Canyoning on the island of Evia is one of the most exciting adventure activities for nature and exploration enthusiasts. The natural landscape of Evia, with its impressive gorges and hidden waterfalls, offers ideal conditions for this outdoor recreational activity.
Canyoning combines elements of hiking, swimming, rappelling down waterfalls, and diving into natural pools, creating a unique experience for participants. This activity can be enjoyed year-round, provided the weather conditions allow it, while the variety of gorges in Evia makes it accessible to everyone, from beginners to more experienced explorers.
Crossing the gorges requires the use of specialized equipment, such as helmets, safety harnesses, and ropes, while for wetter routes, a neoprene suit is necessary to protect against the cold water. The activity is conducted in groups, enhancing the sense of cooperation and teamwork, as participants need to support each other throughout the journey.
The gorges of Evia offer a wide variety of routes, from simple and easy ones for beginners to more demanding ones for experienced canyoners. Each route presents different challenges and unique landscapes, such as waterfalls, pools, and narrow passages, providing a sense of adventure and discovery. This activity is perfect for families and groups of friends looking for something different during their vacation.
The best canyoning escapes in Evia offer a range of stunning routes through unique natural landscapes, filled with challenges and adventures for all ages and skill levels. Let's explore the top canyoning destinations on this beautiful island.
Central Evia
Havou Gorge, Kampia
Located near Chalkida, Havou Gorge is an excellent choice for those looking to get into canyoning. With impressive vertical and narrow walls, the gorge features 9 technical descents, jumps, and slides amidst a magical natural environment. Water flows through most of the year, and its technical sections make it suitable even for beginners.
Petali Gorge
Situated in the heart of Evia, this gorge leads to the beach of the same name, one of the wildest and most beautiful in the area. The gorge is shaded, with narrow walls and impressive rock formations. The route includes descents from waterfalls up to 10 meters high, offering an ideal experience for beginners, especially when the gorge is dry. Adventurers can enjoy diving into the blue waters of the Aegean once they reach Petali Beach.
Tsagkaraki Gorge, Dirfys
At the foot of the imposing Dirfys Mountain, Tsagkaraki Gorge offers a stunning route with dense vegetation and a forest of fir trees. While the descents do not exceed 20 meters, the beauty of the landscape and its crystal-clear waters make it perfect for diving and sliding. This route is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed canyoning experience, with plenty of river trekking through a breathtaking natural environment.
South Evia
Manikia Waterfall
Located near Kymi at Manikia village, the Waterfall is an impressive destination for canyoning enthusiasts. The Manikiatis River, known as Nedon since ancient times, flows all year round. The gorge offers unique descents and natural obstacles, with water creating a dynamic route full of challenges.
Dipotama Gorge, Kavo Doro
Dipotama Gorge stands out for its unique morphology and narrow passages, where majestic rocks form natural pools and waterfalls. This technical gorge, with its descents, offers challenges for experienced canyoners, while its exit is one of the most beautiful you can encounter in Evia.
North Evia
Alimahi Gorge, Mount Kandili
On the imposing Mount Kandili, Alimahi Gorge is a hidden treasure full of legends and natural beauty. Starting at an altitude of 300 meters, it features 10 descents, the tallest reaching 42 meters. This gorge is not suitable for beginners, requiring good physical condition and agility on rocky terrain, but the reward is a unique, awe-inspiring landscape that will impress even the most experienced explorers.
Dafnokouki Gorge, Rovies
A hidden paradise in Northern Evia, Dafnokouki Gorge offers 11 consecutive descents, with a rich variety of landscapes and dense vegetation. The narrow passage of the gorge, combined with the beauty of nature and views toward the sea, creates a fairytale-like setting that thrills adventure lovers. The route begins with a hike and ends under the impressive 37-meter-high waterfall, providing refreshing and enjoyable moments in crystal-clear water.
Secret Gorge of Vasilika
Starting near the picturesque village of Vasilika, this gorge offers a magical canyoning experience through a dense fir forest. After about an hour of hiking, participants enter the riverbed, where a fairy-like world of waterfalls, babbling streams, and rich, dense woodland awaits. The route connects the mountain village of Papades with Vasilika, passing through landscapes filled with natural beauty.
