Zagori: Voidomatis River Rafting with Pickup & Local Sweets

Summary

Float Europe’s cleanest river past stone bridges and wild forests

You’ll glide down the crystal-clear Voidomatis River with expert guides from Zagori, pass under ancient bridges, tackle gentle rapids—even cross an old dam—and end with local baklava by the riverbank. Expect laughter, fresh mountain air, and memories that stick long after your shoes dry out.

What’s the experience like?

You hear it before you see it—the soft clatter of paddles on pebbles, water slipping over rocks. We met our guide, Kostas, near the bridge at Papigo. He handed out these thick neoprene suits (which honestly felt a bit like putting on a wetsuit in a phone booth) and grinned when I tried to zip mine up backwards. “Don’t worry,” he said, “everyone does this once.” The air smelled sharp and green—almost like cold tea—while the Voidomatis River just glimmered below us, impossibly clear.

The first few minutes were gentle, just drifting past trees that leaned so far over they nearly touched the water. Kostas pointed out a tiny chapel tucked into the hillside—he called it Agios Ioannis—and told us stories about shepherds crossing here for centuries. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the river and a hawk overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating through Vikos Aoos park; I thought rafting would be all adrenaline but it’s not only that.

About halfway in, things picked up—rapids splashing cold against my face (colder than any pool back home), everyone laughing as we tried to paddle in sync. My friend Maria lost her paddle for a second and Kostas just fished it out like he’d done this a thousand times. The big finish is crossing under Kleidonia Bridge and then shooting over this little dam—I actually yelled out loud, which Kostas found hilarious. Afterward, someone handed me a piece of baklava that was sticky and sweet and somehow tasted even better by the riverbank. They snapped some photos of us grinning like fools in our helmets.

I still think about that stretch where sunlight flickered through the leaves onto the water—it’s hard to explain but it felt like time slowed down for a bit there. If you’re looking for something real around Zagori, rafting Voidomatis isn’t just about rapids; it’s about those small moments between splashes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting trip on Voidomatis River

• Meet at hotel or Alpine Zones base
• Receive specialized rafting equipment
• Travel by van to rafting start point
• Attend 20-minute safety briefing
• Form rafting crews of up to 8 people
• Raft for 2 hours on Voidomatis River
• Cross artificial dam near Kleidonia Bridge
• Return to rafting base after trip
• Receive photos from rafting trip

Top questions

How long does the Voidomatis river rafting trip take?

The rafting trip lasts about 2 hours on the river itself.

Is hotel pickup included for this rafting tour?

Yes, you can be picked up from your hotel or meet at Alpine Zone's base.

What class are the rapids on Voidomatis River?

The rapids are class 2 whitewater—good for beginners and families.

Are children allowed on this rafting trip?

Yes, it's suitable for families and young kids as well as adults.

What equipment is provided for rafting?

You’ll get sterilized neoprene suits and shoes, helmets, life jackets, paddles, and weather-appropriate gear.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The route runs from Papigo Bridge to after Kleidonia Bridge where their base is located.

Do I need to bring anything special?

Bring a second change of swimwear or underwear for after rafting.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No full lunch is included but you’ll get local baklava sweets and water at the end.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting at Alpine Zones base in Zagori, all specialized rafting equipment (neoprene suit and shoes, helmet, life jacket), guidance from experienced locals throughout your float down Voidomatis River—from Papigo Bridge to beyond Kleidonia Bridge—plus water and traditional baklava sweets when you finish under the old stone bridge before heading back dry (or almost dry).