest stop is on Alatas Island – a small, peaceful island with clear waters and a wild, untouched character. Here we will pause for swimming, rest, and short recovery before continuing along the route.
Shortly before reaching our next destination, we will enter a sea cave carved into the cliffs of the island. Entering the cave is brief but memorable, revealing the raw and untouched nature of this section of Pelion.
We then continue toward a nearby islet where the remains of a well-preserved medieval monastery are located. The site carries a strong sense of history and solitude – stone walls, silence, and a view toward the endless sea. Here we will have lunch and enjoy time for exploration and rest.
After lunch we continue by circumnavigating Alatas Island from its opposite side. In the late afternoon we return to the campsite.
It is important to note that along today's route there are no taverns or places to buy food, so everyone must carry their own provisions and water for the entire day.
The evening is free. We return to the campsite for dinner and rest – a time for relaxation, conversations, and gathering energy for the days ahead.
Paddling distance for the day: 14 km
Difficulty level according to distance: 2 out of 4
The Eastern Coast of Pelion
Today is entirely dictated by the sea. If the waves and wind allow, we organise a transfer to the port of Paltsi – the starting point for one of the most technical and fascinating sections of the Pelion coastline.
From Paltsi we head north, following the rocky and deeply carved shoreline. Our final goals for the day are Melani and Potistika beaches. The distance is relatively short – no more than 6 km – but this is one of the most challenging routes of the entire adventure.
The coast here is dense with rocky capes, narrow passages and stone formations that require precise manoeuvring, good technique and full concentration. The more experienced paddlers will weave between rocks and stone ridges, work with the waves and their reflections off the cliffs, and choose every line with care. This is sea kayaking in its purest form – technical, dynamic and highly engaging. Of course, all participants will be equipped with helmets.
Beginners will observe from the calmer sections, with that slight envy that turns into motivation – waiting for the moment when they too will be able to navigate confidently in such terrain.
Melani Beach welcomes us with its raw, exposed character – dark sand and gravel, steep slopes and deep water that changes its behaviour rapidly depending on the conditions. Potistika Beach, located a little further, is even more impressive with its scale and dramatic relief. These are places that are not “conquered”, but experienced – with respect and attention.
On one of the two beaches we will make a longer break for recovery, swimming and analysing the route. Lunch is in a beach tavern, after which, depending on the conditions, we return along the same route.
After finishing the paddling, we head high into the mountains to the village of Agalasti, where we will end the day with dinner in a traditional tavern known for its local cuisine. The stone architecture and peaceful atmosphere of the village are the natural counterpoint to the intense day spent on the water.
Paddling distance for the day: 12 km
Difficulty level according to distance: 3 out of 4
Training in the Gulf of Volos and departure
We gather at 09:00 by the kayaks. This is our final day and it is dedicated to short, focused paddling and practical training in the gulf. Today's session includes:
Fundamentals and boat control
✅ correct entering and exiting the kayak from shore and shallow water;
✅ effective forward and backward paddling with proper body posture;
✅ stopping techniques and controlled speed reduction;
✅ course adjustment and directional changes.
Maneuvering and stability
✅ sideways paddling (draw stroke);
✅ maintaining stability through low brace and high brace;
✅ basic techniques for preventing capsizing.
Rescue techniques
✅ self-rescue – re-entering the kayak after capsizing;
✅ assisted rescue – partner rescue between two kayakers.
The training is carried out primarily on single sea kayaks, allowing each technique to be performed realistically, with correct dynamics and safety.
Those who prefer not to participate in the practical session may observe from a boat or remain on the beach.
Completion, preparation and departure
At 11:00 we return to the campsite. Together we clean the equipment, organise the gear and load the kayaks onto the trailers.
Around 14:00 we depart back to Bulgaria.
Estimated arrival at the “Vasil Levski” Stadium in Sofia – around 23:00.
❌ Overnight stays at Olizon Camping
❌ The announced price does not include transport.
Participants may travel completely free of charge with the transport vehicles we use for carrying the kayaks and equipment (until all 23 seats are filled), or, if preferred, travel with their own transport.
❌ Food, drinks and other personal expenses
❌ Personal equipment listed in the “Equipment” section
❌ Rental of a tent and inflatable mattress
❌ 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 a TRAVEL CANCELLATION insurance: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb
How to get to Olizon Camping?
You can travel completely free of charge with us, using the transport vehicles we use for transporting the kayak equipment, until all 23 available seats are filled, or you may travel with your own transport if you prefer.
Once the capacity of 23 seats is reached, participation is possible only with your own transport, without any change in the event price.
Luggage – what to bring
✅ Backpack or duffel bag with personal items (large, bulky suitcases are not allowed)
✅ Tent (if you will be camping)
✅ Food and drinks for your stay
✅ You do not need to bring tables, chairs or additional camping equipment – we provide them.
Departure and return
Departure: Sofia – the parking area in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium “Vasil Levski”
Return: at the same location
⚠️ We do not offer pick-up or drop-off at personal addresses.
Accommodation – Olizon Camping
Price per night:
– 8 EUR per person per night
– 7 EUR per tent
The accommodation fees are paid directly to the campsite management.
The campsite does not offer hotel accommodation (rooms/bungalows).
