Skopelos is a place that offers a great variety of outdoor activities. However, there are a few places that are not easy to reach without proper guidance. One of them is the isle of Dasia. Sea kayaking rental spots are available on the beaches of Milia, Neo Klima and Glossa, offering organized excursions. Check them out.
Excursions to Dasia are normally prohibited, especially without the supervision of a professional guide. The open sea hides many dangers due to strong winds and the crossing ferries and jet skis. We decided to reach Dasia with our kayaks, keeping in mind that this was a great risk, but on the other hand we were guided by someone who knew the route very well and we kept close to each other throughout this entire time (thanks to the bright colors of the canoes, it is wise to keep them in line and create a distinctive line in the sea for the crossing ferries to see).
Tip: It is allowed to kayak when the sea is calm and it is recommended to do it during morning and late afternoon hours, since the strong sun during the afternoon can be quite harmful, especially if you are not using UV protection.
The isle of Dasia is just 30 mins away from Milia beach, but only if you paddle with a quick pace. It is an evergreen haven, diving into the crystal clear waters of Northeast Aegean. While exploring it, you will find small caves and natural passages that lead to the opposite side of the isle; they are easily accessible via canoe. The place is uninhabited, its only residents are a dozen of snakes and some mice, so you better explore it by the sea!
One of the most impressive caves lays on the eastern side of the island. Its wide entrance makes it visible even from a certain distance, so it is not challenging to spot it. The cave features a little shore with gravel, but it is better if you approach it with your canoe, since the place is filled with sea urchins. However, if you wish to swim its shallow waters, you can do it with caution. Don’t forget to wear some protective shoes or flippers. If you are a daredevil, keep in mind that the cave is quite deep; you can actually see part of its long tunnel getting darker and darker.
Entering and leaving the small cave can prove to be quite challenging, since the canoes are big and they tend to get stuck or turn upside down, so you might end up keeping company to the sea urchins! When leaving the cave, the water gets quite deep, but if you are wearing a life vest, you can safely swim to the natural passage which will lead you to the other side of the island, from where you can enjoy the view to Milia beach. The passage is short but very narrow, so if you don’t feel confident enough to explore it, you can always paddle around the isle before you return to shore. The longer route will take you around one and a half hour to finish. Our excursion came to an end right before sunset, the ideal time to enjoy the reddish sky and Dasia isle floating peacefully on the calm Aegean waters…
Μαρία Ελένη Βασιλειάδη 