KOUFONISIA PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
A week‑long open‑water odyssey through the Small Cyclades with Olympic champion Ioannis Drymonakos
A private, week‑long swimming cruise that traces secret coves, archaeological islets and quiet beaches across Koufonisia and its neighbouring islands—this guide distills the route, rhythms and essentials for prospective participants.
A week‑long open‑water odyssey through the Small Cyclades with Olympic champion Ioannis Drymonakos.
Led by Olympic swimmer Ioannis Drymonakos, this week‑long private cruise explores the Small Cyclades from Koufonisia, combining daily open‑water swims in crystal waters with island exploration, local tavernas and sheltered anchorages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seven days across the Small Cyclades
The cruise strings together Koufonisia, Kato Koufonisi, Schoinousa, Iraklia, Ano Antikeri, Keros and Paros—each day offering swims, shore time and evenings ashore to sample island life.
Daily open‑water swims in crystal seas
Swim segments are planned daily with maximum distances that vary by day, giving access to hidden coves, submerged wrecks and long coastal traverses in pristine waters.
Local tavernas and archaeological islands
Alongside swims you’ll visit islands with cultural and archaeological interest, break for local meals ashore and finish days on relaxed island evenings.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Each day follows a simple rhythm: a morning sail to a nearby islet or beach, guided open‑water swims through clear Cycladic seas, an off‑boat lunch at a local taverna or time on the beach, and a return to Koufonisia or another island base for the evening. Distances and swims vary by day to suit conditions and participant preference.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private cruise suits—and what to confirm before you book.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring swim goggles, towel, swimsuit, flip‑flops and loose clothing as listed in the trip materials.
Daily lunches ashore are typically at local tavernas and are at participants’ own cost; the week includes evening stays on islands and a farewell BBQ onboard.
Meeting locations noted in the trip materials include Angeliki (Angeiki) Hotel in Aliki, Paros and Sorokos Beach Bar on Ammos Beach in Koufonisia—confirm the exact meeting time with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where and when do we meet to start the cruise?
The provided meeting locations are Angeliki (Angeiki) Hotel in Aliki, Paros or Sorokos Beach Bar on Ammos Beach, Koufonisia; confirm precise times with the operator.
Am I required to join every swim?
No—participants are welcome to swim less or more depending on preference and may relax on the boat instead of joining a session.
What are typical daily swim distances?
Daily maximum swim distances vary by day, typically from about 2.5 km up to approximately 3.5 km on the longest day.
Are meals included?
Light lunches at local tavernas are part of the day but are usually at participants’ own cost; there is a farewell BBQ onboard on the final evening.
Is special gear required?
Basic swim gear is recommended—goggles, towel, swimsuit, flip‑flops and loose clothing are listed as items to bring.
Who operates the trip?
The cruise is run by Swimming Cruise and is led by Olympic swimmer Ioannis Drymonakos.