Arachthos River: Rafting Plaka Bridge to Tzari, Canyon Views

Summary

Rafting the wild Arachthos river past Plaka’s old stone arch

You’ll paddle beneath Plaka’s legendary stone bridge, ride through roaring white water in Arachthos Gorge with a local guide, and end with syrupy sweets back at base. Expect laughter, a few shivers, and scenery that makes you forget your phone exists for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost chickened out when I saw the Plaka Bridge up close — that single stone arch just hangs there above the water like it’s daring you to cross. Our guide, Kostas, handed me a helmet and grinned like he knew what I was thinking. “No one ever regrets it,” he said. I could smell wet earth and something herbal in the air — maybe wild mint? The neoprene suit felt weirdly comforting once it was on, even if my hands were already cold.

The first few minutes on the Arachthos river were all nerves. You hear the water before you feel it — this low roar echoing off canyon walls that rise up crazy high (Kostas said 700 meters but who really measures that?). Paddling together is trickier than it looks; we spun around once and everyone laughed except me because I was just trying not to fall in. Somewhere after that, I stopped worrying about getting soaked. The river kept shifting from smooth glassy bits to sudden white water where you can’t hear anything but splashing and shouts. Rafting here isn’t just about adrenaline — there’s this moment when you look up and realize how tiny you are in that gorge.

We pulled out near Tzari after what felt both long and way too short — nine kilometers just disappears when you’re busy trying not to swallow half the river. There were sticky local sweets waiting back at Alpine Zone’s base (I forgot what they’re called; Kostas tried teaching us but my Greek is hopeless). My hands were shaking a bit from cold or excitement or both. It’s funny how quickly strangers start feeling like teammates after yelling over rapids together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting from Plaka Bridge to Tzari

• Equip with rafting gear
• Start rafting from Plaka Bridge
• Navigate Class III white water rapids
• Enjoy views of Arachthos Gorge canyon
• Complete 9 km rafting to Tzari
• Return by bus to Alpine Zone base
• Refresh with sweets and water
• Use changing and washing facilities

Top questions

How difficult is the Arachthos river rafting route?

The route is rated Class III WW difficulty; no prior rafting experience is required.

Where does the rafting trip start and end?

The trip starts at Plaka Bridge and ends near Tzari before returning to base.

Is equipment provided for rafting?

Yes, all specialized rafting equipment including neoprene suits, shoes, helmets, and extra layers are provided based on weather.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Infants can join if seated on an adult's lap; small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What happens after finishing the rafting route?

You return by bus to Alpine Zone’s base near Plaka Bridge for sweets, water, changing rooms, and washing facilities.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No full lunch is included but traditional syrupy sweets and water are offered at the end.

Can service animals join this activity?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the starting point.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Plaka Bridge with all rafting gear supplied—neoprene suits, shoes, helmets—and extra jackets or gloves if needed for weather. After paddling downriver with your local guide through Arachthos Gorge to Tzari, you'll return by bus to Alpine Zone’s base for traditional syrupy sweets, fresh water, changing rooms and washing facilities before heading off again.