Kayaking can be quite an addictive sport to indulge in. It can be attributed to the thrill of adventures in the water or the fact that it is an inexpensive sport. Either way, the sport has wormed its way into the hearts of many water lovers.

Kayaks can be used for touring, surfing, and fishing. Proper preparation before your kayak fishing adventures should help elevate your chances of enjoying the experience. This article will help you pack your fishing kayak to ensure you are prepared for any situation.

Choose an Appropriate Kayak

Kayaks come in different sizes and designs to suit different uses. Short kayaks are the most recommended for fishing as they are easier to maneuver. They are, however, much slower than their larger counterparts. 

Additionally, the color of your kayak also matters. Choose a brightly-colored kayak that reflects light and thus makes it easy to spot. Since you are on the lookout for fishies, let the bottom of your kayak blend in with the water’s color. It may be blue or green.

It is also wise to choose your fishing kayak as per the weather conditions. Sit-on-top kayaks are more appropriate for warmer conditions than sit-in kayaks as there is better airflow. Choose a kayak with sufficient storage space, as it will dictate how much you can pack in your fishing kayak.

Pack Fishing Gear

Since you are going on a fishing and camping trip, a quality landing net is essential to bring in the fish that you catch, especially if you want to catch large fish. Fishing rods are also at the heart of your fishing experience. 

It is vital to carry multiple rods of different sizes to help your fishing. Another creative thing you can do is carry a two-piece fishing rod that can be broken down into smaller pieces and easily stored. The cockpit can be a great storage spot for the two-piece rod.

Pack Safety Gear

Safety in kayaking is of utmost importance. You should invest in personal safety gear such as a helmet and a life jacket, also known as a personal floatation device. It is also essential to pack extra helmets and jackets to help any fellow kayakers who are in trouble. Remember to pack a compass and whistle just in case you get lost. Anchors, lightweight paddles, and paddle leashes are essential gear to have for when tide winds get too intense.

As most of this gear is lightweight, it is recommended to pack them in the front hatch of your toy. Do not worry about over-packing safety gear. It is better to have extra than not enough. Take note of these kayaking safety tips on your next adventure.

Have Extra Storage

Most kayaks have space to pack your essentials. They have rod holders to store your paddles. There should also be tank well storage at the rear of your kayak. This space is especially great for scuba divers as they store their tanks in this spot. Another essential storage is the crate system. The extra storage helps ensure space for your fishing gear, tackle, rods, and fishing nets.

The crate system can be divided into a hard-side crate and a soft-side crate. The hard side is tough and is not easy to crush under the harshest conditions. The soft side system is easier to install and fits better than the rigid system, thus it is preferred by fishermen. The milk crate system is also a great storage option if you are cash-strapped. Milk crates are pretty flexible and can be DIY’d. 

Gear bags are another great alternative to crate systems. They are built to be compact to fit in any space available. These bags have many pockets to help you be as organized as possible, unlike the crates that may not have compartments. Keep in mind as you pack using gear bags to have the kayak balanced, which helps in steering. An example is the Duluth bag, which has extensive storage. This backpack can house all the gear you need for your kayak fishing trip.

Pack Personal Items

Pack some extra clothes in case you get wet or the weather changes. Put your clothes in a dry bag to prevent them from getting wet. Strap the bag to the side of your kayak or the front hatch if there is enough space. Do not forget to put your phone, identification, wallet, and fishing license in a smaller dry bag at the cockpit for easy accessibility.

Fishing hats and sunscreen are essential personal effects that make the experience memorable.

Packing Food and Water

It can be easy to mess up when packing food for your fishing trip. Most fishermen use the old-fashioned stuff sack, a nylon water-proof sack that allows them to store similar foods in the same sack. Other fishermen opt to use either soft-sided or hard-sided containers, which have their share of disadvantages. Rigid containers are not easy to pack, while soft containers can mush your food into a no-so-appealing nature.

Remember to carry water to combat thirst as it will most likely be sunny, and chances of being dehydrated are high.

Use Colored Sacks

Colored sacks help in the organization of different essentials for your fishing trip. For instance, you can have a yellow sack for your food and a green sack for your fishing gear. Color patterns are much easier for the human brain to recognize and access on any occasion.

Pack an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should essentially contain one main thing: the first aid kit. This kit should be fully equipped and easy to access at all times. The kit is essential for minor accidents such as injuries from the fishing rod to other significant injuries.

Your emergency kit should also contain food and water just in case you are stranded. It should also contain a flashlight, a radio device for when you need help, and medicine. Remember to always restock your emergency kit before heading into the water.

If your kayak does not have self-bailing, it cannot automatically remove water that gets in through the scupper holes; as such, it would be wise to carry a sponge pump or any other device that can be used to remove water.

 Pack Camping Gear

Most people want to combine kayak fishing with camping. For car campers, there could be a tendency to over-pack your cookery. This is highly ill-advised in kayak fishing due to the lack of storage space and the need to keep the kayak balanced. Instead of fretting over where to place your Dutch oven and pots and pans, opt to carry packed food in waterproof vinyl bags. These bags will save space and lock in your meal’s scent from wafting away and attracting wild animals such as bears.

How to Pack Different-Sized Items

Packaging various items in your kayak is key to balancing and ultimately contributes to your kayak fishing experience. It is essential to know that heavy items are always packed as close to the middle as possible. Such items are milk crates that house fishing gear and food and drinks, which are packed after the back bulkhead.

Lighter items should go on the back end of your kayak. For accessibility, the cockpit should always be free of load, housing only your personal effects such as phone, fishing license, and identification. This placement ensures that your boat is not overloaded at both ends,  thus enabling outstanding balance and ease in maneuvering.

Trick to Packing Big Items

If you plan to go kayak fishing for a few days, you will probably carry a tent or sleeping bag. The gear, however, may not be the easiest to fit in your hatch. Getting creative with such large items is, however, still part of the adventures of kayak fishing.

For instance, you could take them out of their holding sacks and put the sack in the cargo site by using one hand to keep the sack wide open while still in the hatch and the other hand to fill it back in the sack. This method is excellent when packing into the kayak; pulling out could be another task and frustrating if you are trying to set up camp in a storm or during heavy rains.

Have a Checklist

Always prepare a checklist before you embark out in the waters with a kayak. The checklist will help you ensure you have not forgotten anything in the last-minute rush while staying organized. Things to include in a kayaking expedition checklist include a kayak, paddles, and safety gear such as a helmet and a personal floatation device.

If you go fishing, your checklist must also encompass fishing equipment such as a net, fishing hooks and rods, bait, a fishing license, and a cooling crate to keep your catch fresh. Don’t forget to put personal items such as extra clothes, a phone, and personal identification in the checklist. And if you double up with several days of camping, include your camping gear.

Final Thoughts

People choose kayak fishing for personal meditation and bonding with family and friends. From choosing an appropriate kayak to using crate systems for extra storage, the tips above will help make your kayak fishing experience one to remember.

It is important to remember that safety is essential for an optimal kayaking experience. So wear protective clothing and pack your safety gear.

The post How to Pack Your Kayak for a Fishing and Camping Trip appeared first on 203Challenges.

3 reasons to visit gorgeous Krabi:

1. Krabi Province still manages to preserve its nature and beaches, keeping them as unsullied by human influence as possible (especially compared to other locations like Koh Samui or Pattaya). Most of the Thai people here live a normal life unaffected by the tourism industry, and this is your chance to delve into that Thai lifestyle in its most traditional form.

2. There are some surreal, almost unbelievably beautiful beaches in the area (see below).

3. The nearby bay is home to a species of flying fish. Flying fish!

One thing you may not expect in Krabi

Krabi and the south of Thailand as a whole is home to a large Muslim community that has been living peacefully with the Buddhist majority for more than five centuries. You will see many girls and women with their hair covered by scarves, and you might even hear the muezzin call of local mosques. It may be a bit hard to find pork, too.

BEST ATTRACTIONS IN KRABI TOWN

1. The night market

Like many Thai towns, Krabi has a night market with street food stalls, cheap clothes and plenty of trinkets. With every step, a new whiff tickles your nose and invites you to taste this, and this, and this… Everything is prepared in front of your eyes. In the high season (December–February) you can come across live performances and traditional local festivals. Open: Friday–Sunday.

