This exclusive yoga and kayaking vacation offers the best of our Crete sea kayaking with the addition of daily yoga practice in the mornings and evenings in the amazing area of Sfakia. Sfakia is one of the largest and least densely populated municipalities on the island of Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
Duration: 7 days
Dates: 5-11 October 2024
Group size: Max 12 persons
Location: Agia Roumeli village, region of Sfakia (Google map location)
Accommodation: Small apartments B&B
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Price: 1390€ per person
Booking: By email at [email protected]
Yoga, with Julie Anderson
Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, will teach the yoga element of this holiday
Julie is a highly trained and very experienced teacher currently running classes and workshops from her studio, Yoga on Tay in Scotland.
You can take part in the yoga aspect of this activity holiday whether you yourself are a beginner to yoga or an experienced practitioner.
Julie loves teaching and is very happy to adapt to the experience of the group, adapting postures and sequences as required:
- for individual needs:
- to prepare the body before kayaking
- release aches after activities
- improve strength through postural awareness
- develop appropriate flexibility
- balance your energy with breathing exercises or indeed to refine or progress your yoga practice
We aim to deliver yoga morning and early evening every day and whatever your focus the yoga poses are much more accessible in the warmth of Crete. Julie and Stelios work closely to ensure your activities complement each other and that activity time is optimised around weather and ability. Enjoy-Crete will provide basic yoga props.
Julie has been teaching Iyengar yoga for 27 years and has trained with the Iyengar Family, in India, on many occasions. She currently runs classes and workshops from her studio in Scotland, Yoga on Tay, and is also a qualified Assessor, Teacher Trainer and Mentor with the professional body, Iyengar Yoga (UK).
Yoga and kayaking in Crete is a perfect combination for an activity holiday and as both a kayaker and yogi myself I am delighted to be invited back to join Stelios and his team at Enjoy-Crete in offering this holiday again in 2025.
Sea kayaking with Stelios & Enjoy-Crete
Stelios is a highly skilled and experienced sea kayak coach, leading courses and expeditions along the stunning coastlines of Crete the last 14 years . With many years of paddling experience, Stelios has honed his skills across diverse conditions and environments, including advanced training with world-renowned kayaking instructors. He is also qualified as a guide, and coach, ensuring the highest level of safety and enjoyment for all participants.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, Stelios will tailor the kayaking experience to suit your skill level. He loves sharing his passion for the sea and is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone can challenge themselves, learn new techniques, and fully enjoy the adventure.
Between Yoga sessions we will offer to the group sea kayaking coaching sessions along with short trips in the magnificent area of Sfakia region.
Depending the group skills and experience we will have the option to split the group if required to cover either longer distances or to cover different subjects in coaching.
At the end of your holidays you will be able to track and manoeuvre the kayak and also to perform at least one deep water rescue.In case of bad weather (too wavy/windy) we will try to hike instead of kayaking.
There are several wonderful hikes in the area near to the sea or up to the mountains.
Sea kayaking is optional, if someone feels tired or wants to relax on the beach of course you are welcome to!
If you decide to stay on the beach you are welcome to borrow a snorkel to explore the underwater world.
The sea kayaking portion of our week isn’t just for beginners or those new to paddling. Experienced kayakers will have plenty of opportunities to push themselves, covering longer distances, practicing rolls and rescues in the warm, inviting waters of Crete, and soaking in the breathtaking coastline. With multiple guides on hand throughout the week, we can easily split the group based on skill levels, ensuring everyone has a tailored and enjoyable experience.
Frequenty asked quEstions
How do I come to the meeting point?
By bus: From Chania city or the airport please check the bus timetable in the local bus company's web site called KTEL (click here). During summer months and up to October there is a bus that arrives early in the morning and usually another one that arrives mid day. Please check the link above as that has the most up to day information. Select the location (Chania or Chania airport) and for destination put Chora Sfakion in the search form. We will meet you in Chora Sfakion (last stop of the bus). From the village we will take the ferry (1.5 hour) to Agia Roumeli.
By taxi: Check this web site to get an idea about prices. Nikos who operates the business is always flexible and is highly recommended.
By rental car: Plenty of options but is not really required as the village that we will stay has no roads at all. It is within the national park of Samaria. You can rent a car if you wish after we return back to the village.
I don't want to rent a car and I'm flying in Heraklion airport. Is it possible for pick up?
We can arrange this for an extra fee. Please get in touch with us to discuss the options.
I'm an experienced sea kayaker, can I paddle instead of coaching?
Of course assuming you have a solid self rescue (either a roll or anything else).
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, you can pay us with your credit card before via a secure url.
Is food included in price?
Breakfast included in price plus one dinner the last day.
Can we hike the Samaria gorge?
Of course as our apartments are just 10 minutes away from the entrance of the gorge.
What sea kayaks do you provide?
Stelios, the owner of Enjoy-Crete since 2020 is building his own composite sea kayaks (https://3kymia.gr) which perform superb in rough water but they are also very friendly for new paddlers. You will love them. Apart from those, we got tandems and a few from Nigel Dennis in case you are interested in along with carbon paddles.
What do I need to send in order to book?
For the sea kayak part we want your height, weight, age along with a brief description of your experience, if any. If you own a kayak please mention the brand and model as it will help us bring a relevant kayak.
If you prefer to paddle a tandem kayak please mention it in your email.
For the yoga part if you have any questions contact Julie at [email protected].
