Looking for the next stop on your paddleboard adventure? SUPing is a great way to explore any area that has a body of water, whether it’s a lake, river, or ocean. When it comes to Greece, it is one of the best ways to explore the little coastal island scattered around the country. If Greece wasn’t on your trip radar, it will be after reading this. Here are the top places you should visit if you love to SUP.
1 - Voidokilia Beach
This is one of the more popular mentions on our list. If you know anything about SUPing in Greece, you would, most definitely, have heard about Voidokilia. It is a must-stop on your SUP trip. It boasts beautiful powder-soft sand, crystal clear blue waters, and a breathtaking landscape that will captivate you for hours. With your SUP you can cover more “ground” and truly explore this ocean beauty without having to swim too much.
You could rent one, but it is always recommended that you take your own for the best time possible. Forgot your pump for a SUP at home, or couldn’t bring it on the plane? No worries. You can easily purchase one while you’re there.
2 - Limeni
Limeni can be a little bit tricky to find. It is near Areopoli, just a few kilometres after Stoupa. Not to be confused with the port of “Limani”, Limeni is a picturesque beauty of stone houses, mountains and gorgeous blue ocean. Regardless of which direction you choose to paddle you are bound to stumble across an otherwise hidden gem of natural beauty.
3 - Gythio
In Gythio you will find a plethora of beaches ripe for you and your SUP – take your pick. One of the most notable beaches in this area is Mavrovounio. This beach is about 4 kilometres long and has a bit of something for everyone. It is a formal beach where you can lounge under an umbrella and also has areas of completely raw, nature, that is not crowded with people.
4 - Fokianos
If crowded beaches are really not your thing then Fokianos is for you. This is for those nature lovers who want to do a lot of exploring on their own. This beach is a hidden gem that is mostly known only to locals. It is well-hidden along some steep green slopes and decorated with pure white pebbles that glisten like pearls along the shore before it touches the sea. It has this unique sort of zen that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
5 - Cliff Bay
This beach is aptly named as it is surrounded by cliffs. The island is Atokos where the bay can be found, is uninhabited. Oh, that is, except for the goats. If you are looking for a quiet experience with just you and the ocean, this place is your best bet. The white pebble sea bed makes the turquoise water seem even brighter. You want to watch out for the summer winds though.
Your safest bet is to go on a day when the wind is blowing out of the northwest of the bay. That is when the bay is sheltered and you can experience some calm and peaceful paddling. Due to anchoring, you won’t get to experience an abundance of marine life. After paddling, you will, however, be treated to an awesome cave. It’s a tight squeeze, but if you like caving on your SUP give it a try.
6 - Foki Caves
Speaking of caves, if they are your thing you absolutely have to check out Foki Caves. Located just on the way out of Fiscardo Harbour (our next point) you’ll find the beautiful Foki Caves. The surrounding cliffs are spectacular, throw in some cliff diving and you’re in for a really fun day. If you want to explore a few caves by foot be sure to paddle into shore and head into the man-made tunnel system. You’ll need a head torch to explore the maze of caves.
7 - Fiscardo Harbour
If you are looking for a less daring outing, the Fiscardo Harbour is the place for you. It is an area that is synonymous with yachts and celebrity high life. If celebrities and dressing to impress aren’t your things, it's no matter. The coastline of the harbour is filled with fun things to see and the view of the harbour from out on the ocean is stunning. If you enjoy architecture you will love the harbour. Most of the buildings are original, having survived a multitude of earthquakes.
8 - Kioni Harbour
Not all harbours are the same. When you approach this harbour you will notice something that looks like giant sandcastles with a variety of windmills. This is a turbine-driven olive grinding mill. These are a traditional way of producing olive oil in the area. Kioni Harbour is a particularly calm area of water. The water is not stirred up and this means that it is particularly clear.
Even with its popularity as an island-hopping stop, the water remains astoundingly clear. This is great for paddleboarders who don’t like having to contend with ocean wakes caused by passing boats or the incoming tide. It is a great place for a little SUP yoga.
9 - Vathi Harbour
The last place on our list is also a harbour. The name “Vathi” means deep water, and in this deep water harbour, there are a few ocean-claimed treasures. While out paddling keep an eye out for the old aeroplane, sunken and completely intact about 3 meters below the surface. This harbour is not as sheltered and forgiving as the other two. It is definitely a more physically demanding paddle bound to stir up your appetite.
Fortunately, it is also a place dotted with taverns where you can enjoy some great local cuisine and local entertainment.
Greece has far more to offer you on a SUP trip than you might have expected. It has something for every kind of SUP traveller. From seasoned paddlers to people wanting to give it a go for the first time, Greece has something for you.
