Contact with water is always an entertaining experience and can become magical when combined with a lush natural environment. Both pleasures are covered by ten rivers we recommend for rafting and canoeing.
Some of these streams are calm and run straight, others are more intense and include narrow passages and sharp turns. Our recommendations cover virtually all degrees of difficulty.
Despite the country’s relatively small size, Greece has lots of rivers, approximately 30 in total, as well as many tributaries flowing into these rivers, ideal for rafting. Spring is possibly the best time of the year to go rafting as water levels are still high and nature is at its best. Choose the river or stream most suitable for you and make the most it.
Voidomatis river
Rafting at the Voidomatis river, in northwestern Greece’s Epirus region, could well be one of the finest experiences offered by this water sport in Greece, not so much because of the river’s adrenaline-boosting difficulty, but more so because of the amazing route taken by its (cold) waters. The route passes through superb wild mature, under old, arched stone bridges, by springs and small waterfalls.
In addition, the Voidomatis river is considered one of Europe’s cleanest, so a dip, whether accidental or intentional, is special. The route covers a distance of approximately 6 km, beginning from a bridge between the Aristi and Papingo locations and ending at Kleidoinia bridge.
Aoos River
Also in the northwest, the Aoos river route starts from the Aoos bridge, between the villages Palioseli and Vrysohori, and ends at Konitsa’s renowned stone bridge. With rafting levels of difficulty at 4 (advanced level) and 5 (expert level) along most of the route, this river is ideal for experienced rafters seeking challenges. It begins with many sharp turns, then enters a narrow gorge, featuring towering vegetation-covered rocks, passes the Stomiou monastery, and continues along a milder stretch to the Konitsa bridge. The route, roughly 15 km long, takes between 6 and 8 hours to cover, depending on the river’s flow.
Arachthos
The Arachthos river, also in the northwest, is a favourite location for rafting. Passing through Tzoumerka, this river it is impressive, both in terms of its challenges and the beauty of its wild nature. The setting is also magical here. Waterfalls, springs and incredible lush nature combine with tall, vertical rocks, reaching heights of 700 metres, which dominate for an extraordinary setting. The most impressive section of this route is between the Politsa and Plaka bridges. A dip into the lake formed by the Klifki waterfall is highly recommended. This route runs a distance of roughly 10 km and requires approximately 4 hours to cover.
Evinos
Rafting at the Evinos river in western Greece also promises a magical experience. This is an ideal river for beginners as its greatest part is a straight stretch. No challenging crossings or bends need to be overcome along this river. The surrounding nature is superb. Towering, vertical rocks with small and large plane trees growing through their openings combine with incredible turquoise waters. This route, approximately 10 km long, starts at the Poros bridge, runs through the amazing nature of Nafpaktos’ mountain region, and concludes at the International Canoe-Kayak Training Centre, close to the Bania bridge.
Lousios
The Lousios river, in the Peloponnese, passes through a narrow gorge and exquisite lush greenery featuring gigantic, centuries-old plane trees. Two routes are available, one of these, roughly 7km long, being slightly easier. Besides being slightly more challenging, the alternative route is also 2km longer. Rafting at this river is a perfect adventure close to Athens, just 2 ½ hours away.
Aliakmonas
Rafting is special at the Aliakmonas river, Greece’s longest river, in the country’s north. Thousands of plane trees combine with impressive rocks resembling the Meteora rocks, while storks, wild ducks, herons, great cormorants, falcons, eagles, and if lucky, Eurasian otters and deer, may all be spotted. The river’s degree of difficulty is medium. The route starts at Felli, in the Grevena region, and reaches the point where the Aliakmonas river meets with the Venetikos river.
Venetikos
In the Grevena region, northern Greece, the Venetikos river is one of the Aliakmonas river’s biggest tributaries as well as one of the country’s most scenic rivers. This rafting route begins from the bridge between the villages Trikomo and Monahiti and reaches the impressive Spanos bridge. It is as beautiful as it is challenging. Besides superb, wavy turquoise waters, the route passes under four old bridges, from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the triple-arched Aziz Aga bridge, and the Spanos bridge, with five arches, as well as by towering rocks reminding of the Meteora rocks. Also, the river is habitat for wild ducks, cormorants, falcons and other bird species.
Tavropos
The Tavropos river in the Evritania region, central Greece, is one of the country’s finest for rafting. Also known as the Megdovas river, and passing through gorgeous lush settings, this route is especially suitable for beginners, but also offers satisfaction for advanced rafters as it does feature some challenging sections. The route, roughly 10 km, begins at the Gavrenitis bridge and runs by the lovely Viniani stone bridge, where a visit to the waterfall of the same name is a customary part of the overall experience offered here.
Acheloos
The Acheloos river, in western Greece, offers exciting challenges, and deserves to be on your list of rafting destinations. Towering plane trees alongside the river form a natural tunnel, while the Tzoumerka mountain range, whether snow-covered or not, rises high to offer unrivalled beauty. One of the routes here begins from the Mesohora dam in the Trikala region, runs under bridges, the now-famous Achelous beach area (take a dip here) and ends at the village Terpna, close to Arta. This route’s degree of difficulty is medium. The waters are superb, with nature hanging above and dipping into the water.
Nestos
In the country’s northeastern area of Drama, the Nestos river possibly ranks as the ideal rafting choice. The route is generally easy but not dreary as it includes sections with sharp turns and captivating passages that are challenging. Enter the river at the Ptatanovrysi dam area and cover a route of roughly 9 km, all the way to a point slightly beyond the railway bridge at Paranesti in the Drama region. The nature to be seen along the way is superb. Tall plane trees and all sorts of shrubs and flowers will keep you great company as you paddle along.
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