Greece: Greece Rowing Pass to Athens, Thessaloniki, Igoumenitsa
One to seven days rowing - updateD for 2025 - ready for bookings!
Rowing Trip Overview
Feel the warmth from the sun and the smiles of the people, then add in rowing. Greece is one of the world's favourite places to visit and now you can easily row here too! There are three locations to choose from. So much choice. Decide how many rows you would like to enjoy in total. Select from amongst three regions: Athens, Thessaloniki and the Aegean Sea plus Igoumenitsa and the Ionian Sea. Book and then finalize exact dates and locations with our organizers to create your own personalized Greece rowing vacation. It's easy and oh so wonderful.
Meet the Gkountoulas twins, Nikos and Apostolis. They are amongst the best coastal rowers in the world. And perhaps the nicest. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, they competed in the men's pair. They also won men's lightweight pairs at the 2008 World Championship and the open weight pair at the 2009 and 2011 European Championship. Training for flatwater rowing was at a remote location with not particularly good water quality, while the blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas sparkled near by. They turned their consideration talents, experience and energy to coastal rowing. Nikos lives in Thessaloniki to the east while Apostolis lives in Igoumenista to the west. Thessaloniki hosted the 2014 World Rowing Coastal Championships, and both continue to generously share their love of coastal and all rowing as coaches at clubs where they live. Recently Nikos expanded to open the first coastal rowing club in Athens. Both NIkos and Apostolis have guided tours for Rowing The World. They will take amazing care of you.
Included
- Choose from one up to seven rows in any combination of the three locations we offer: Athens; Thessaloniki and the Aegean Sea; Igoumenitsa and the Ionian Sea.
- Once you book the number of rows that you want, your guides, Nikos and Apostolis will be in touch to personalize your trip. Be ready to let them know when you want to row where!
- Not all rows need to be consecutive. For example, you could buy 4 rows with your Greece Pass, then plan a row in Athens, three days later have 2 rows in Thessaloniki, and then a week later row on the Ionian Sea. It is very flexible!
- Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration likely two or three hours, or shorter. Some rows can be longer if conditions and circumstances permit.
- Use of coastal boats. The type of boat (solo, double or quad) will depend on the size and experience of your group.
- Guide/coach on water with you in a support boat or rowing.
- Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants. We provide suggestions on other activities to enjoy in the region when you are not rowing.
- Transportation may be provided for an extra cost - to be determined based on location and depending on group size. Your guides may also be able to help you with booking accommodation.
Trip Details
Meet your local guides
Nikos and Apostolis Gkountoulas
Meet the Gkountoulas twins, Nikos and Apostolis. They are amongst the best coastal rowers in the world. And perhaps the nicest. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, they competed in the men's pair. They also won men's lightweight pairs at the 2008 World Championship and the open weight pair at the 2009 and 2011 European Championship. Training for flatwater rowing was at a remote location with not particularly good water quality, while the blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas sparkled near by. They turned their consideration talents, experience and energy to coastal rowing. Nikos lives in Thessaloniki to the east while Apostolis lives in Igoumenista to the west. Thessaloniki hosted the 2014 World Rowing Coastal Championships, and both continue to generously share their love of coastal and all rowing as coaches at clubs where they live. Recently Nikos expanded to open the first coastal rowing club in Athens. Both NIkos and Apostolis have guided tours for Rowing The World. They will take amazing care of you. They are identical twins too!
Itinerary
One or two different rows are possible from the club at the port near Piraeus. The beaches which line the shore are considered the Riviera of the capital, with all the associated glamour. See a very different aspect of Athens!
The Ionian Sea is a spectacular region of northern Greece and there are many rowing opportunities. You can enjoy a lovely day row from either Igoumenitsa or Sivota - of course there are beautiful beaches to row to and islands to row along. You will be looking at Corfu for much of the rowing, or looking to the mainland and its beautiful hills. There are wonderful options to relax and rewind after a wonderful day on the water. Multi-day (up to five), point-to point rows down the coast can also be organized. There will be extra fees for transportation and other logistics.
HOW TO BOOK: Decide how many rows you want in Greece and where. Decide on the date of your first row. Once you register and pay, Nikos and/or Apostolis will be in touch with you directly to work out all the specifics of where you will row and when. Note that you do not need to row on consecutive days. The rows, even in one location, can be spaced apart. The options are outlined in the Information Package after you register, with final decisions made directly with Nikos and Apostolis.
Price per person
| Availability Checking Fee - one per group - non-refundable | €100 |
| Per row. Any location, price per person, minimum 4 rowers. | € 100 |
If you prefer to book with confidence, knowing that the dates and customization you wish are possible, we are happy to give you the option of an Availability Checking Fee. Have one person in your party register and pay the fee. It is non-refundable. Nikos and Apostolis can then discuss directly with you what can be organized. Once you know, then everyone in the group can register for the agreed upon start date and number of rows.
If you already are sure, select your start date and book from one to seven rows. At the checkout, select the number of rows you want. If you want more than seven rows, this would be possible! At the check-out select seven rows and then discuss directly with Nikos and Apostolis.
The pricing is based on a minimum of four rowers. If your group is smaller you are still welcome but you will need to pay the four person total.
Ideas, information and inspiration
Love Greece and want other rowing options? Have a look at the posts on our Rowing Travel Blog and The Thoughtful Rower. Check out our travel tips for spectacular Thessaloniki. This travel writer had a rowing lesson with Nikos – and loved it!
FAQs
Our full list of Frequently Asked Questions answers all your questions. Or Contact Us – we are happy to help.