DURATION
6 nights
LOCATION
Greece
ANNUAL LEAVE
1 week off work
SEASON
May-Oct
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Kalamata Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Comfort
Hotel
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
This adventure will keep you on the move, but there is nothing too strenuous that can't be managed by anyone with average fitness
Paddle along the Peloponnese coastline to reach hidden coves, cliff jumps and dreamy picnic spots
Hike through gorges, forests and lagoons on the hunt for idyllic beaches and natural pools, perfect for a swim
Jump, slide, scramble and abseil your way through the azure cascades of the Neda River Canyon
Explore the charming town of Kalamata, settling in to a waterfront hotel overlooking the Mediterranean
Day 1
Settle in to Kalamata
Your host will meet you on arrival at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, right on Kalamata Beach. Settle into and enjoy some downtime, explore Kalamata town or relax on the beach. In the evening, you'll meet your guides and fellow adventurers at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and a chat through the adventure to come.
Day 2
Hike Ridomo Gorge
Hiking
4hrs · 8km · 466m up · 466m down
Kick things off with a drive to the village of Vorio, where you'll find the trailhead for a hike through Ridomo Gorge. The gorge is located at the foot of the Taygetos massif, one of the highest ranges in Greece – and one which makes an appearance in Homer's Odyssey. Descend the winding trail before climbing some tougher sections, which require a spot of scrambling over the boulders dotted through the gorge. Tuck into a picnic lunch amongst the geological formations. Later, you'll reach the most impressive part of the gorge – a narrow corridor between vertical walls, where you're able to touch both walls at the same time. Head back to Kalamata for a sundowner and dinner in a taverna.
Day 3
Kayaking Navarino Bay
Kayaking
4hrs · 6km
Take a short drive to Pylos, a beautiful spot along the coast from Kalamata. Your guides will show you the ropes here as you prep the kayaks and then hit the water. Paddle west towards an imposing islet at the side of Navarino Bay, get up close to a natural stone arch and explore some sea caves before paddling on to the uninhabited island of Sphacteria. Stretch your legs with a short hike to the island’s viewpoint over the Mediterranean, and then on to a secluded beach for dreamy sea swims and snorkelling – you can even try some cliff diving for an extra adrenaline hit. Tuck into a picnic of homemade local delicacies on the beach and relax under the sun before setting off for the paddle back to Pylos. Enjoy a free evening to stroll around Kalamata and hit some of its restaurants and bars.
Day 4
SUP time
Stand Up Paddleboarding
4hrs · 4km
Head south to Kardamyli for another day on the glistening Greek sea – this time on a paddleboard. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles swimming below the surface, they are plentiful in this part of the Peloponnese. Hug the imposing cliffs along the coastline to find hidden beaches and coves unreachable by land. Paddle into sea caves and get stuck into another round of cliff jumps (for those who are keen). Stop at a cove to lap up the turquoise waters with swims and snorkelling before a delicious picnic of fresh local foods. Head back to Kalamata for sunset on the beach and to find your next favourite Greek taverna.
Day 5
Canyoning the Neda Waterfalls
Canyoning
4hrs
Head to Neda Gorge, a hidden gem in the southern Peloponnese. Get kitted out and run through a safety talk with your guide before the fun begins. Slide, swim, scramble and jump your way through the myriad natural pools in the canyon, and abseil and rappel your way down waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic on the riverbank before heading back to Kalamata, where you can discover more of the town's restaurants and bars.
Day 6
Wild swims and stunning beaches
Hiking
4hrs · 8km · 50m up · 50m down
Wild Swimming
1-2hrs
This trip is not short of memorable swim spots, but today's is possibly the best of the bunch. Tackle an easy hike to Polylimnio – which translates to 'many lakes' – where you'll find exactly that, a network of azure pools to swim in. One perfect natural pool even has a waterfall plunging into it. Later you'll head to Voidokila beach, beautifully shaped like the Greek letter Omega, for a light hike around the lagoon which is packed with migratory birds such as herons, flamingos, and ospreys. Cross the dunes until you reach the turquoise waters of Voidokila Beach for a swim, a picnic and some downtime. Head back to Kalamata, where your guides will select one of their favourite restaurants for a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 7
The adventure ends
Bid farewell to the Peloponnese after one last breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean as your host drops you back off at the airport for your onward flight.
