River trekking Manikia waterfall: Swim in natural pools

Cross the flowing river to reach Evia’s hidden pool, where calm awaits

River trekking in Manikia, Greece, is a half-day activity that takes you from the village through gorges and river crossings to a 25-meter waterfall where you swim in the natural pool beneath it. The trek runs about two and a half hours total, with a one-hour hike to the river followed by trail sections through water and dense vegetation. A live guide leads in English or Greek, and the package includes a picnic by the waterfall, helmet, drybag, photos and all fees.

The experience

You start near the village of Manikia, just two hours from Athens, and begin with a one-hour hike through the landscape before you reach the river itself. From there the route turns into something different: river crossings, rocky paths and dense vegetation all part of the trail as it climbs toward the waterfall. The trek is designed for families and nature lovers, and it works for all fitness levels, though the river sections and uneven ground mean you're moving through water and over stone, not walking a flat path.

The 25-meter waterfall is where the trek ends and the swim begins. You'll have time in the natural pool beneath it, the main reason people come, and a picnic happens here too, so you're not rushing through. The guide brings a helmet and drybag to keep your things dry during the river crossings, and they'll take photos throughout so you have a record of the day. Everything is included: the guide's time, the insurance, entry fees, the picnic and the gear.

Pickup from Athens Metro is available on one of the two booking options, which means you can arrange transport from the city or meet the group at Manikia. The activity runs year-round and suits anyone who wants to move through water and over terrain without technical climbing or rappelling involved.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Greek.
• helmet and drybag for river crossings.
• picnic by the waterfall.
• photos taken during the trek.
• all entry fees and public liability insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Manikia Waterfall River Trekking for FamiliesGuide in English or Greek · 10:30Meeting point is at the location

Includes pickup from Athens MetroGuide in English or Greek · 08:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Nomads Path

Is this one for you?Pick the Athens Metro pickup option if you're staying in the city and want to skip the drive. Otherwise, meet the group at Manikia village. The trek moves through water and over rocky ground, so it's not a flat walk, but it suits families and all fitness levels as long as you're comfortable with river crossings and uneven terrain.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Manikia from Athens and how do I get there?

Manikia is a two-hour drive from Athens. One booking option includes pickup from Athens Metro, so you can arrange transport from the city. The other option requires you to meet the group at the village.

What happens during the river crossings? Do I need to swim?

The trail takes you through the river multiple times on the way to the waterfall, crossing rocky sections and moving through water. You'll wear a helmet and carry a drybag for your belongings, but the crossings are part of the hiking route, not a separate swimming section. The main swim happens in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall.

Is there time to actually swim at the waterfall, or is it just a quick stop?

You have time to swim in the natural pool beneath the 25-meter waterfall, and the picnic happens there too, so it's not a rushed visit. The whole activity runs about two and a half hours from start to finish.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The trek includes a live guide in English or Greek, helmet, drybag, picnic by the waterfall, photos, all entry fees and public liability insurance. Bring water, sun protection and clothes you don't mind getting wet. The drybag keeps essentials dry during river crossings.

Is this suitable for young children or people who aren't very fit?

The activity suits all fitness levels and works for families. It's not recommended for people with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers because of the uneven terrain and river crossings, but otherwise the trek is designed to be accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities.