Kayaking in Paros, Greece offers a captivating and unparalleled adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean coast. As you paddle through crystal-clear turquoise waters, you'll be treated to stunning views of the island's rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and secluded coves. Kayaking allows you to intimately connect with the serene nature of Paros, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings while discovering hidden gems that are inaccessible by land.
On this kayak multiday lodge based Greece Paros trip you will also walk the Byzantine Road (dating back to 1000 AD), dine like a local, stay in very comfortable lodging at the Kalypso Hotel, participate in a Greek cooking class, and have a day off to explore Paros at your own pace.
On this kayak multiday lodge based Greece Paros trip you will also walk the Byzantine Road (dating back to 1000 AD), dine like a local, stay in very comfortable lodging at the Kalypso Hotel, participate in a Greek cooking class, and have a day off to explore Paros at your own pace.
Who is this trip for?
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This trip is ideal for travelers who:
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An acropolis being excavated and rebuilt on the island of Despotiko
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Itinerary
*Subject to change based on weather and wind.
Saturday, May 8 – Arrival in Paros
Arrive in Paros, Greece and take a taxi to the Kalypso Hotel, our base for the week. Paros is easily accessible by flying through Athens. Check-in is after 3:00 PM.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel, Paros
Sunday, May 9 – Paros Park & Kolimpithres Beach
Today we paddle and explore the beautiful waters and granite rocks of Paros Park, a protected peninsula very close to our hotel. After a break on a remote beach, we cross to the small islands of the bay and paddle south to reach Kolimbithres beach — a unique area scattered with granite boulders of various shapes and sizes. Looking up from here, archaeologists have found ruins of an ancient acropolis dating from 1200 BC. After a swim and snorkeling session, we take our picnic break on one of the islands before paddling back.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Monday, May 10 – St. Ioannis Peninsula Circumnavigation
Today we circumnavigate the St. Ioannis peninsula by kayak. We start from the narrow neck of the northwest peninsula, paddle by the sheltered bay of St. Ioannis, and head to the entrance of Naousa Bay. Along the rocky coast we marvel at impressive rock formations and paddle through rock gardens until we reach the big lighthouse at the northern cape. From here we hike to its base and enjoy lunch with one of the best views of the Aegean Sea before paddling back.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Tuesday, May 11 – Your Day Off
Today is yours to do as you wish. Take a history, walking, or horseback tour of the island; choose a boat tour off island; visit the local vineyard; or simply meander through local shops. We will help arrange whatever you choose. Later in the evening we meet again for our Greek cooking class and dinner together.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Wednesday, May 12 – The Byzantine Road
Today we walk! In the center of the island's mountainous interior we hike parts of the Byzantine Road — a cobbled path first built around 1000 AD during the Byzantine Empire. We start from the village of Kostos and walk through hills scattered with olive trees and vineyards to Lefkes, the old capital of the island (built on higher ground to protect against pirate attacks). We explore the village and its unique architecture, stop at a traditional coffee shop, then resume hiking downhill along the Byzantine trail toward Prodromos village. We finish with a well-deserved lunch of typical Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Thursday, May 13 – Kayaking to Antiparos
Antiparos is our kayaking destination today — the small sister island of Paros, reached with a 5-minute ferry transfer. It is a geologically fascinating island of volcanic origin with abundant pumice and lava rock. The coastline we paddle is composed of high cliffs, sea caves, arches, and fjord-like inlets with intense watercolors and a few beaches of volcanic cobbles.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Friday, May 14 – Despotiko Archaeological Island
On our final paddling day we visit Despotiko Island, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. Archaeologists have found impressive ruins of a temple of Apollo built around 500 BC — part of a larger organized settlement used for worship and as a haven for boats on commercial voyages toward Africa. We kayak to the island, visit the archaeological site, then explore the stunning rocky coves and sandy beaches of Despotiko's coast (north or south side depending on wind direction).
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Saturday, May 15 – Departure
After breakfast we say our goodbyes and head home or to our next destination.
