Greece: Thessaloniki Saltwater and Fresh
Three days rowing
Rowing Trip Overview
Feel the warmth from the sun and the smiles of the people. Sit outside to taste fish fresh from the sea. Savour the tang of tahini and yogurt, the sweetness of honey and sesame seeds, the crunch of cucumbers and peppers. Wander narrow alleys and wide open promenades. Touch bricks baked two centuries ago. Admire the colour of vibrant mosaics. Walk on ancient stones. Then row here in Greece. See the sights of Thessaloniki from the water. Note broad avenues that blend into the dense hillside of the old city. Snap a selfie featuring the White Tower or Alexandria the Great forever charging in bronze.
Nikos, your guide, is the quickest answer to the question of why row in Thessaloniki and Greece. Nikolaos Gkountoulas is one of the best coastal rowers in the world. And perhaps one of the nicest. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, he competed in the men's pair with his twin brother, Apostolos Gkountoulas. 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 Hermaic Gulf were right at the steps of the city. Thessaloniki hosted the 2014 World Rowing Coastal Championships, and Nikos continues to generously share his love of coastal rowing, operating Greece’s first exclusively coastal rowing club. He travelled to Vietnam to coach, takes his athletes to international regattas and guides Rowing The World’s rowing tours in Greece. We have been working with Nikos since 2019. He very much wants to share his love for his city and coastal rowing with you.
Thessaloniki, the second city after Athens, exudes flair, character and dynamism from the diversity of ethnic groups that have touched this region. It also reputed to be Greece’s culinary and cultural capital. Take a historical walking tour to explore the layers of civilization. Stroll the broad straight avenues of the centre and explore the winding narrow streets of the Ano Poli. Visit some of the best museums in the country - we especially like the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Drive yourself or book a private tour to some of the nearby historical or natural sites that can be reach in a day or half-day trip. You definitely also want to relax in a café along the water, drinking delicious coffee or an aperitif as the sun goes down.
Included
- Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration likely two or three hours, or shorter.
- 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.
- Evening drink with the guide on arrival day to plan details for rows.
- Transportation may be provided on one day - to be determined and depending on group size.
Trip Details
Meet your local guide
Nikos Gkountoulas
Nikolaos Gkountoulas is a Greek rower from Thessaloniki. He started rowing in the pair with his identical twin brother, Apostolos Gkountoulas. They had success at European and World Championships, ultimately rowing for Greece in the 2012 Summer Olympics. His move from flatwater rowing into coastal and beach sprints is an opportunity he thinks other rowers could enjoy. Nikos is a leading world Coastal Rowing coach.
Itinerary
Arrive in beautiful and fascinating Thessaloniki. Welcome drink and briefing.
Walk along the award winning waterfront to the rowing club. This day is your coaching and training session with Nikos. Instruction will depend on you and your group’s experience and will be tailored. We anticipate that this day will be an introduction to coastal rowing, especially understanding the differences from flatwater rowing. Consider it a master class in coastal rowing. Are you an experienced coastal rowing? Is there something that you particularly want to work on?
You leave the salt water to head to Axios Delta National Park. A mere 25 km from Thessaloniki, it is a serenity of green and considered one of the most important ecosystems of Greece. Three rivers flow towards the Thermaiκos Gulf, creating a wetland complex of river estuaries, marshes, lagoons and salt flats. Look up through the reeds for gorgeous mountain views surrounding the Gulf. And while you are looking perhaps scan for some of the diverse bird life, including avocet, glossy ibis, pygmy cormorant and Dalmatian pelican. Nikos will guide you through the waterways. Hard to believe such tranquility and wildness can be found so close to a big city.
You are back on salt water, returning to Thessaloniki harbour for a morning of rowing and sightseeing from the water. Your morning row gives you excellent views of the city, including the striking concert hall and the White Tower. On the far side is the port, busy with container vessels, naval ships and ferries. Watch out for the pirate ship that cruises the inner waterway! Apply the skills that you gained from your master class with Nikos and go for a long, pleasurable tour, following the waterfront, bending around the port and crossing over the Gulf to inspect a former royal residence and communities at the edge of the big city, plus a beautiful small church dedicated to fisherman and people who are on the water.
If you would like to add extra days, it is possible. If you wish to have more days with Nikos coaching you, that is also possible. This could be determined in advance or you can decide on the spot and pay Nikos directly.
Price per person
| Three day Independent Rowing Experience - price per person if booking as a group of 2 | €600 |
| Three day Independent Rowing Experience - price per person if booking as a group of 3 | €490 |
| Three day Independent Rowing Experience - price per person if booking as a group of 4 | €435 |
The pricing is based on a minimum of two rowers - if you are travelling alone, please let us know and we will calculate the price.
Ideas, information and inspiration
Love Greece and want other rowing options? Rowing The World offers premium group and guided rowing tours including a trip to Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki Peninsula. Have a look at the posts on our Rowing Travel Blog and The Thoughtful Rower. Check out our travel tips for this spectacular city. 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.