About this tour
When Ben from our team tried this four-hour canyoning outing through Manikia Gorge on Evia, he came back with soggy socks, a big grin and a few bruises on his pride. Evia is the long island stretching along the coast north-east of Athens, and the gorge sits in its rugged interior, where rock walls close in and clear water runs over pale stone. Our BugBitten crew sees this as a proper adventure rather than a gentle paddle. You learn abseiling technique first, then lower yourself down a series of waterfalls, finishing with a 25-metre drop. Between descents you swim in natural pools, and that's where the scenery really lands. The group is led by a guide, and the mood is friendly, with people cheering each other on at the top of each drop. It suits active travellers who want something more hands-on than a standard day trip out of Athens, and who are comfortable in water and on uneven rock.
Highlights
- Short abseiling lesson before the first drop, around 15 to 20 minutes
- Three smaller waterfalls to practise on before the big one
- The final 25-metre waterfall abseil is the headline moment
- Natural pools cold enough to make you gasp on entry
- Rugged gorge walls framing the water from every angle
- Lunch in a local taverna if you choose the pickup option
- Free photos from the day, so you needn't carry a camera
What to expect
The day starts with kitting up in a helmet, harness and wetsuit, all supplied. The briefing is practical and to the point: fifteen to twenty minutes on abseiling technique with your instructor, then you're straight into the first waterfall. Getting to each drop means hiking over rock and gravel, so closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable, and the pace is set by the group rather than by the fastest person. The three smaller falls work as a warm-up, and nerves tend to settle quickly once you've got a few descents under your belt. The final 25-metre drop is where you really feel it, with the rope, the lip of the rock and the open drop over water all in view at once.
Between sections you swim, and the pools are cold enough to make you yelp. Ben noted that the gaps between drops involve some scrambling and walking, so it's not a constant hang on a rope. Choose the lunch option and you'll finish at a local taverna, which feels like a proper reward after a damp morning. Compared with busier coastal spots, the gorge feels remote, and the setting is the highlight for many people on the day.
What travellers say
- Helmet, harness and wetsuit are all provided
- No prior abseiling experience needed to join
- Smaller drops build confidence before the big one
- Free photos from the day are included
- Lunch option turns it into a full afternoon
- Not suitable for spinal, pregnancy or heart-related concerns
- Requires high fitness and comfort around heights
- Alcohol and tips cost extra on top of the booking
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
The skills are taught from scratch, so you don't need prior experience, and the progression from small falls to the big one builds confidence sensibly. The gear is included, and the free photos are a handy extra. The lunch and pickup options turn it into a full afternoon out of the usual routine. Anyone who loves being active and doesn't mind getting wet will get a lot out of it.
This isn't for everyone. It's not recommended if you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have poor cardiovascular health, and you should have a high level of fitness. If you're uneasy about heights, think hard before booking. Alcoholic drinks and tips aren't covered.
Bring closed-toe hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Pickup and drop-off and lunch are only included if you select them. Check the group size and timing when booking, as they can affect how the day feels.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.