Special tip: Search for the Krabi fried ice-cream stall, where the very preparation of your dessert is a show in itself.

Thai street food © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

2. Exchange a book

There are a few second-hand bookshops in Krabi Town, although you can also exchange a book at fairly unexpected places, including fast food venues. Just look for a pile of dusty books in the corner of the restaurant; as well as feeding your body, you can feed your treasure hunt spirit as you search for a book in a language you speak.

3. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

The Tiger Temple is the historical highlight of Krabi, with its legend of a tiger living in the cave where Buddhist hermits sheltered for years, and the amazing view from its top. Climb the 1000+ steps, try your best to avoid the cheeky monkeys (don’t leave anything on the ground – anything!) and enjoy the fresh wind and the landscape at the top.

How to get to the Tiger Temple: The cave is located a bit out of the city, but it’s easy to get to. You can either take a taxi (500 baht return and the driver will wait for you) or use public transport. Look for the red pick-up vans – songthaew in Thai – that serve as a public shuttle, and take one to get to the temple. Just go to the riverside road, wave one of them down and say you’re going to the Tiger Temple. The rate is 50 baht for foreigners, although locals only pay 20 baht. There’s no need to argue or haggle over the price, as every driver will charge you this amount. Once you get there, the driver might ask you when you plan to return in order to be there and take you back, but you shouldn’t really rely on this promise, as they usually don’t come back. Just take another songthaew home.

The Tiger Temple in Krabi Town

BEST ATTRACTIONS AROUND KRABI TOWN

4. Kayaking among flying fish in a mangrove forest

Tha Lane Bay is an amazing slice of nature that buzzes with life, and there’s no better way to explore it than to grab a kayak and paddle out into the blue. Your camera is another essential piece of equipment, as you’ll want to photograph the many lovely creatures frolicking about in their unspoiled, natural home. Flying fish are hard to capture in a photo, but simply seeing them leap out of the water with fill your heart with joy (as if you’re in a real-life Super Mario game). If you come at sunset, the tide is low and sand islands emerge from the water, leaving the walking fish and starfish exposed and posing for your camera. Monkeys searching for food also join the party, together with monitor lizards and hundreds of birds. The sunset at Tha Lane Bay is one of the most beautiful in Thailand (trust me, I’ve seen many). Kayaking tours are offered at every hotel in Krabi and always include a transfer to the starting point.

Kayaking in Tha Lane Bay near Krabi © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

5. Railay Beach

Now this is a beach that looks perfect even without Photoshop. Come here to admire the cliffs, which look as if they’ve been thrown into the water by a giant, then laze on the white sand and glide through the turquoise water. The beach is quite small and tends to get overcrowded during high season.

How to get to Railay Beach: It’s accessible only by boat due to the towering cliffs that surround it. Take a longtail boat from Krabi (Khong Kha pier) or Ao Nang, around 150 baht one direction. This service is available a few times a day between 9 am and 5 pm.

Railay Beach, Thailand © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

6. Rock climbing at Railay

You can begin your ascent of the coastal cliffs by taking a rock climbing course for beginners (there are several climbing schools, just follow the signs). However, if you’re a bit more experienced, you can embark on an unguided climb that is definitely not for the fainthearted; while at the beach, just look for the miniature red dots that mark out the climbing trails along the cliffs. Bring your own gear or rent some equipment for the day.

7. Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a beach close to Krabi (with a regular bus and songthaew connection between the two towns). It’s a tourist area, full of resorts and bars. The beach is average – nothing like what you’ve seen on Pinterest photos of Thailand – but the area is well-connected as a base for day tours into the surrounding nature.

Kayaking in Tha Lane Bay near Krabi © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

8. Phi Phi Islands

It takes 45 minutes to get to the six Phi Phi Islands by boat. The scenery made famous by the 2000 movie The Beach is truly amazing and protected as part of a marine national park.

Special tip: The beach gets overcrowded, so the only chance you have to see it without scores of tourists is to arrive very early in the morning. Alternatively, you can spend the night there and wake up before the hordes of day-trippers arrive.