Drymonas Waterfalls
At an altitude of 620 meters, the Drymonas waterfalls offer a breathtaking canyoning experience. The Sipias River disperses its waters into the waterfalls, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors. The water cascades from a height of 15 meters into a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by rocks and a forest of rare, stunning black pines. This area is a natural sanctuary, providing exceptional moments of exploration and relaxation.
River Trekking
River trekking is an exciting activity that combines hiking and exploring rivers. It involves walking along riverbanks and even wading through the water itself, without the use of rafts or other specialized equipment. In certain sections, depending on the water depth and flow, swimming may be necessary. It's a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the natural environment in a different way.
The Bolovinaina Gorge in North Evia
The Bolovinaina Gorge, one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Northern Evia, is a hidden gem nestled between the forests and mountains of the area. Steep, vertical cliffs rise majestically from the ground, meeting the clear, cool waters of the Nileas River, creating a scene of untouched natural beauty. The lush landscape, which was affected by the 2021 fire, is gradually regenerating, offering visitors hope for new life and the reassurance that nature always finds a way to recover.
Those who choose to explore the gorge will experience a unique adventure. They will pass through narrow passages, dive into small natural pools, and swim in the refreshing waters of the river. Every step through the gorge brings a sense of adventure and connection with the natural surroundings.
Although the Bolovinaina Gorge is approximately 1,400 meters long, its small size does not detract from its grandeur and magical atmosphere. Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Xiro Oros, the gorge impresses with its narrow passages, where the cliffs rise as high as 80 meters in some places. The landscape, with its vertical rocks, rushing waters, and small natural pools, creates a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view, while also offering a sense of tranquility and harmony.
River Trekking at the Stropones Gorge in Central Evia, Ending at Chiliadou Beach
An ideal experience for those looking to start river trekking in Central Evia is the route from the Stropones Gorge to Chiliadou Beach. The journey begins in the village of Stropones, located at the foot of Mount Dirfi, and passes through a landscape filled with ancient plane trees. Along the way, participants will cross the stream of the Stroponiatis River several times, experiencing the beauty of the natural surroundings and the cool waters of the river.
The river trekking route ends at Chiliadou Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Evia. From there, explorers can continue to Damianos Beach, one of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the area. A swim in the deep blue waters of the Aegean offers an optional yet unforgettable experience before returning to Chiliadou.
River trekking in South Evia
In Southern Evia, beyond the impressive descent of the Manikia waterfalls, there is also the opportunity for a unique river trekking experience. The journey starts just outside the village of Manikia, following a scenic and easy path for about an hour. The path leads to the Manikiatis River, where the landscape fascinates with its mix of steep cliffs, dense vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.
Throughout the hike, participants cross the river at various points, enjoying the unique natural environment that combines water streams, waterfalls, and small lakes. The trek concludes at a 25-meter-high waterfall, where visitors can take refreshing dips and swim in natural pools, immersing themselves in the power and beauty of nature.
The Platanistos Gorge, located north of Karystos at the stunning Cavo Doro landscape, offers a unique experience for river trekking enthusiasts. Nestled in the lush landscape of southern Ochi mountain, this trek blends natural beauty with adventure. Along the route through the gorge, hikers move in and out of the river until they reach the sources of Epanohori.
The namesake stream, which flows throughout the gorge, creates a beautiful small valley with dense vegetation and stone bridges.
The highlight of the trek is the large waterfall, which forms a natural pool where the more adventurous can take a dip in the cold waters. The gorge ends at Potami Beach, a picturesque location with sand dunes, small lakes, and wetlands, where the Aegean meets the natural landscape.
In Summary: A Thrilling Canyoning Experience in Evia
Evia, with its abundance of gorges, is an ideal destination for canyoning, whether you are a beginner or an experienced canyoner. These locations combine the adrenaline of descent with the stunning natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences for all visitors.
There are several outdoor clubs that organize canyoning excursions in Evia, covering all areas of the island and offering programs for all levels of difficulty.
The programs are tailored to the needs of each participant, from beginners who want to take their first steps in canyoning to advanced adventurers seeking more technical and challenging routes. The instructors provide the necessary guidance and equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Whether you are looking for a one-day excursion to a nearby gorge or a multi-day adventure exploring the island's natural beauty, the outdoor clubs operating in Evia are the ideal choice to experience canyoning in the island's unique landscapes.
