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4,5 hours
Specific Tour
14 people
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The Remote Islands Tour is the ideal tour if you want to escape the crowded and touristic beach of Tolo. Starting from the picturesque port, we aim to encircle 3 remote islands.
The main remote island, called Romvi, also known as Aphroditi’s island in myhtology, is considered an archeological site, with rare birds and plants which beautify the area, and last but not least a Medieval Fort built right at its peak. The waters around those islands are crystal clear and take its beautiful colours from its white sand sea bed. The narrow passage between the mainland and the island looks like a passage from a pirate novel, which happens to be actually true, as the island has been used as a lair of pirates in the past. It is full of folklore stories which we are eager to share with you as we paddle. The beach at the bay of the island is our main lunch stop at which you will be able to explore the island, snorkel, play games, sunbathe, or simply admire the view, eating homemade traditional delicacies and listening to our stories.
The two smaller islands have small Mediterranean chapels, accessible on foot, in which important archeological artefacts have been found from the Byzantine times. We can visit both of them and why not try some cliff jumping from the steep rocks.
Prices / 2 up to 4 persons
Prices / 5 up to 8 persons
For less or more participants please contact us in order to offer you flexible rates.
The activity includes a 30 minutes preparation time 1,5-2 hours paddling exploration, 1,5 hours free time for picnic, relaxation, snorkeling, swimming, diving and other activities. The starting point and the direction we follow is based on weather conditions and wind direction.
From our starting point at the port of Tolo (as Venetians used to call it Port-Aulon, Port of all), we will be heading eastward to the island of Aphrodite, also known as “Romvi”, “Daskalio” and “Koronisi”. Romvi is an uninhabited island in the Argolic gulf, opposite of Tolo beach. There are two versions regarding the origin of its name. According to the first one, the name “Romvi” is of Slavic origin, meaning island, while the second version contends that the name originates from the ancient Greek word “orovion”, a variety of a plant.
The island was inhabited in the Middle Ages; more precisely, the manuscript “Chronicles of Monemvasia” (10-11th century) mentions that during the invasion of the Slavs, the Argeians sought refuge to the island “Orovi”, which the scholars identify probably as “Romvi”. In fact there are ruins of the fortifications, dated to the 6th century, as well as, ruins of an orthodox basilica church. During the Venetian Rule II, islets such as Romvi were conquered by the Venetians as strategically defense positions. To this day, there are still ruins of Venetian fortifications. Romvi and Daskalio belong to the cluster of islets conquered by the Venetians to control the Argolic gulf.
The modern history of the island began in 1962 with a decision of the Greek government declaring the place an archeological site. Wild goats and rabbits were removed, the soil was cleaned and efforts of reforestation were made to show off this archeological site. Today, there is a beautiful pine forest showing signs of natural development. South, there is a large area of wild olive trees, a small habitat declared by the Forest Department as refuge for games (mostly for the mountain partridge) and as reforested area. Efforts made by private entities for the tourist exploitation of the island have failed as the majority of the people in Tolo are against this idea. In addition, many government decisions have classified the island as an archeological site and reforested area.
After 20 minutes of rowing, we will enter the Bay of Aphrodite and will be amazed by its beauty. The second island, hidden behind the island of Romvi, called “Daskalio” is located in the gulf of Aphrodite and from the top we can see the entire eastern foot of the Peloponnese. It is said that during the period of the Turkish rule, there was a “secret school” – “kryfo scholeio” on the island. In that “secret school”, priests tried to teach children, in secret their language and their history in order to maintain Greek heritage. Today Daskalio remains untouched by humans, despite the many visitors who undertake a pilgrimage to the chapel, or just go to the island for a swim. It is a protected place for the plants and birds that are there. From there, we will tour around the island and head north to the third small island, “Koronissi” and the chapel Agioi Apostoloi” (Holy Apostles), where weddings and baptisms are carried out for the romantic ones.
Living the last of the three small islands of the bay behind us, we will arrive at a beach with crystal blue-green waters in order to relax, swim and taste some of the homemade organic products we had brought along, just to make your experience more memorable.
From there we will head back to our starting point.
Comfortable shoes - clothing.
Hat.
Backpack.
Sunglasses.
Sunscrenn (during summer months).
Towel.
Swimsuit.
Water shoes.
Extra pair of shoes that will get wet. Suitable shoes are lightweight trainers, flip flops, sandals or sea shoes. Avoid bulky shoes.
Enthusiasm and smiles.
Meeting times :10:00 am-14:00 pm.
Meeting point : Tolo port.
Departure time and excact meeting point with information will be advised by sms or email one (1) day before the departure of your tour/activity.
Basic physical condition.
No sea kayaking experience required.
Swimming knowledge.
Age 12 and above.
No Back Problems.
No Expectant Mothers.
No Serious Medical Conditions.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should feel comfortable in sea kayaking and able to paddle.
Implementation period: All year round (upon request)
Difficulty level : Very Easy.
Suitability : All ages and experience levels.
Departure and return times : 10:00 am-14:00 pm.
Paddling distance : 9 km.
Meeting point: Tolo port.
For any tour is required a minimoum number of participations in order to be materialized. In case of less participants our travel agency has the wright to cancel the tour or to postpone the date in another with more participants.Last day of information about the materialisation of the tour can be 1 day before departure as some new last minute - bookings or cancelations can influence the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the prebooked tour.
All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned.
Social distancing is maintained in vehicles up to 65% of the total capacity per vehicle ( taxi-minivan-minibus-bus)
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
Masks are required, please bring your own..