9. Hot springs and the Emerald Pool

These natural hot tubs in the rainforest have been carved into soft rocks and are directly fueled by a thermal spring. Enjoy the ~86ºF (30ºC) salt-rich water and finish with a refreshing dip into the nearby cool stream. The hot springs are located 43 mi (70 km) from Krabi Town. The nearby Emerald Pool is another natural spa where you can swim in warm mineral water and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

10. Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a piece of wild jungle with the amazing Cheow Lan Lake – where you can spend the night in a floating bungalow – within its borders. Enough said. Oh, and it’s also home to the Rafflesia – the biggest flower in the world.

How to get to Khao Sok National Park: There are several minibuses every day from Krabi and Ao Nang to Khao Sok. The cost is 300 baht and it takes two hours.

© Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Here is a map of all the activities and destinations mentioned above to give you an idea of scale:

11. What NOT to do: don’t ride the elephants

Riding elephants is a widespread attraction all over Thailand, but the only reason for its existence is the fact that tourists pay for it. Elephant riding was recently forbidden in India for a good reason – the conditions the animals are kept in are often awful and the seats used to make tourists more comfortable hurt their backs. Don’t ride elephants and don’t let your friends do it either; as fewer people become interested in elephant riding, Thai people will switch to other business ideas.

>> Read more: 7 Thailand quotes that explain why everyone loves it

Where to see Rafflesia in Thailand – the biggest flower in the world

Where to find a friendly Buddhist monk to talk to in Thailand

Pin it to your travel board:

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That’s what Ben Pike told me when I asked him about his upcoming adventure – kayaking across Europe in a double kayak where everyone is welcome! Yes, you read that right; if you are somewhere on the route, you are invited to join.

The plan: Kayak from the coast of Holland to the Black Sea, crossing the whole of Europe by river over about three months. Thanks to the canal system in Europe there exists the unique opportunity to cross the entire continent by river.

When and where: Ben is arriving in Amsterdam on Wednesday, August 16, and he plans to buy a two-person kayak as quickly as possible and head southeast towards Germany. Ben will have a free space in the kayak and he invites anyone who wants to join him for part of the trip.

“It won’t all be beautiful scenery and butterflies, but if you like a challenge, want to push yourself and love storytelling, then get in touch! Also, if anyone lives on route and could offer a shower/a place to stay/or even just wants to come say ‘hey‘, then I’d love to hear from you!” says Ben.

Photo courtesy of Ben Pike

A short background: Ben is not an adventure newbie – his last trip was 17,000 km around India in a tuktuk that Ben turned into one of the world’s first camper-tuktuks… Before that he cycled a tandem bicycle from England to China, picking up anyone who wanted to join along the way. Before that he built a raft to sail from the Caribbean to South America. So… are you ready?

Follow Ben’s trip on his YouTube channel.

The post To cross Europe by kayak, join this epic challenge (even for a mile) appeared first on 203Challenges.

What we have seen in recent years with the rise in different and alternative sports or activities has been nothing short of amazing, and the available options for us to seek thrills are amazing. Even more so with this year that the world has seen, but we all need a break from normal life and the day-to-day hustle and bustle. Life can’t just be about working and paying bills, we need that release that makes us feel alive and excited to get out into the world.

If you’re a thrill-seeker then your life can be super exciting and you should never stop trying to find new ways to give yourself that fresh feeling of adventure. The thought of planning a new trip can be such a revelation and a well-deserved break from your normal life.

Maybe you’re looking for a new way to release some energy and you’ve been put onto paddle boarding through a friend, or you might be involved in this world already. This is an exciting new activity that seems to have taken people by storm and loads are flocking to try out paddleboarding. 

So What Essential Things Do I Need Before Going On A Paddle Boarding Trip?

If you’re planning a trip, the last thing you want is to forget something because you were lazy with your approach. It’s an absolute dream when a plan comes together and it all comes down to the preparation, so get excited and get involved in your plan and you will pull it off!

