Aggitis River Rafting at Symvoli, Serres: Canyon & Persephone’s Cave

The Aggitis river cuts a narrow canyon through the hills between Drama and Serres, with rock walls rising more than 100 m on both sides. Our rafting trip follows about 6 km of that canyon from Symvoli, runs two third degree rapids and stops at Persephone’s cave, where you walk inside to taste water straight from its source. It takes about 4 hours and costs €50 per person.

What is rafting on the Aggitis river?

It is a guided white water descent in an inflatable raft through one of the most striking river canyons in Greece. An expert, English speaking river guide steers and calls the strokes while you paddle with your crew. The two third degree passages give the trip a real white water feel, and the calmer water between them leaves time to look up at the cliffs.

Where does the trip go?

The Aggitis is about 75 km long. It starts in the Falakro mountains in the Drama region and flows into the Strymonas. The rafting section runs for around 6 km through the canyon near Symvoli in the Serres region, between cliffs that climb over 100 m on each side. Partway down you stop at Persephone’s cave, which you reach by boat or on foot depending on the water level, and walk about 400 m inside to taste the spring water. The day ends with archery back at the base.

What happens on the day?

You meet the team at Symvoli at the time we confirm when you book. The guides hand out neoprene suits and shoes, life jackets and helmets, explain how to paddle and what to do if you fall in, and take the group to the river with the local transfer. You then raft the canyon, run the two third degree rapids and stop at Persephone’s cave for the walk inside. After the descent you return to base for a round of archery before you change and head off. The full experience takes about 4 hours.

Is it right for me?

The Aggitis suits active people who want a bit more excitement than a gentle float, but no rafting experience is needed. You should be in reasonable health, comfortable in water and happy to get wet. Bookings need a minimum of 3 people. If you want to bring children, or anyone in the group has a medical condition or injury, please tell us in advance so we can confirm the trip is suitable.

Good to know

• Price €50 per person.
• About 6 km of canyon with two third degree rapids.
• Cliffs over 100 m high on both sides.
• Persephone’s cave visit with a 400 m walk inside.
• Archery at the base at the end of the trip.
• Neoprene suit and shoes, life jacket and helmet provided.
• All local transfers included, minimum 3 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring a small backpack with water, a snack, a swimsuit, a towel, a T-shirt, socks and a second pair of shoes. You raft in the neoprene shoes provided, so your own pair stays dry for afterwards. Keep phones and keys to a minimum, as you will be on the water and inside the cave.

What is Persephone’s cave?

It is a cave on the river where the Aggitis water emerges from the rock, named after Persephone, the goddess of Greek myth who was carried down to the underworld. On the rafting trip you reach it by raft or on foot, depending on how high the river is, and walk about 400 m inside to taste water from the source. It is one of the highlights of the day and a rare chance to see the inside of a river cave on a rafting trip.

When is the best time to go?

Ask us about dates for your trip. River levels change with the seasons, which affects how you reach Persephone’s cave and how lively the rapids are. All outdoor activities depend on the weather, and the guides may adjust or reschedule if conditions are not safe on the day.

How to get there from central Athens

Symvoli is about 630 km from Athens, roughly 6.5 hours by car, so the Aggitis is best done if you are already in northern Greece or on a road trip through Macedonia. From Thessaloniki, Serres or Drama the drive is far shorter. Stay nearby the night before so you reach the meeting point rested and on time.