Rafting on the Voidomatis from Aristi bridge to Klidonia bridge

What it involves

The Voidomatis rises in the final stretch of the Vikos Gorge and flows towards the Aoos with water so clear you can see the bottom. The inflatable raft descent runs from Aristi bridge to the stone arch bridge at Klidonia, within Vikos-Aoos National Park. It covers about 6–7 km of grade II river: gentle rapids, calm stretches between riverside woodland and rock walls, and at the end a small drop over an artificial weir.

It is a beginner's descent. No experience or great fitness is needed: the guide goes in the raft, gives the commands and everyone paddles. That is why it is one of the few water activities that work with small children.

Who runs it

Two companies with their own bases beside the river:

Alpine Zone

• From Aristi bridge to Klidonia, grade II, about 3 hours in total.
• From €42 per person.
• Minimum age: 3 in summer and 8 in winter.
• Meet at their Voidomatis base, in the Konitsa area, 15 minutes beforehand. Free parking.
• Includes wetsuit, booties, paddle, helmet, life jacket, waterproof windproof jacket, gloves (and fleece in winter), qualified guides, transfers to the start point and from the finish, changing rooms with showers, a snack and cold water afterwards, insurance and photos.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Book on their website.

Trekking Hellas

• About 6.7 km of grade II, passing under the Klidonia bridge, 3 hours in total.
• €45 per person in 2026 and 2027, with a minimum of 2 participants.
• Minimum age: 4 in summer.
• Departures at 10:00 and 14:00 from their rafting base, with changing rooms, toilets and wifi.
• Includes IRF-certified guides, wetsuit and booties, waterproof jacket, helmet, life jacket, photos, local transfer and insurance.
• Book on their website.

Season

Both companies run all year. In summer the water is still very cold, because it comes from springs, and the wetsuit makes it bearable. In winter you go with a fleece and gloves, and the minimum age goes up. After heavy rain, the flow may rise or the water cloud over; the company decides whether to go out.

How long it takes

Allow about three hours from the meeting time until you are dressed again: safety briefing, transfer to the start point, the descent and the return to the base. Time on the water depends on the flow.

What to bring

Swimwear or spare underwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, dry clothes for afterwards and, in summer, sun cream. Do not bring glasses without a strap or anything you do not want to lose; the phone is better left in the car: the companies take the photos.

Getting there

Alpine Zone's base is beside the Voidomatis, in the Konitsa area; Trekking Hellas gives you the location of theirs when you book. From Ioannina you get there by car along the national road towards Konitsa; there is no practical bus, so you will need a hire car. Fill the tank before leaving the city: do not count on a petrol station in the villages. The Aristi to Papingo road crosses the river at Aristi bridge, where the descent begins.

How to combine it

It is a good plan for the morning after the Vikos Gorge, when your legs are tired. In the afternoon, go up to Papingo for the rock pools. For lunch, in Aristi there is Salvia, and for a bed, the Aristi Mountain Resort.