Equipment & Gear

It might seem obvious, but you can’t go paddleboarding without a paddleboard. Not just that, but all the other key things which are required to fully enjoy a paddleboarding trip and make it a success. You’ll need an electric pump, paddle, and your board itself. You need to ask yourself what sort of trip it is you are going on. Where will you be sleeping? Where are you traveling to and with who? This will then dictate what other equipment you need such as a tent, sleeping bag, cooker, and food supplies. Perhaps you’re sleeping out of your car or van with friends, so you’ll need plenty of fuel and other essentials to ensure you can get to and from your destination properly without issue.

A Route & Journey

By now you have probably sussed out the best paddle boarding spots that will give you what you need and don’t provide too much bad terrain. You need flat open water so doing your research effectively on the right places to paddleboard will pay dividends when you get there. 

If you’re traveling as part of a group or in a convoy, make sure everyone knows where they are headed and where to meet up if you get lost. You want the trip to be focused on fun and excitement, and getting lost does not fall into this category. So take your time, layout your journey, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Getting to your destination safely should always be your number one priority.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-riding-board-on-middle-of-body-of-water-1790184/

Backup Plan & Safety

Ant type of activity involving water and going out to places on your own without rules always prevents a real danger. Never underestimate the power of nature and the water you go paddleboarding on. 

One second of silly behavior or lack of concentration can put your health and wellbeing at serious risk, so understanding what measures you can do to prevent this is an absolute must. Do you have all the safety gear you need? Have you got a first aid kit? Never leave the house without a contingency plan in case if something goes wrong. Ensure you have your mobile phone with the charger so you can call the emergency services if things go wrong. It’s not necessarily nice to think about but you always have to be mindful of the bad situations that can come about through extreme sports and other activities of that nature.

Give yourself a head start before your trip and set you and others properly. You want to have an amazing time so don’t neglect the fundamentals.

Photo by Matt Zhou on Unsplash.

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1. No Alcohol or Drugs

Like when doing many other activities, you shouldn’t be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are legal repercussions to drinking while kayaking, and it puts your safety while doing the activity in danger as well. The effort you put into kayaking can already be exhausting so adding alcohol or drugs to the equation can affect your body balance and you can overturn the kayak and fall into the water. Besides, alcohol lowers the body temperature, making falling into the cold water extremely dangerous.

2. Safety Gear And Essentials

You should never go kayaking without your safety gear. To maintain your safety on the water, you need to bring along a few essential items. To begin with, you must never go kayaking without your PFD (personal flotation device). Try to find a PFD that fits well so it doesn’t bother you as much. Even if you’re planning to get back early, bring a flashlight or a headlamp. You never know what might go down. Moreover, you should pack a whistle as you might need it to call for help. 

Always bring your phone with you. If something goes wrong, you will immediately want to call for help. You can find waterproof phone covers online if you’re worried about your phone getting wet. Lastly, this one is a basic tip: always bring a first-aid kit along.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothes for Your Climate

Wearing appropriate clothes is based on your personal preference and the climate where you are going to go kayaking. One thing that keeps you warm in the water is wet suits which can work in different conditions. If you’re kayaking in colder conditions, you will want to wear some sort of insulating fabric and layer it with a thin layer like jackets or pants. If you’re kayaking in tropical conditions, you will want to wear a bathing suit and layer it with light summer clothes, though you should also bring a jacket just in case. 

You would also want to wear sunglasses and maybe a hat too to protect yourself from the sun if it is a sunny day. You can check the weather and wear what you find appropriate for that specific day’s condition. Even if this has been already mentioned: wear your PFD, always!

4. Beware Of the following

There are a few things that you will want to keep an eye out for. For starters, you should never go kayaking without checking the weather. You should as well check the wave tides and always be ready to cancel out your plans if the water or the weather is not stable. Before you go on the water, beware of the shore winds and check the wind conditions as this might make it hard for you to return to the shore. Checkout your kayak’s weight capacity and make sure you’re not exceeding it. Before going on the water, check for tears in your kayak.

5. Take Precautions

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as “being too safe”. Always take precautions whenever you decide to go kayaking. While this might sound weird to some, wearing a helmet is crucial when you go kayaking. Paddling in a surf zone or the river can be dangerous as you might fall out of the boat and hit your head, the helmet just ensures your safety in case that happens. Plan out and train on a self-rescue plan. You should try this out in calm, warm water and then try it out in more extreme conditions with the help of a trainer.

