Sea Kayaking Italy
Italy by Kayak: Your Multi-Day Mediterranean Adventure
Escape the ordinary and join us for an unforgettable multi-day sea kayaking adventure in Italy! This is not just a holiday; it’s a chance to truly immerse yourself in the dazzling beauty of the Mediterranean.
Once again, I’m incredibly happy to partner up with my very dear friends, Patrizia and Nello. Both are Florentine natives who bring an unparalleled, intimate knowledge of the sparkling bays of Elba ( late May ) and the rugged coastlines of Sardinia ( late September ).
Imagine gliding over turquoise water, discovering hidden coves, and finishing the day with incredible Italian cuisine and good company. Beginners are always welcome—our focus is on comfort, camaraderie, and making sure you feel safe while experiencing the magic of Italy’s secret seascapes. Come connect with nature and paddle the real Dolce Vita !
Isola d’Elba : The Tuscan Pearl
The trip to Elba island begins in Pisa, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide, Patrizia, before travelling to Elba the next day, and meeting up with myself ( Leigh ), and Nello. This eight-day expedition is a delightful pairing of enjoyable kayaking and exquisite Tuscan-infused island flavours, reflecting Elba’s unique position and distinct culinary identity.
Days on the water emphasise enjoying the incredible scenery, the beautiful weather, and the crystal-clear waters. You’ll glide past the mythical Faraglione degli Argonauti, slip inside grottoes like the “stone shark’s mouth,” and explore historically rich coastlines where red mining earth meets the sea.
The cuisine is an integral part of the experience, celebrated with delicious lunches and evening dinners at local trattorias. For dessert, you can try Schiaccia Briaca: a dense, sweet flatbread cake baked with dried fruit and laced with the island’s celebrated Aleatico Passito DOCG dessert wine. Savoury options may include the highly appealing Gurguglione, a slow-cooked peasant stew of summer vegetables rich in Mediterranean herbs. You may also sample Tagliatelle with Palamita Sauce (a rich fish ragù using local Bonito) and the classic appetiser, Crostini Toscani. Accompanied by local DOC wines like Elba Bianco, this holiday rewards your adventurous spirit with the authentic, rich tastes of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Sardinia : A Mediterranean Masterclass in Wild Coastlines
Sardinia offers a sea kayaking experience unlike any other in the Mediterranean, ideal for the active and experienced traveller seeking geological drama and unparalleled water clarity.
The adventure is split between the wild, limestone cliffs of the eastern Gulf of Orosei and the sculpted granite archipelago in the north. The eastern coast provides a physical challenge, paddling beneath soaring, sheer rock faces that plunge into deep, translucent turquoise waters. We explore famous icons like Cala Luna, weaving in and out of its immense, crowned grottoes and discovering secluded beaches (cale) often inaccessible by land.
Moving north to the La Maddalena Archipelago—often called the “Caribbean of the Med”—the paddling becomes an island-hopping odyssey. Here, the challenge is navigating the intricate channels between islands like Caprera and La Maddalena itself, tracing coastlines dotted with historic fortresses chosen by figures like Garibaldi for their strategic isolation.
The water is exceptionally warm in September, and the clarity allows paddlers to peer down through the luminous blue to the seabed. This combination of untouched geological majesty, rewarding physical effort, and rich history solidifies Sardinia as a premier destination for adventurous coastal exploration.
The Cuisine: Fuelling Adventure with Ancient Flavours
The cuisine of Sardinia is a direct reflection of its rugged landscape and dual heritage, providing the perfect fuel for an active itinerary. Late Summer / early Autumn is the perfect time to experience the fare.
It is genuinely distinct from mainland Italian food, rooted in the traditions of its mountain shepherds (pastori) and resilient coastal communities. The hearty fare from the interior is designed for sustenance and longevity, featuring slow-roasted delicacies like Porceddu (suckling pig) cooked over myrtle and juniper, and Pane Carasau (shepherd’s flatbread), a crisp bread that keeps indefinitely. The pasta dishes are unique, such as the hand-pinched, seam-closed dumplings called Culurgiones, typically stuffed with potato, cheese, and mint.
Conversely, the coastal areas celebrate the abundant seafood, most famously the intense, salty flavour of Bottarga (cured fish roe), which is shaved over pasta or served simply with olive oil.
Every meal is anchored by local products, including robust Pecorino Sardo cheese and the powerful red wine Cannonau. This indigenous wine, high in antioxidants, is often linked to the island’s high concentration of centenarians, making the dining experience a genuine cultural and health immersion, a powerful reward after a long day of paddling.