LARISA

Canoeing & Kayaking on Pineios River

Greece is the ideal destination for water sports all year round.  Grab your paddle, vest, waterproof camera and get ready for a unique experience: that of canoeing and kayaking down Pineios River. Let the river waters take you on a memorable journey towards the sea! 

Journeying down the river towards the open sea

Pineios is the ideal river for beginners and families with children as waters are calm and the level of difficulty low. However, there are many surprises in store for you! Rich flora and fauna, green and sandy riverbanks and small islands gradually reveal themselves along the water path. Discover a small paradise of herons, cormorants and flamingoes, high plane trees, water lilies and willow trees caressing the water as you paddle on.

Recommended Routes

Route No 1: Palaiopyrgos Bridge – Aegean Sea
Duration: 1,5 – 2 h

This route is the best choice for beginners, children, middle-aged and older people or even experienced rowers who prefer a calm trip in the arms of nature. The departure point is the small riverside village of Palaiopyrgos, and –weather permitting - the end point is the river estuary and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. We recommend that you rest for a while at Strintzos sandy beach, the ideal place for a picnic. Besides canoeing and kayaking, you can also practice archery here.

Route No 2: Omolios Bridge – Aegean Sea
Duration: 3 – 4 h

The route has no particular difficulties. However, it requires more stamina on account of its length. The departure point is the stone bridge of Omolios. Nowadays, only the main arch stands above the river. The area is known for the caves which form a landscape of wild beauty as well as for Megas Lakkos gorge. According to legend, Alexander the Great crossed this gorge with his troops. In order to recover your strength we recommend that you make a short stop at Palaiopyrgos village before you head through the river’s delta into the open sea.


The ideal season for canoeing and kayaking

You can enjoy paddling in Pineios River all year round. The ideal season is from October to April, as the water level goes down during the summer period.

Take with you:

A second pair of shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a bathing suit or a second pair of underwear, a towel, and be in the mood for fun and play!


What to do:

In addition to canoeing and kayaking you can go rafting in Vernezi area, Pineios River, use an inflatable kayak, a single-person raft or try archery in Strintzos beach and bird watching.


What to see:

You can visit the beautiful Tempi Valley where you will see the Springs of Daphne and Aphrodite, the Dryas Environmental Centre located in the old Tempi Railway Station, the Omolios archaeological site and Dana cave.

How to get there:

If you travel by car, follow the E75 highway towards Thessaloniki and take the exit to Palaiopyrgos.



Did you know?

According to the Greek myth, Pineios was created from the tears shed by Mts. Pindos and Ligos. The two mountains were a very happy couple and their union produced the lovely lands of Thessaly. Unfortunately, the gods envied their happiness and separated them. The tears of the couple mourning their lost love created Pineios River which has flown between them ever since.