6. Don’t Go Kayaking Alone Or Share Your Plan With Someone

You shouldn’t be out on the water alone especially if you’re new to the sport. Make kayaking a group activity just in case things don’t go as planned so that you can each help one another. If you decide to go alone, make sure you tell someone about your plans, including where you’re going, when you’re going, and how long they should expect you to be gone. In case something does happen, that person will be able to help you.

Make sure you follow the previously mentioned tips whenever you’re out on the water to have a safe and fun kayaking trip. Take all the necessary precautions and remember to prioritize your wellbeing at all times and never risk your safety, even if it means canceling plans last minute.

Image by Cheapsurger.com

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Cable car Benalmádena

Climb aboard the modern four-seat cabins for an exclusive ride up Mount Calamorro, where at an altitude of 769 meters you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Costa del Sol. On a clear day, you can even see the Rock of Gibraltar and the African coastline with Morocco’s Rif mountains in the distance. Once at the summit you are free to explore over two kilometers of well-marked paths and watch a bird of prey show that features vultures, eagles, owls and falcons soaring high above the Mediterranean Sea. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year with family and group tickets available as well as discounts for seniors and children. Worth every penny, this is an awe-inspiring and thrilling experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Butterfly house Benalmádena

While in Benalmádena why not combine a cable car ride up Mount Calamorro with a trip to the Butterfly House. Located next to the Thai temple the Butterfly house Benalmádena is home to more than 1,500 exotic butterflies collected from around the world. In the Butterfly House, the insects are allowed to fly freely amongst the tropical vegetation and waterfalls that make up their natural habitat. Rated the number one park of its kind in Europe the park strives to teach visitors about the sustainable use of even the most diverse ecosystem’s while carrying out a breeding program to ensure that even the rarest of species can survive in today’s modern world. The park is open every day from 10.00 to 18.30 hrs with ticket prices at 10€ for adults and discounts for children and visitors aged over 65.

La Paloma Park Benalmádena

Set right in the heart of Benalmádena just 300 meters from the sea, La Paloma Park or Pigeon Park in English is an oasis of calm and a favorite meeting point at weekends. Entirely man made the park covers 200,000 square meters with a large artificial lake that ducks, swans, and turtles call home. Younger members of the family will love that the park is also an impromptu sanctuary for peacocks, rabbits, goats and even a couple of donkeys. In the park, you will find plenty of nice walks, two children’s playgrounds and no end of benches to sit and relax away from the hustle and bustle of one of the Costa del Sols most popular towns. The best thing of all is that the park is entirely free and a wonderful place to visit on a warm summer evening.

Selwoo Marina

A relative newcomer to Benalmádena, Selwoo Marina is a place where you can get up close and interact with sea lions and dolphins. In addition to the animal performances, you can also learn about the different Penguin species and take a tour of a tropical aviary or rainforest complete with monkeys. You can also take part in a VIP experience that lets you meet the dolphins, swim with the sea lions and feed the penguins. Various prices are available starting at 21€ for adults with big discounts for children seniors and families. You can also save up to 25% by purchasing your tickets online.

Kayaking to Maro waterfall from Burriana beach Nerja

We saved our favorite Costa del Sol experience for last, this time in Nerja. Nerja is in the other direction to Benalmádena and is just a 60-minute transfer from Malaga airport. Nerja may be less built up than the west of Malaga is, but there are still fantastic things to do here. One superb activity is kayaking from the popular Burriana Beach all the way to Maro while exploring hidden coves and beaches. Children will have the time of their lives paddling under waterfalls that include the spectacular 15 meters high Maro waterfall. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for rent for either the 2 or 4 hours tours. Safety is the main concern with all participants given a short lesson in kayaking prior to departure. As an added bonus, you also get issued with snorkels and masks so that you can swim amongst the fishes in a marine nature reserve. Prices start at 20€ for adults and 10€ for children between the age of 8 and 15.

Here are just a fraction of some incredibly fun activities that are worth seeing and doing on your next visit here.

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Greece has 6,000 islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited. It’s hard to choose your next summer escape, but if you’re a nature lover and enjoy quiet, hidden destinations, give Ammouliani a chance.

