Rafting on the Pineios River

In a landscape of rare charm —the legendary  Tempi Valley — you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering plane trees, while herons and nightingales accompany you on an unforgettable journey. The descent down the Pineios River lasts about two hours and is relatively gentle, making it ideal for beginners.

It’s a lush, winding route of exceptional beauty, with sections of 1st and 2nd degree difficulty, set within one of Greece’s most important natural landmarks, steeped in myth and legend: The Muses are said to have chosen the Pineios as their home. Apollo pursued the nymph Daphne here. Aphrodite bathed in its waters to regain her purity. And it is in this river that Apollo defeated "Darkness" itself.

The route begins shortly after the Tekke of Hassan Baba and passes beneath the suspended bridge of Tempi, with a recommended stop at Agia Paraskevi. There, visitors can kneel to see the Hagiasma—the holy spring—set beside ancient places of worship and a traditional dristela (water mill). The journey ends at the Rapsani bridge.

For the more Advanced

For those seeking a high-adrenaline experience, there’s the rafting route in Vernezi, further upstream on the Pineios River. This section is known for its strong water flow, creating a thrilling sequence of continuous rapids with 3rd and 4th degree difficulty, broken only by brief stretches of calmer water.

It’s a fast-paced, two-hour descent—recommended for those who love the power of the river and the challenge of battling the waves!

*For more information, contact the companies that offer alternative activities in the area:

• Trekking Hellas East Thessaly
   
• Olympos Trek
   
• Xtreme Greece
   
• Greek Adventure