Sea kayaking under Palamidi and Akronafplia

What it is

A guided four-hour sea kayak outing around Nafplio's fortifications. You paddle beneath the cliffs of Palamidi and Akronafplia, see Bourtzi from the water and finish with a swim and snorkel in a cove under red rocks. It is run by Pan Expeditions, a Nafplio sea kayaking company, with English-speaking guides certified by British Canoeing and in remote first aid. No experience is needed: it is a relaxed-pace outing, designed with families in mind too.

The route

1. Briefing. Before setting off, the guides explain how to handle the kayak and the safety rules.

2. Under Palamidi. You paddle at the foot of the cliffs on which the Palamidi fortress stands, about 280 m above the sea. From below you understand why it was so hard to attack.

3. Around Akronafplia. You go round the rock that was Nafplio's acropolis, with its walls, the headland and the lookout tower seen from the water.

4. Bourtzi. You arrive beside the harbour lighthouse, with the Bourtzi castle ahead. You do not land on the islet: harbour rules do not allow it. It is the best angle for a photo.

5. Swim in the cove. You finish at a secluded beach beneath red cliffs, with snorkelling, cold fruit and homemade cake.

Throughout, the guide tells the story of the sieges and the Venetian defences, from the 15th century to the revolution of 1821.

Price, group and what is included

• Price: €75 per person.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Group: minimum 2 people and maximum 30; the average group, according to the company, is about 6 people.
• Includes: kayak, paddle and life jacket, dry bag, snorkelling gear, water and a snack, public liability insurance and underwater-camera photos sent to you afterwards.
• Does not include: transfer to the meeting point, which they can arrange separately at a cost.

They use closed sea kayaks, stable and easy to handle. If you are an experienced paddler and want something more demanding, or prefer an outing just for your family, the company organises private trips on request.

With children

They take children from age 6, if they are comfortable in the water and go with an adult. They paddle in double kayaks with a parent, and the guide adapts the pace and route to the group. No special fitness is required; if you have any health condition, tell them beforehand.

When to go

The outing runs all year, but it is best from spring to autumn, with calm seas and mild temperatures. In high summer, choose the first outing of the day: there is hardly any shade on the water. If the wind is strong, the company changes the route, postpones the trip or refunds your money.

What to bring

Swimwear on, towel, hat and sunglasses, sun cream and, if you have sensitive skin, a UV-protection top. Water shoes: there are sea urchins at the snorkelling cove and the company considers them necessary.

How to book

Book on the Pan Expeditions website, with a form where you give a preferred date and an alternative, or by phone on +30 697 991 5340. The company confirms the meeting point when you book. If you come by car, the harbour car park is free; check with them whether it is near. Cancellation terms are in their conditions.

Afterwards

The outing leaves you hungry and with the afternoon free. For fish, Savouras is on the harbour front. If you have any energy left, climb Palamidi in the late afternoon or take the Arvanitia promenade to the beach.