Kynigos and Pothitos islets

Our favourite excursion, mainly because it feels like home. We have been trained and have trained our friends by covering hundreds of miles. This short 3 to 4 hour cruise has everything you need to experience a unique experience at sea. But let’s look at it in more detail…

Departure from the neighboring beaches of Pefko and Eucalyptus.

Pefko is recommended in the winter. Easily reached by car , a sandy beach with a small harbor at its end, which facilitates our entry into the water. In the summer when the beaches are full of people, we recommend the neighboring beach of Eucalyptus which is more easily accessible at this time of the year. It is also a sandy beach but upon entering we should take heed of a reef which runs parallel to the coast. It is often visible and there are suitable openings, but need consideration especially when the south wind blows and the waves obscure the rocks. If we do not want to pass through the reef, the left part of the beach is clean.

Once in the water, we move southwest enjoying the coastline on our course to the islets Pothitos and Pothitaki. The operation of a large hotel in the summer creates some hustle and bustle while the rest of the year, the coastline offers quiet and sandy beaches and carved rocks as we approach the southwestern cape of the bay of Lagonisi.

Reaching the Southwest cape of the gulf, we set course for the two islands across, Pothitos and Pothitaki. There, we have the opportunity to gaze at many cormorants and seagulls while the crystal clear green waters combined with the steep rocks create a landscape that little reminds us of the coast a few hundred meters away.

After the circumnavigation of Pothitos, our destination is the beach on the islet of Kynigos where we have the option of taking our break. A snack and a few dives in its wonderful waters will give us the necessary energy to continue.

Circumnavigating the island we will have the opportunity to pass through a “Rock Garden” where the most experienced rowers can practice their techniques while beginners can be initiated into the infinite possibilities of kayak navigation. A small cave on the western part of the island and a 5-metre rock -where the daring ones might attempt a dive – are the last sights of this cruise, before we take the way back.

If there is paddling potential, instead of crossing to the beach we set off, we can move southeast off the bay of Lagonisi gazing at the scattered rocky islets and adding a few hundred meters to our paddle.

In a Nutshell

The trip: Pefko or Eucalyptus (Glistra) – Pothitos and Pothitaki – Island of the Kynigos– Pefko or Eucalyptus (Glistra).

Difficulty level: For all levels – Aimed at kayakers who can paddle for at least 1 hour without stopping and have a decent physical condition. The trip could be made shorter by visiting only the islet of Kynigos.

Total distance: 5 n.m.
Total cruising time: 4 hours
What to visit: The Island of Kynigos, its beach and its rock garden.

Crux Points: The reef when we enter the water from Eucalyptus (Glistra) especially in southerly winds that cause waves. In northern winds (Land Winds) the trip should be avoided unless there is relevant experience.