One of our earlier trips which was very successful and one helluva lot of fun was to Greece with our old comrade Christophe Dubois based in the Peloponnese in Southern Greece. It was good 10 years ago when we used to go there but is even better now as Christophe has really developed his sites.

You stay in a hotel on the beach which is also the landing for the local take off. He has a whole range of sites in the area both inland and on the coast although nowhere is very far to travel. With it's own microclimate it's quite possible to do XC and arrive back at the hotel! We would be looking for pilots with 10+ hours post CP. It's a great place for a holiday for flyers and non flyers alike with plenty to do and a place very rich in archaeological treasures.
You can get there relatively cheaply with Easyjet.

Christophe says....

Come over to fly with us under the Greek sunshine in beautiful surroundings and on great sites (So our customers say!). Note that only one of our 8 sites is dedicated to soaring, all the others are for thermal flying (accessible to everyone) and of course to go XC.

• 8 flying sites -most of them private, within 15 to 50 minutes driving, probably unique in the world.
• Exceptional weather with an average of 3 non-flying days per month.
• A beautiful and wild natural area, rich in archaeological places, ideal for flying, swimming and holidays...
• A rare opportunity to fly XC close to the sea, up to 3000 meters altitude.
• A safe and relaxed environment for XC. None of the mountains are higher than 1100 meters, with large and open landing areas.
• A very professional operation with 14 years experience, up to 4 drivers / guides, 3 minibuses (one for reserve) and a lot of equipment.
• A perfect place for non-flying partners and family, with many things to dowhile staying in a lovely hotel right by the sea.

The Location

Our venue is the area around Epidavros in the Peloponnese—South Western Greece. It is an environment rich in Archaeological sites and Epidavros itself is a beautiful little harbour town with it’s own ancient Amphitheatre. Your hotel has it’s own beach frontage which is the landing strip for one of the local sites! Fly, land, G&T, can’t be bad

You will fly into Athens and will be met by Christophe at the airport. The transfer time is about 2 hours. The nature of the Peloponnese makes it a perfect combination of mainland and island landscape. So there are thousands of miles of coastline with plenty of inland mountain terrain. This means that there are predictable microclimates with reliable thermal flying and coastal soaring. Triangles and out and returns are all possible with a retrieve near by. Here is Christoph’s description:

Epidavros

Epidavros is a quaint old fishing village in the Peloponnese situated in the S/E of Greece 2 hours from Athens Airport. The village has been developed by tourism but not spoiled, it’s income comes mainly from the orange and olives trees.

It was a very important town until 500 years B.C., when part of it sank under the sea. The ruins still in very good conditions are visible from the air when landing at one of our flying sites. They are easily reached by taking the canoes and the snorkelling gear (2 meter deep).

Type of Flying

This area lends it self perfectly to post CP development. We recommend that you have at least 10 hours behind you and that your take offs and landings are adequate. The sites vary from inland hills and mountain terraine to coastal ridges so you will have the benefits of both thermal flying and sea breaze conditions.

Accomodation

‘You will stay in an air conditioned 3 star hotel right by the sea--very nice and quiet with no roads near by. The hotel has a large outdoor grassy terrace with a beach bar/restaurant. It is ideal and very safe for the kids who can play on their own. You can walk bare foot from your bedroom to go for a swim in the sea or have your breakfast on the beach by just walking across the lawn. 

The beach is also used as the landing for one of the sites, so you can order your drink while still in your harness and the non-flyers can be sitting at the bar,watching the pilots coming in to land.. 

The lawn in front of the hotel is perfect for packing the glider. 

It is a 20 minute walk to the village or 10 minutes with one of our bikes. You can even borrow one of the canoes and paddle to the harbour! ‘

Transport

All transport is provided including airport transfers from Athens (assuming you arrive and depart with the main group.) You will also be taken to and from the flying sites.

Non Flyers

Epidavros and the surrounding area is an ideal place in many ways for non flyers and for children. There is the harbour with it’s cafes and restaurants, numerous archaeological sites to explore and Christophe’s bikes and canoes to have fun on! If you want somewhere relatively quiet, warm, sunny, safe and interesting all set in the translucent light that is unique to Greece then this is for you!

Summary

We have decided to return to Greece because we realise the needs of recently qualified pilots who wish to hone their skills and develop beyond ridge soaring. The environment offers flying virtually for any level so whether you are keen to go further or want relaxed flying in a lovely environment this location will satisfy your needs. Because of our experience in this venue and with Christophe in previous years we know the value and potential of the area. Whether you are one of our ‘regulars’ who has been on one or more of our other trips or are looking for something new I am sure that you will find much to value in this trip to the Peloponnese.

Flights

There are a range of flights to Athens from all major UK airports varying in price from about £120 to £200 on average.

Try Easyjet

or Agean Airlines

Please call us for advice before booking any flights!