Rafting in Lousios

About The Place

The Lousios , also known in antiquity as Gortynius or Gortynios , is a river and a gorge in western Arcadia that stretches from Karytaina north to Dimitsana in Greece. The river begins near Lykochori and flows through the Lousios Gorge. The river is treacherous and flows rapidly. It empties into the Alfeios 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) northwest of Karytaina and south of Atsicholos.

The river forms a deep, narrow gorge. Its length is approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) from north to south and its width is approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) wide. The gorge is very popular amongst hikers. At the northern end of the gorge lies the town of Dimitsana. At the southern end is the ancient city of Gortys with the temple of Asclepius. Much of the gorge is heavily forested, and there are steep cliffs.

According to tradition, the river took its name from Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods, who according to Pausanias washed at its sources after his birth. Pausanias also considered Lousios the coldest river in the known world. The Lousios gorge is also known as the “Mount Athos of the Peloponnese” on account of the many monasteries that dot its walls: the Timiou Prodromou, Philosophou, Aimyalon, Panagias Kalamiou monasteries, and the Church of St. Andrew in Gortys. The gorge also features several old water-mills for tabac and gunpowder production.

Total Duration

• 10 hours

Full description

The river Lousios, also known as the spring of the Immortals in ancient times, constitutes one of the most important sights in Peloponnese. It springs up from the mountains of Lagadia, with its main springs being in villages Karkalou and Kaloneri. According to mythology, the river took its name “Lousios” because of the nymphs Neda, Agno, and This “bathed” newborn Jesus in its waters.

The descending of the river starts with inflatable boats from the stone bridge of Atsicholo, which is located on river Lousios. The lovers of the sport will have the opportunity to admire the impressive landscape variation of the area through narrow passages, vertical cliffs, and lush vegetation. The unique beauty of this natural environment combined with the action of rowing in the riverbed offers an unforgettable experience to anyone who visits the area.

The route ends in river Alfios, at the bow bridge Koukou, one of the most imposing stone bridges in Peloponnese.

Route Description:

• Start & finish: Atsicholo Bridge – Koukous Bridge
• Water route: 8 km
• The activity might be canceled or modified in case of bad weather conditions or any other reason beyond our responsibility or control.

What to Bring

• Contact business prior to the activity

• Two pairs of boots (they may get wet)

• Swimsuit

• Τowel

• Sunglasses

• Bottle of Water

Includes

• Certified river guides

• Equipment (wet suit, dive socks, lifejacket, helmet)

• Taxes

• The necessary transportation to cover the activity

Limitations

• Spoken Language : English, Greek
• Minimum number: 4 people.
• Children: 12+ (accompanied by an adult)
• Children: 7+ (accompanied by an adult during the summer period)

Itinerary

• Recommending departure time from paralio Astros: 7:30am

Meeting point

Cancellation Policy - Flexible

• Whenever you cancel 4 days or earlier than the confirmed activity starting date, your fee will be refunded for the entire activity charge.
• In case of cancellation within 48 and 96 hours before the scheduled activity starting date, you'll get 50% reimbursed.
• Those who cancel 48 hours or beyond are considered last-minute cancellations. There will be no refunds