Sea Kayak Guided Tour at Afroditis Island Argolida

From our starting point at the port of Tolo (as Venetians used to call it Port-Aulon, Port of all), we will be heading eastward to the island of Aphrodite, also known as “Romvi”, “Daskalio” and “Koronisi”. Romvi is an uninhabited island in the Argolic gulf, opposite of Tolo beach. There are two versions regarding the origin of its name. According to the first one, the name “Romvi” is of Slavic origin, meaning island, while the second version contends that the name originates from the ancient Greek word “orovion”, a variety of a plant.

The island was inhabited in the Middle Ages; more precisely, the manuscript “Chronicles of Monemvasia” (10-11th century) mentions that during the invasion of the Slavs, the Argeians sought refuge to the island “Orovi”, which the scholars identify probably as “Romvi”. In fact there are ruins of the fortifications, dated to the 6th century, as well as, ruins of an orthodox basilica church. During the Venetian Rule II, islets such as Romvi were conquered by the Venetians as strategically defense positions. To this day, there are still ruins of Venetian fortifications. Romvi and Daskalio belong to the cluster of islets conquered by the Venetians to control the Argolic gulf.

The modern history of the island began in 1962 with a decision of the Greek government declaring the place an archeological site. Wild goats and rabbits were removed, the soil was cleaned and efforts of reforestation were made to show off this archeological site. Today, there is a beautiful pine forest showing signs of natural development. South, there is a large area of wild olive trees, a small habitat declared by the Forest Department as refuge for animals (mostly for the mountain partridge) and as reforested area. Efforts made by private entities for the tourist exploitation of the island have failed as the majority of the people in Tolo are against this idea. In addition, many government decisions have classified the island as an archeological site and reforested area.

After 20 minutes of rowing, we will enter the Bay of Aphrodite and will be amazed by its beauty. The second island, hidden behind the island of Romvi, called “Daskalio” is located in the gulf of Aphrodite and from the top we can see the entire eastern foot of the Peloponnese. It is said that during the period of the Turkish rule, there was a “secret school” – “kryfo scholeio” on the island. In that “secret school”, priests tried to teach children, in secret their language and their history in order to maintain Greek heritage. Today Daskalio remains untouched by humans, despite the many visitors who undertake a pilgrimage to the chapel, or just go to the island for a swim. It is a protected place for the plants and birds that are there. From there, we will tour around the island and head north to the third small island, “Koronissi” and the chapel Agioi Apostoloi” (Holy Apostles), where weddings and baptisms are carried out for the romantic ones.

Living the last of the three small islands of the bay behind us, we will arrive at a beach with crystal blue-green waters in order to relax, swim and taste some of the homemade organic products we had brought along, just to make your experience more memorable.

From there we will head back to our starting point.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

• Swimming knowledge
• Age 12 and above
• No Back Problems
• No Expectant Mothers
• No Serious Medical Conditions