This self-guided holiday is set in the area formerly known as Andhrouvista in the southern Peloponnese of Greece. After the fall of the Byzantine city at Mystras the remnants of the Empire having fled to the safety of the Taygetos mountains were established here. A new city was established but this too fell in the fullness of time and where a city stood only smaller villages remain. Legends have survived and here are the tombs of Castor and Pollox the Gemini twins. Not one but two famous travel writers, Sir Patrick Leigh-Fermor and Bruce Chatwin decided to make their homes in the area. Come with us as we explore the ghostly remains of the Byzantine Empire Accommodation is set within the seaside village of Kardamyli village and within a very short distance are local tavernas and bars. There is a local contact for emergencies and a mobile phone is provided. Local produce can be purchased for picnic lunches etc. The holiday leader has an extensive knowledge of local history.
Itinerary
Where possible most of our walks take in the ancient kalderimia (ancient tracks) that the Greeks used to get from village to village before the roads arrived in the 1960's.
Day one :
Arrive, transfer from Kalamata airport/ coach station to your chosen accommodation.
Day two:
walk from Kardamyli to Excohorio, return to Kardamyli (circular route )
Leaving the village of Kardamyli by kalderimi, we take in the villages of Petrovouni and Exochorio, the village and Monastery at Proastio, coming back to Kardamyli via another kalderimi.
Excellent opportunites for taking photographs
Approx 5 hours, medium walking 12 km
Day three:
Walk from village of Milia to the Monastery of Giatrissa, return to Milia ( circular route )
An uphill walk that allows breathtaking local scenery, skirting Vassiliki forest, opportunities to look at wild flowers.
Await pick up.
Approx 5 hours, uphill walking 12 km
Day Four:
Walk from Aghios Nikolaos to Trachila, return to Aghios Nikolaos
Taking the coast road to Trachila we climb up to the village of Thalames once an ancient city and return via the picturesque villages of Platsa and Pigi. Stunning coastal scenery.
Approx 5 hours, medium walking 13 km
Day Five:
Walk from Tseria to the fishing village of Kardamyli
Starting in the mountain village of Tseria and passing through the village of cut throats we climb down into the gorge passing the Monastery of Sotiris and make our way down for dinner at Kardamyli. Excellent opportunities for photographing spring flowers.
Approx 4 hours, medium walking 12 km
Day Six:
Walk from Kardamyli old town back to Kardamyli 9 ( Circular route )
We start at the Troupakis fortress of Kardamyli old town, we pass the the tombs of the Gemini twins and the acropolis of Kardamyli and make our way up to the village of Aghios Sofia and back through to Kardamyli. Another excellent opportunity for taking photographs and another opportunity for dinner in one of Kardamylis tavernas.
Approx 8 hours easy walking on tracks, med/hard in the gorge 16 km
Day Seven:
Trip to ancient Mystras or further walk if required.
Day Eight:
Transfer to Kalamta airport/ bus station
Highlights
Spectacular mountain and coastal views, castles, monasteries and excellent traditional Greek food and wines. Springtime in particular offers the opportunity to enjoy the many varieties of spring flowers including wild orchids.
Accommodation and additional info:
The accommodation is located close to the seaside village of Kardamyli. A self catering apartment fully fitted and with a pool. Nearby are tavernas serving traditional Greek food bars and shops.
Location:
The fishing village of Kardamyli is in the area of Western Mani on the Messinian gulf.
Getting there
Athens airport, Flight,coach or taxi to Kalamata coach station. Direct to Kalamata airport
When to go
From March until late October.
Due to the heat late July and August are best avoided.