Ammouliani is a tiny island located just across from the monastic state of Mount Athos, a short ferry ride from the mainland. It has only one tiny town and a long stretch of sandy beaches interspersed with steep cliffs.

There are several surrounding islets that are perfect for diving, picnics and sunbathing. Since they’re deserted, you’ll feel like you have them all to yourself. You can hire a motor boat or kayaks and visit them, or circumnavigate Ammouliani itself (in half a day kayaking, or less than an hour by motor boat).

The fact that few foreigners visit Ammouliani gives it an ambiance of secrecy and makes it a pleasant alternative to the souvenir stalls and inflated prices synonymous with the most popular Greek islands.

It’s fun to imagine what the island looked like before 1925, when it was a monastic property inhabited by only a couple of monks. They harvested crops, grew olives and herded sheep. In 1925 the island was allocated as a home to refugees from Asia Minor and today it has 600 permanent inhabitants.

Where to stay in Ammouliani

You can choose between a few youth campsites like Alikes and Ammouliani (where the party goes on ’til late and the beach bars serve cheap cocktails to the thumping beat of loud dance music), remote coastal resorts and guesthouses in the township of Ammouliani. There are shops and tavernas everywhere.

How to get to Ammouliani

The closest airport is in Thessaloniki. From there, drive to the coastal town of Tripiti (around 2 hours) then take the ferry to Ammouliani. The ferry takes no more than 20 minutes and there are frequent services throughout the day. You can see the ferry timetable and prices here.

The monastic state of Athos: men only…

If you stay on the east coast of Ammouliani, you’ll be spoiled with the amazing view of the sun rising over Mount Athos (a semi-independent religious state known for its many Orthodox monasteries). When leaving the island, take the ferry from the mainland port of Ouranoupoli to Athos (officially The Monastic State of the Holy Mountain) to see how the monks live. The state has preserved its conservative traditions; only men are allowed to live there. You need a written permit to visit Athos, and you should apply for the permit at least two weeks in advance. The full procedure is explained here.

Discover more secret places in Greece!

All photos: © Maria Angelova/203challenges

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High, panoramic spots along the Bulgarian banks of the Danube River – those places that give a wide view across the river with all its flows, sandspits and islands – are hard to find. You can find them in just a few places, such as Nikopol, Batin (Батин) and Tutrakan. But you will best understanding this feeling of infinity only while kayaking along the Danube River. The vast water has its own climate, scent and charm.

The islands near Ruse

Kayaking on the Danube, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

The river islands, created by natural sand silt or silted sunken ships, are countless. Near the town of Ruse (Русе) there are 10, divided into 4 bigger island groups – Batin, Lyulyaka, Aleko and Mishka. They can be reached by tourist kayaks, fishing boats, yachts or small ships, as well as rafts (rafts are best organized in Tutrakan). The islands are the perfect nesting place for water birds, such as white and grey herons, cormorants, sea eagle. In summer, when the level of the river drops, the sand silt, which forms the islands, comes to the surface. Wide beaches of fine sand appear, creating a unique view. The next year those peculiar dunes will be somewhere else – they move and travel along this truly living river.  

Kayaking on the Danube, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Adventure with a kayak and a cause

The Danube, however, carries not only sand. It carries also slime and garbage. The slime is a natural product and settles down, but the garbage gets stuck to the islands. When the water level rises, plastic bottles, pieces of styrofoam and other garbage litters the islands until someone comes to remove them.

The Tourist Society of Prista decided to do something about the problem. In a series of water campaigns, volunteers with kayaks and motorboats clean the river and transport the garbage, but also sail, become part of the unique landscape of the big river, and actually create a real adventure. In fact, for many of the project’s participants, this is their first time kayaking. After the adventure, the collected garbage is transported and recycled.

Kayaking on the Danube, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Useful information

If you start from Ruse, contact the Tourist Society of Prista. You can take part in one of the cleaning sessions, water campaigns and interesting guided tours, or simply receive information about the routes in the region, as well as the possibility to hire a guide, kayak, life jacket, oars and other equipment. Contact details: islandsproject@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/DanubeIslands.

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