Important Notes
Saturday, May 8 – Arrival in Paros
Arrive in Paros, Greece and take a taxi to the Kalypso Hotel, our base for the week. Paros is easily accessible by flying through Athens. Check-in is after 3:00 PM.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel, Paros
Sunday, May 9 – Paros Park & Kolimpithres Beach
Today we paddle and explore the beautiful waters and granite rocks of Paros Park, a protected peninsula very close to our hotel. After a break on a remote beach, we cross to the small islands of the bay and paddle south to reach Kolimbithres beach — a unique area scattered with granite boulders of various shapes and sizes. Looking up from here, archaeologists have found ruins of an ancient acropolis dating from 1200 BC. After a swim and snorkeling session, we take our picnic break on one of the islands before paddling back.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Monday, May 10 – St. Ioannis Peninsula Circumnavigation
Today we circumnavigate the St. Ioannis peninsula by kayak. We start from the narrow neck of the northwest peninsula, paddle by the sheltered bay of St. Ioannis, and head to the entrance of Naousa Bay. Along the rocky coast we marvel at impressive rock formations and paddle through rock gardens until we reach the big lighthouse at the northern cape. From here we hike to its base and enjoy lunch with one of the best views of the Aegean Sea before paddling back.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Tuesday, May 11 – Your Day Off
Today is yours to do as you wish. Take a history, walking, or horseback tour of the island; choose a boat tour off island; visit the local vineyard; or simply meander through local shops. We will help arrange whatever you choose. Later in the evening we meet again for our Greek cooking class and dinner together.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Wednesday, May 12 – The Byzantine Road
Today we walk! In the center of the island's mountainous interior we hike parts of the Byzantine Road — a cobbled path first built around 1000 AD during the Byzantine Empire. We start from the village of Kostos and walk through hills scattered with olive trees and vineyards to Lefkes, the old capital of the island (built on higher ground to protect against pirate attacks). We explore the village and its unique architecture, stop at a traditional coffee shop, then resume hiking downhill along the Byzantine trail toward Prodromos village. We finish with a well-deserved lunch of typical Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Thursday, May 13 – Kayaking to Antiparos
Antiparos is our kayaking destination today — the small sister island of Paros, reached with a 5-minute ferry transfer. It is a geologically fascinating island of volcanic origin with abundant pumice and lava rock. The coastline we paddle is composed of high cliffs, sea caves, arches, and fjord-like inlets with intense watercolors and a few beaches of volcanic cobbles.
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Friday, May 14 – Despotiko Archaeological Island
On our final paddling day we visit Despotiko Island, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. Archaeologists have found impressive ruins of a temple of Apollo built around 500 BC — part of a larger organized settlement used for worship and as a haven for boats on commercial voyages toward Africa. We kayak to the island, visit the archaeological site, then explore the stunning rocky coves and sandy beaches of Despotiko's coast (north or south side depending on wind direction).
Overnight: Kalypso Hotel
Saturday, May 15 – Departure
After breakfast we say our goodbyes and head home or to our next destination.
Important Notes
- The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and wind — the Aegean can be windy and we will adjust daily plans accordingly. Flexibility is part of the experience.
- This trip includes both paddling and hiking days, as well as a free day. A moderate level of fitness is recommended — you don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking a few miles on uneven terrain.
- Some prior kayaking experience will make the experience more rewarding. Our local guide is an expert on Paros waters and will ensure everyone is comfortable and confident on the water but you can expect some swells on most days.
- All kayaking days are supported by a local guide and interpreter who knows every rock, cave, and current around the island.
- The Kalypso Hotel is comfortable, well-located, and a wonderful base for the week. Naoussa has excellent restaurants, cafés, and shops within easy walking distance.
- Paros is easily reached by flying into Athens (ATH) and taking a ferry or short flight to the island. We are happy to help with routing advice once you are registered.
- Maximum group size is 7 guests.
What's Included and Trip Price
- All lodging at the Kalypso Hotel in Paros
- All meals except lunch on your day off
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment
- Transportation on kayaking and hiking days
- Scott Locorini and a local guide/interpreter as your on and off water guides
- Greek cooking class and dinner
- Assistance with reservations, activities, and transfers on your day off
- $4,795 per person – Private room
- $4,495 per person – Shared room
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the trips. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 90 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us, call or text (315) 316-1125 with questions.