This self-guided holiday is set in the foothills of the Taygetos mountain range, deserted settlements, alpine landscape and ancient history. There are excellent opportunities to find wild orchids in the spring The Maniots here claim to be descendants of the ancient Spartans, hence their warlike nature and refusal to be a subject people. The main land of the southern Peloponnese of Greece is often over looked as a walking holiday destination but here we have some delightful countryside to explore. This area was made famous by the travel writer Sir Patrick Leigh – Fermor in his book "Mani" Accommodation is within a very short distance from 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.
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 Pighadia round trip to back to Pighadia
Transport to ridge kalderimi above Pighadia once a village of 800 souls and now only one, through forest tracks, mountain villages and deserted settlements, out into a plain and back down to Pighadia. Stunning views of Pighadia.
Approx 7 hours 14 km medium walking
Day three:
Walk from Altomira to Meghali Laka and down to Pighadia pick up point.
A truly stunning walk with excellent views, a natural phenomenon Meghali Laka a diversion to a deserted settlement via an old forest track and down to Pighadia. Excellent photo opportunities.
Approx 7 hrs 12 km medium walking
Day Four:
Walk from Dhiomovas Monastery to Zekia
Transport to Dhiomovas monastery, a simple forest track takes you through to the deserted settlement of Zekia. Through the small village of Arachova, here you can see the devastation wrought by the 2007 fires. The fires however have opened up the views for walkers.
Approx 6 hours 14 km medium walking
Day Five:
Walk from Pende Alonia down through gorge and back up a kalderimi to start point.Transport to beginning of forest track, excellent views, deserted settlements and down into the gorge, climbing out again to pick up point. A tremendous walk that allows you to feel that that you are possibly the only people on the planet.
Approx 7 hours, medium walking 16 km
Day Six: From the village of Vorio, circular route.
Transport to the village of Vorio and then rural track into the heart of the foothills of Taygetos, excellent scenery. Down to the gorge and then by way of the gorge to the ancient double bridge that leads to the village of Pigadhia, then up from the gorge by way of kalderimi and to the rural footpath that takes you back to Vorio.
Approx 8 hours easy walking on tracks, med/hard in the gorge 16 km
Day Six:
From the village of Vorio, circular route.
Transport to the village of Vorio and then rural track into the heart of the foothills of Taygetos, excellent scenery. Down to the gorge and then by way of the gorge to the ancient double bridge that leads to the village of Pigadhia, then up from the gorge by way of kalderimi and to the rural footpath that takes you back to Vorio.
Approx 8 hours easy walking on tracks, med/hard in the gorge 16 km
Day Seven:
Trip to ancient Messini or further walk if required.
Day Eight:
Transfer to Kalamta airport/ bus station
Highlights
Wonderful photographic opportunities, monasteries, churches, castles, wild birds and wild plants.
Accommodation and additional info:
The villa has one double and one twin room, lounge with open fire which can sleep another person, bathroom, shower and fully fitted kitchen, dining for six or more people outside. Outside there is a swimming pool and garden. Nearby are tavernas serving traditional Greek food, bars and shops.
Location:
The villa is located close to local villages in the municipality of Western Mani which is 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.