Included
Guides
Expert, English-speaking local guides
Accommodation
6 nights in a 4-star waterfront hotel
Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers and everything in between
Equipment
All your kayaking, SUPing and canyoning gear
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Food is a highlight on any trip to Greece. Overlooking the Mediterranean in a taverna after a hard day of adventuring with a cold bottle of Mythos, a Greek salad, fresh bread and a bowl of tsatsiki, grilled fish and gemista... life doesn't get much better. Breakfasts will be provided at your hotel using local, seasonal products with hot and cold options, sweets, fresh juices and coffees. Your guides are also experienced cooks who will prepare delicious lunches of fresh bread, local cheeses, hand-picked vegetables, tasty dips seasoned with local herbs, and seasonal fruits. Your host will both welcome you and bid you farewell with dinner in their favourite restaurants in Kalamata, tucking into a range of classic Greek dishes. In between, you are free to dine anywhere you like in the town, exploring the myriad options – your guides will make suggestions about where the best food is available.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Pharae Palace Hotel
Your base for this adventure is the 4-star Pharae Palace Hotel, situated right on the waterfront of Kalamata. This is a modern hotel which incorporates some traditional Greek touches, and boasts incredible views over the Mediterranean. Expect all the usual amenities and comfort levels of a modern, 4-star hotel in an awesome location, which you'll use as a launchpad for your days out adventuring and evenings exploring the bars and tavernas of Kalamata. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kalamata Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Kalamata Airport
Any time on Day 7
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Kalamata Airport and transfer you to your hotel in town. On Day 7, your host will drop you back off at the airport in time for your onward flight. Transfers are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7. If you are arriving outside of these days and need an airport transfer, please see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
Kalamata Airport is the main gateway to Greece's Peloponnese region, with daily direct flights from the UK and major European hubs throughout the summer season (May to October). Travellers from the US can fly direct to Athens and then on to Kalamata. Alternatively, you can travel by express bus service from Athens to Kalamata – this takes around three hours and costs about £20/€23/$25.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Single and tandem kayaks
- Inflatable paddleboards
- Life vests
- Wetsuit, neoprene socks, helmet and all safety gear for canyoning
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for daypack
- Small drybag to carry phone/camera etc. whilst out on the water
CLOTHES
- Light waterproof jacket
- Buff or neckscarf for sun protection on the water
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear (multiple sets)
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Trainers for canyoning (neoprene socks provided)
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Pre/post trip accommodation in Kalamata - Double/twin room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Kalamata - Double/twin room
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Kalamata - Single room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Kalamata - Single room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Private airport transfer - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way
…
This trip is the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. The trip is very well organised from the moment you reach Kalamata. The local guides are very approachable, friendly and make sure that you are well looked after. The hotel is in the perfect location on the beachfront which is great for an afternoon of relaxing 😊 Lunches provided on the trip are simple but lovely. Maybe take an extra snack if you're used to a big lunch 😆
The trip was amazing. First of all, the guides were top level, they were born in the Kalamata region and are highly qualified in all activities even on a rainy day they make things work and are really careful in what we can do, they make everything easy, they care about you and do not hesitate to do more than what they should. The activities are also great, the landscape is breathtaking. You need a good level of fitness overall but this still feels like holidays and this is not as strenuous as a trek.
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 293kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
You'll need a decent level of fitness for this trip. The kayaking and paddleboarding days will see you spend a good chunk of time on the water, while the canyoning will keep you on the move with an extra hit of adrenaline. You won't need any experience in any of the activities, as full instruction is provided by your experienced guides. The hikes on this trip are easygoing, though the Ridomo Gorge will involve some light scrambling over boulders in some sections.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
€5-10 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in this part of Greece is perfectly safe to drink. You'll be able to refill your reusable water bottle up at the hotel each morning and at various refill spots each day as you go about the activities.
The Peloponnese is known for its sunny and warm weather. We run this trip in May, June, September and October: the best months to visit this part of Greece. The average temperatures during these months are typically in the mid- to high-20s Celsius (70s-80s Fahrenheit) during the day and in the low- to mid-20s Celsius (60s-70s Fahrenheit) at night. The months of July and August are more crowded and the temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs, so we don't currently offer trips in the Peloponnese during these months.
You'll be able to leave your main luggage in your room at your base in Kalamata throughout the trip.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of activities.
You'll be paddling in either a single or tandem sea kayak. Sea kayaks are generally longer and faster than touring kayaks, and perform better in testing conditions. Sea kayaks are outfitted well with multiple hatches and deck layouts to maximise storage space and access.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
