Rafting down Voidomatis river in Greece
This is an excellent novice level rafting expedition, in an area of exceptional beauty. Rafters are provided with a wetsuit, relevant shoes, a life jacket and helmet. The only thing one would need to bring along for the activity is a swimsuit to wear or a second pair of underpants (as underpants underneath the wetsuit would possibly get wet while rafting). Rafter are also advised to bring sunscreen and may (or not) find it possible to wear their cup under their helmet. For extra protection against the sun one may wear a rash shirt or similar. Those who want to wear (sun) glasses are advised to keep them tied with an appropriate string (so as to be surer not to loose them ). The raft leaders usually bring a camera along and take a few photos of teh rafters (for the rafters use). The raft leaders can provide a (hopefully) watertight bag to those rafters who bring a photo and/or video recording equipment along.
Rafters are transported to the start of the route, at Aristi bridge (on Voidomatis river between the villages of Aristi and Megalo Papingo) and initially are given instructions on how to 'operate' the raft. The waters are amazing, usually calm, very clear and with a turquise colour. The route is about 6 km / 4 mi long, and quite easy, in beautiful surroundings. At about halfway down the route and at less than 200 meters from the river bank one finds the deserted stone-built monastery of Agioi Anargyroi (well worth a visit). The rafts usually have another pause at a location where rafters can jump in the water from a few meters high. Interested rafters may be invited to take a swim. Water temperature is constant at 9o C / 48o F all year round, so it can be refreshing (the effect of freezing water is minimised by the wetsuit).
At almost 5.5 km / 3.5 mi from the start, you arrive at one of the beautiful stone-build arched bridges in the Zagorochoria region, Kleidonia (or Voidomatis) bridge that dates back to around 1850. You will probably have a chance to go ashore and explore the bridge, before an interesting twist to the easy rafting. About 30 meters after the bridge there are two very small rapids (no more than two meters high) created through the construction of very small dams. Going down these rapids is quite easy and fun for most of us. You are likely to get a bit wet. If you have strong reservations about taking the plunge, you can ask the leader to collect you back in the raft just after the rapids.
We recommend to package for your group the rafting expedition in Voidomatis with at least a walk in the magnificent Vikos gorge nearby. There are also other very interesting walks that one can do in the area (to Drakolimni, to Gamila, etc), and many attractions to see, especially a few of the arched bridges that date back from 1750 - 1850. Please contact us to discuss your amazing rafting trip in Greece.
Rafters are transported to the start of the route, at Aristi bridge (on Voidomatis river between the villages of Aristi and Megalo Papingo) and initially are given instructions on how to 'operate' the raft. The waters are amazing, usually calm, very clear and with a turquise colour. The route is about 6 km / 4 mi long, and quite easy, in beautiful surroundings. At about halfway down the route and at less than 200 meters from the river bank one finds the deserted stone-built monastery of Agioi Anargyroi (well worth a visit). The rafts usually have another pause at a location where rafters can jump in the water from a few meters high. Interested rafters may be invited to take a swim. Water temperature is constant at 9o C / 48o F all year round, so it can be refreshing (the effect of freezing water is minimised by the wetsuit).
At almost 5.5 km / 3.5 mi from the start, you arrive at one of the beautiful stone-build arched bridges in the Zagorochoria region, Kleidonia (or Voidomatis) bridge that dates back to around 1850. You will probably have a chance to go ashore and explore the bridge, before an interesting twist to the easy rafting. About 30 meters after the bridge there are two very small rapids (no more than two meters high) created through the construction of very small dams. Going down these rapids is quite easy and fun for most of us. You are likely to get a bit wet. If you have strong reservations about taking the plunge, you can ask the leader to collect you back in the raft just after the rapids.
We recommend to package for your group the rafting expedition in Voidomatis with at least a walk in the magnificent Vikos gorge nearby. There are also other very interesting walks that one can do in the area (to Drakolimni, to Gamila, etc), and many attractions to see, especially a few of the arched bridges that date back from 1750 - 1850. Please contact us to discuss your amazing rafting trip in Greece.