Final Challenge

"My latest challenge takes place at sea: kayaking around the island of Corfu. That’s 145 kilometers of Greek coastline to paddle. I’ve chosen Lorène as my partner for this adventure. Like me, she has very little kayaking experience, but she’s extremely motivated and wants to prove to herself that she’s physically capable."

We begin our journey in Corfu on the east coast, near the Kommeno Peninsula. It’s a feast for the eyes right from the start: the sky is blue, the water is turquoise, and the weather is perfect for May. We paddle across calm waters. Little by little, we leave behind the coastline lined with hotels to discover wild, unspoiled spots. We stop for lunch on secluded beaches accessible only to boats like ours. We take out our snorkels to watch the fish in the crystal-clear water. It’s peaceful and relaxing.

As night falls, the swallows put on a show. We look for a spot to pitch our tent for the night. We’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and the certainty of seeing a magnificent sunrise the next morning.

Paddling all day, every day, is exhausting. We cover an average of 12 kilometers a day. But all this time spent on the water, skirting the coastline, allows us to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Coves come into view, the seabed reveals itself, and the vegetation is lush. Hundreds of olive trees dot the landscape, along with palm trees, lemon trees, and eucalyptus trees.

The days go by on a sea that’s sometimes rough, sometimes so calm you wonder if you’re on a lake. On the third day, we stop at the port of Kassiopi, a charming little village facing the sea. We’d almost like to stay there, but adventure beckons.

We row against the current, with cliffs tens of meters high serving as our backdrop, and the Albanian mountains visible far off to our right.

We then discover Paleokastritsa Bay and its many hidden coves. It’s love at first sight!

Our trip ends in the city of Corfu, where we take the time to stroll through the old town, explore the fortresses, and treat ourselves to some traditional Greek dishes: marinated peppers, stuffed eggplant, grape leaves, and Greek salads.

One thing’s for sure: I’ll be back to this Mediterranean island, which is accessible via direct flights from Lyon-Saint Exupéry.