Explorer, and Outdoors Enthusiast
From mountains to sea
Pavlos was born in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, and studied Business Administration before earning an MBA from the City University of New York in Entrepreneurship. In 2010, he co-founded ExploreTheOutside with his best friend Polidoros after a long mountain-bike ride on Mt. Olympus ended at the beach — a moment that captured Greece’s striking contrasts and sparked a shared mission to offer authentic outdoor experiences. An avid outdoorsman, Pavlos enjoys everything from water sports, biking, and trail running to ultra-distance events and long days skiing in the backcountry.
Explore began as an adventure travel company designing hiking, biking, and kayaking holidays. Today, it’s an evolving brand spanning outdoor, water sports, boating, and cultural experiences.
The sea kayaking years
After designing hiking & biking routes for hotels and tour operators, Pavlos fell in love with sea kayaking. He trained in St. Davids, Pembroke (Wales) and earned the BCU 3-Star Award – Level 1 Coaching Certificate.
He designed sea kayaking trips in Halkidiki with mentor Howard Jeffs; together they led epic seven-day expeditions around the peninsula – the absolute sea kayaking adventure. Soon after, he certified as a water ski & wakeboard instructor, always driven by a deep connection with nature and sport.
The birth of Explore Boat Trips
In 2020 Pavlos founded Explore Boat Trips, specializing in guided private cruises and premium small-boat rentals. He also launched a third base at MarBella Elix Hotel (Karavostasi, Ionian Sea). His philosophy is simple: welcome guests to Greece’s outdoor beauty, do meaningful activities, and create genuine moments.
After one long paddling day, he joked, “We make your lunch taste better.” Being active outdoors makes us all feel better — a motto that still guides the brand: be humble, be true, and help travelers create authentic memories.
#We make
Your Lunch
Taste
Better
Vision sparked after a mountain biking trip on Mt. Olympus ended at the beach — a moment that revealed Greece’s dramatic natural contrasts and inspired a mission to share authentic outdoor experiences.
Pavlos built the ExploreTheOutside brand through hands-on adventure travel and international collaborations:
- Organized hiking trips in Northern Greece for Erasmus students and team building events.
- Featured in National Geographic’s Hotel Impossible – Outdoor activities at Mt. Olympus.
- Completed sea kayaking training in St. Davids, Pembroke, Wales, Level 1 Coaching Certificate 3-Star Award from the British Canoe Union (BCU).
- Advisor for Warren Miller Entertainment Greece – No Turning Back.
- Designed hiking itineraries for OnFootHolidays.co.uk
- Led 7-day sea kayaking expeditions in the Halkidiki peninsula with Howard Jeffs.
Expanded ExploreTheOutside into water sports, boating, and cultural experiences — deepening guest engagement and broadening the brand’s reach.
Published in Aegean Airlines Magazine – Multi-page feature on hiking in Zagori (2014).
Established the first water sports center at Eagles Palace Hotel & Spa (2014) – A luxury resort in Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki.
Launched a second water sports base at Ekies All Senses Resort (2015) – A boutique eco-resort in Vourvourou, Sithonia.
Certified GGA Water Ski Instructor – Recognized by the Greek Waterski Federation.
Launched ExploreBoatTrips, specializing in guided private cruises and small speedboat rentals.
Opened a third branch at Mar-Bella Elix Hotel (2020) – A luxury resort in Karavostasi, Thesprotia, overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Continued to deliver immersive, safe, and personalized coastal experiences.
Expanded the fleet and refined operational standards (BWSW Certification).
Trained staff in safety, hospitality, and sustainability.
Implemented eco-friendly practices and ensured compliance with Hellenic Coast Guard regulations.
Strengthened brand reputation for quality and responsibility.
Pavlos continues to elevate guest experience while setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Greece:
Premium service and authentic outdoor experiences
Environmental stewardship and responsible growth
Inspiring staff and guests to embrace nature with care
