Average
4 hours and 30 minutes
May - Nov
GR / EN
From 12 years old
Flexible
Sea Kayak and tour of Aphrodite Island in Argolida
An excursion, ideal for those who want to isolate themselves while enjoying the picturesque bays suitable for swimming and diving. From our starting point in the port of Tolo (as the Venetians called it Port-Aulon, Port of All), you will head east towards the island of Aphrodite, also known as...
"Romvi", "Daskalios" and "Koronissi". Romvi is an uninhabited island in the Argolic Gulf, opposite the beach of Tolo. There are two versions of the origin of its name. According to the first one, the name "Rombi" is of Slavic origin, meaning island, while the second version claims that the name comes from the ancient Greek word "orovia", a variety of plant.
The island was inhabited in the Middle Ages. More specifically, the manuscript 'Chronicles of Monemvasia' (10th-11th century) mentions that during the Slavic invasion the Argives sought refuge on the island of 'Orovi', which scholars probably identify as 'Rombe'. Indeed, there are ruins of fortifications dating back to the 6th century, as well as the ruins of an Orthodox basilica. During the Second Venetian occupation, islets such as Rombi were conquered by the Venetians as strategic defensive positions. To this day, ruins of Venetian fortifications survive. Romvi and Daskalio belong to the complex of islands conquered by the Venetians to control the Argolic Gulf.
The modern history of the island began in 1962 with the decision of the Greek government to declare the site an archaeological site. Wild goats and rabbits were removed, the soil was cleared and reforestation efforts were made to restore this archaeological site. Today, there is a beautiful pine forest showing signs of natural growth. To the south, there is a large area of wild olive trees, a small habitat that has been declared by the Forestry Department as a game reserve (mainly for the mountain partridge) and as a reforested area. Attempts by private operators to exploit the island for tourism have failed as the majority of Tolo residents are against this idea. In addition, several government decisions have designated the island as an archaeological site and a reforested area.
After 20 minutes of paddling, we will enter the bay of Aphrodite and be amazed by its beauty. The second island, hidden behind the island of Romvi, called "Daskalio", is located in the bay of Aphrodite and from the top we can see the entire eastern foothills of the Peloponnese. It is said that during the period of the Turkish occupation, a "hidden school" operated on the island. In that "hidden school", the priests tried to teach the children secretly their language and history in order to preserve the Greek heritage. Today Daskalio remains untouched by man, despite the many visitors who make a pilgrimage to the chapel or simply go to the island to swim. It is a protected place for the plants and birds found there. From there we will tour the island and head north to the third small island, "Koronissi" and the Chapel of the Holy Apostles, where weddings and baptisms are held for the romantics.
Living the last of the three small islands of the bay behind us, we will reach a beach with crystal clear turquoise waters to relax, swim and taste some of the homemade organic products we had brought with us to make your experience more memorable.
From there we will return to our starting point.
Do you like this tour?
What does the activity include? :
[latepoint_book_button caption="Booking" selected_agent="109″ selected_location="20″ selected_service="622″]