Sea paddlers and explorers often find ourselves paddling in inspiring, humbling coastal environments. The disarming beauty of a natural environment such as Kefalonia’s west coast offers abundance of those opportunities we may seek to feel humble again. The unique, rugged, stunning west coast of Kefalonia is an incredible and one of the few largely unspoilt coastal environments offering a magnificent experience of a sea kayaking trip in the Ionian sea. During this week we find ourselves sharing moments, propelling our sea kayaks along spectacular scenery as well as visiting memorable places and beaches. This trip is all about an opportunity to paddle and experience the breathtaking side of Kefalonia, Greece!
Along this sea kayaking experience we plan to occasionally find ourselves paddling in up to moderate sea states (Sea State 3-4) and wind conditions (10-15 knots). The distances (7-11 Nm) covered each day are considered easy to moderate stretches in the usual prevailing summer conditions.
These make for an enjoyable trip for paddlers with previous paddling experience. At the same time the trip can be an enjoyable and developing opportunity for less experienced paddlers!
In any case, if you still have questions, please do get in touch to discuss wether this is a trip for you or suggest alternatives!
We carefully select accommodation to ensure memorable experiences for our guests and fellow paddlers as well as simplify logistics and maximise sightseeing. We plan for 5 overnights in rooms /apartments and 2 wild camping overnights for this sea kayaking experience.
Note that the last night’s accommodation (after the last paddling day) is also included.
More specifically, for this journey we plan:
2 overnights at Trapezaki (Arrival day and last paddling day)
1 overnight at Assos
2 camping overnights on the west coast
1 overnight at Vatsa
1 overnight at Ammes
- Day_1 – Meeting day:
We meet at our base where we are going to familiarize with our boats and gear. We set our meeting for early evening in order to have time to get to know the team and discuss, prepare and plan for the following days! - Day_2: Fiskardo to Assos _10NM
Paddling out of the picturesque village of Fiskardo and past the old lighthouse we warm up as we make progress along the north part of the island. After Dafnoudi beach our headings change to a more southern direction and quickly the first sight of the west coast’s magnificence is possible. Assos’ peninsula can also be seen in the distance, our destination for the day. We need patience though as along this first paddling day’s journey the exploration of the coast is beyond rewarding. The overnight at Assos is just icing on the cake! - Day_3: Assos to Fteri _11NM
A truly special stretch of the west coast is ahead! Launching our sea kayaks from Assos in the morning we enjoy another view of Assos bay, under early morning light this time. Paddling around the peninsula and the medieval castle is the first leg of our journey. Soon after, we paddle along the rugged landscape near the popular Myrtos beach and we explore the secluded beaches and coastal features created by the interaction of limestone and water, only accesible to us sea kayakers and to enjoy our way! The last stretch of the day finds us paddling along the little port of Zola and a true gem of the Kefalonia’s coast towards Fteri beach, We sleep under the stars and with another view of Myrtos beach, Assos’ peninsula and castle in the distance. - Day_4: Fteri to Chalkes _10NM
Waking up at Fteri, ready to paddle that first stretch along the bright white limestone cliffs towards Amidi beach is a blessing on its self. The coast ahead is stunning with the interplay of shades and light being always scenic and at times fascinating. The complexity of Kefalonia’s coast offers another north headland to paddle around, before it reveals another charming and exposed part of west coast for exploration. Leaving Atheras on our left, we soon head south again, paddling down a serene coast towards Chalkes beach where we camp for our second overnight under the stars after enjoying our dinner with a view of the sunset! - Day_5: Chalkes to Vatsa _10NM
Fine to sleep in this morning, as the morning light reaches us with a bit of delay on the due west-facing coast! …or even better, start our day as usual and enjoy the spectacular play of light and shade along Petani bay and towards Platia Ammos under the morning light! Another stretch of exposed coast and wilderness is in the menu. Inaccessible beaches, sea caves and rock formations await as we make progress towards Vatsa, a special, inspiring place that will welcome us with well deserved drinks and later on, some good dinner and an overnight. - Day_6: Vatsa to Minies _9NM
As we make progress, gradually approaching some “civilisation” again, the southern stretches of the island’s west coast keep delivering. Paddling at the south of Paliki peninsula and towards Xi we visit the uninhabited Vardiani island. After a break on Vardiani, we move on towards Kefalonia and the beach known as White Rocks. From a geological perspective the landscape is ever changing along this day. Minies is our destination for an overnight. - Day_7: Minies to Trapezaki _9NM
The last few miles of what could be described as Kefalonia’s west coast are ahead and the landscape keeps changing and delivering. The islet “Dias” (Greek: Zeus) is just some cables away from the main coast of Kefalonia and we take the opportunity for a brief visit and exploration. The view from the top is rewarding! Later and as we find ourselves paddling around the southwest headland of Kefalonia (or actually through it, to be more precise!) we head east. The last few miles of this trip include a good section of the south stretch of Kefalonia’s coast. We paddle along Spartia and Pessada beaches before we reach Trapezaki, our final destination, completing a rewarding sea kayaking tour in the Mediterranean. - Day_8: Check out and Departure
- all top quality paddling, camping and appropriate for the trip gear
- guided by George Gazetas (BC Coaching Diploma graduate) & experienced leaders
- 5 nights’ accommodation in double occupancy apartments (an extra single occupancy supplement needs to be arranged if you book as an individual and you need a single room)
- Pick up / Drop off
- Breakfasts (5), lunches (6), camping meals (2), fruits & snacks
During this sea kayaking week, you would need:
Swimming suit(s)
Hat
Sun glasses
UV protection cream
Sea shoes / sandals
Towel(s)
Comfortable clothes (for the dry, non-paddling time)
Personal medication (if needed)
Plus…
Extra thermal layers
Fleece
Torch
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Extra camping equipment (At Odysea we use high quality sleeping bags, mats and 2p tents. However you may bring your own or extra equipment if you wish and as far as it fits inside a kayak hatch!)
