Greece · Cruise & Sailing

Forgotten Islands Kalamos & Kastos

8 Hours Round trip from Nydri Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cruise to the historic Papanikolis Cave on Meganisi
  • 02 Swim in the crystal-clear waters near Formekula
  • 03 Visit Kastos village and relax on an unspoilt beach
  • 04 Enjoy free time in the main village of Kalamos
  • 05 Take in Ionian island scenery throughout the day
  • 06 Sightsee past Scorpios, Scorpidi, Madouri, and Sparti on the return

Spend a full day cruising through the Ionian Sea to discover the quieter side of Greece, with stops at historic caves, tiny islands, traditional harbours, and unspoilt beaches. This 8-hour boat trip combines sightseeing, swimming, and free time to explore the laid-back islands of Kastos and Kalamos.

Visit the famous Papanikolis Cave on Meganisi, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters around Formekula, stroll through the only village on Kastos, and relax on peaceful beaches along the way. The return journey includes sightseeing past Scorpios, Scorpidi, Madouri, and Sparti.

Spend a full day cruising through the Ionian Sea to discover the quieter side of Greece, with stops at historic caves, tiny islands, traditional harbours, and unspoilt beaches.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Kalamos
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Papanikolis Cave

Papanikolis sea cave: Archaeologists believe that the Cave of Papanikolis used to be the hideaway of a submarine. It is replete with many caves. Papanakolis Cave is ideally located on the island of Meganisi, which is a mere 12 nautical miles from Nydri village, Lefkada. The best way to reach the cave is by a boat cruise from Nidri and it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the cave.

This cave shot into prominence during World War II by virtue of being a secret hideaway for the submarine Papanikolis. The sheer magnitude of The cave is astounding. It is believed that the Papanikolis submarine would tuck up inside this mammoth cave after its blitzkrieg on the Italian armada. First-time visitors will live an awesome experience.

The remarkable Papanikolis Cave is actually the second largest cave in Greece. It is not an authentic sea cave, but a karst cave, and is presently partially inundated by the sea. This cave was much preferred by the ships that would drop anchor inside the cave during spells of inclement weather. This cave could easily accommodate even large shipping vessels with their flagstaff.ust a few kilometres southeast of Meganissi, Kastos is the ultimate Ionian Island hideaway, blessed with lovely beaches, peace and quiet, and a deliciously simple way of life.

Measuring just 8km from north to south, and less than 1km from east to west, Kastos is a little gem of a place, inhabited by around 50 permanent residents only. This diminutive size, allied to its unspoilt beauty, makes it the ideal destination for anyone looking for a holiday away from it all.Kalamos is not a conventional island. It is a tall mountain range which floats on the sea, its northern side overgrowing with towering, thick pine trees. It is obvious to even the non-specialist visitor that these pines are of a special species. They perch everywhere, even at the most precipitous points, sprouting from the rocks and reaching as far as the edge of the sea, as though they insisted on demonstrating their superiority over the place.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nydri 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Boat cruise

What's Not Included

  • Transfer from Hotel to Nidri Port and from Nidri Port to Hotel is not included in the rate.
  • Food/drinks are not included
  • Tips (optional)

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • 24 hours prior to your travelling date you will receive an email with the details of your booking and meeting point. If not received please do check your SPAM's.
  • Below information are requested from the port authorities at the time of booking: Names of all participants , Gender, Nationality, Date of Birth.
  • Please be at the port 30 minutes prior to boat's departure time.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nydri, GR
Tour start
Nydri, GR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Nydri.

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