KOUFONISIA PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Weeklong Open-Water Odyssey with an Olympic Champion in the Small Cyclades
A seven-day, shore-returning swimming week led by Olympic swimmer Ioannis Drymonakos that explores hidden coves, crystal waters and local tavernas — this guide distills the route, what to pack, and who it suits.
Weeklong Open-Water Odyssey with an Olympic Champion in the Small Cyclades.
Set between Paros and the lesser-known isles of the Small Cyclades, this seven-day program pairs daily open-water swims in impeccably clear Aegean sea with afternoons ashore to explore villages and tavernas. Led by Olympic champion Ioannis Drymonakos, the trip balances structured swim sessions with flexible options for those who prefer to rest onboard, finishing with a farewell BBQ to mark the week.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Daily open-water swims amid unspoiled coves
Swim routes traverse crystalline water and rugged Cycladic coastline with daily maximum swims ranging up to 3.5 km, letting participants measure effort against sea conditions and personal preference.
A seven-day circuit of Koufonisia and nearby islets
Each day links a different Cycladic spot — from Nero Beach on Kato Koufonisi to Keros and Paros — returning each evening to Koufonisia or Aliki, Paros as the itinerary dictates.
Local tavernas and a communal farewell BBQ
Lunches are planned at local tavernas (expenses at your own cost) and the week concludes with an onboard farewell BBQ that reinforces the trip’s social fabric.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Mornings begin with a short sail to a new swim site, where clear Aegean water and sheltered coves frame guided open-water sessions; afternoons are for onshore exploration, quiet beaches or relaxed time aboard. The program is intentionally flexible so swimmers can increase distance or opt to rest on the boat, and the week culminates in an evening BBQ to celebrate shared miles and new friendships.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this week suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Seven days total, with the group returning to shore each evening and reuniting early each morning for the next day’s activities.
Meet at Angeliki Hotel in Aliki, Paros or at Sorokos Beach Bar on Ammos Beach in Koufonisia as noted in the itinerary.
Swimming goggles, towel, swimsuit, flip-flops and loose clothing are specified as suggested items to bring.
Light lunches on sailing days and taverna meals are part of the plan, but lunches at local tavernas are listed as expenses at your own cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to swim every day?
No — the itinerary is designed to be flexible; participants may choose to swim less or relax on the boat with no pressure to join every session.
How long is the program and what is the daily rhythm?
The program runs seven days with daily sails to swim sites, returning to shore each evening and regrouping early each morning for the next day.
Where and when do we meet?
Meeting locations are Angeliki Hotel in Aliki, Paros or Sorokos Beach Bar on Ammos Beach in Koufonisia as listed in the itinerary.
What swim distances should I expect?
Daily maximum swims vary by day: typical maxima are approximately 2.5–3 km, with one day listed at up to approximately 3.5 km.
What should I pack for the trip?
Bring swimming goggles, a towel, a swimsuit, flip-flops and loose clothing, per the trip’s suggested gear list.
Who leads the swims?
The week is led by Olympic champion swimmer Ioannis Drymonakos.