Milatos
Updated: 23 February, 2024 By: Stelios

Milatos

This is a trip suitable only to experienced paddlers. Your skills needs to be at least at 3* (based on British Canoeing) to join this trip. Big waves and strong winds are common in the area. The total distance is around 27 km with not many landing options. High quality composite kayaks are available from Nigel Dennis, 3kymia & Valley. If you are not sure about your skills to join this trip please get in touch.

Overview of the trip

Plan of the trip: The trip starts from Milatos village and ends up near Elounda, passing from Spinalonga island (The island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957). It is suitable for those staying anywhere in north Heraklion region including Chersonissos, Malia, Stalis, Sissi, Anissara and Heraklion town to name a few. Excitement is guaranteed on this trip.

As mentioned above the trip is suitable only to experienced paddlers thus the briefing will be focused on an overview of the trip and safety in rough water as most of the times the area gets strong katabatic winds (off shore) and decent size waves (1.5-2 meters) with short distance between them. We will start from Milatos village paddling towards Aforesmenos cape. After the cape we will make our first stop which will also be the lunch stop. That is about 15km with no landing. The landscape is wonderful, nice cliffs, a wild coast and great view to the eastern Crete. After lunch stop we will paddle towards the island of Spinalonga where depending the time we might do a quick stop before getting back to the shore near Elounda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

You will need 1.5lt of water (ideally in small bottles),sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, lycra shirt or any t-shirt ideally with UV protection. You will also need shoes that you do not mind getting soaked as you will get your feet wet. Ideally a light neoprene shoe will work great. It is not required to wear shoes but they will help as the majority of the beaches are with small pebbles.

Where do we meet?

Check out the following link for the exact meeting point, it is in the marina of Milatos. There is plenty of space for parking 

Google map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/hV7yP8jHrjo

How do I book?

Use the "BOOK NOW" link located on the top of this page as the booking form has extra details that we need. After submitting the form you will get an email within 1-2 days (usually the same day) with a confirmation. The payment can be done either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior to the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip. 

What time do we meet & finish?

This is a very long day due to paddling distance and also because of the transfer back to the kayaks. We start by 9 am and finish between 5-6pm. Allow afterwards at least an hour until we are back on trailer/starting point. If time change for any reason you will be notified by email.

Do you provide transfer?

Transfer is available for an extra 20€ per person assuming you are relatively close to Heraklion and on our way to the starting point (see map above). If you are not sure if your location is covered from our transfer service please get in touch with us.

Do you run this trip all year long?

The trip is available only during November to end of March. In the summer is not possible, look for alternative trips such as the Bali or Sfakia.

Photos from our trip