Bursting with legend, the Peloponnese is home to the mighty fight between Hercules and the Nemean lion, where Gods walked the earth meddling in mortal affairs. Divided from the Greek Mainland by the magnificent engineering feat of the Corinth Canal, and consists of three spindly fingers, the middle of which is known as the Mani peninsula. The Mani has a mountainous interior and deeply indented coasts, with Mount Taygetus as its highest point. The scenery is outstandingly beautiful and dotted with fascinating relics of the many civilisations that once called it home.
This self-guided, 7-night linear trip has been designed to be as varied as possible making the most of the wonderful terrain in the Exo Mani (Outer Mani) covering coastal merchants' routes, gorge and hill walking and mountain trails. The 50-mile route starts from the small coastal village of Kardamili and winds its way down the Mani peninsula to its border with the Messa Mani. You walk from village to village mostly following 'kaldaremi' a network of ancient, cobbled mule tracks. Discover the spectacular Viros Gorge as you follow the 'Royal Road', which connected ancient Sparta with the port of Kardamili. Limestone cliffs tower above scattered with impressive Byzantine chapels and monasteries. End your week with a visit to the impressive Caves of Diros, among the most significant natural sites in Greece, the impressive stalactite and stalagmite reflect in the crystal-clear waters of the cave.
Your accommodations are all comfortable family run establishments selected for their location and 'filoxenia' (friendliness and hospitality to strangers). They provide a buffet style breakfast and a locally cooked dinner for the first 3 nights, then you are free to choose from local tavernas for dinner.
Arrive in Kardamili, if you arrive early stroll around the town or maybe take a dip in the inviting Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight Gorgones Rooms, Kardamili (dinner included).
The ancient path up to Sotirianika soon drops into the dramatic Koskaraka Gorge before wandering through olive groves to elegant Kambos famed for its Byzantine church and smallest chapel in Messenia. On to Stavropigio (ancient Mycenaean tomb ruined 18th century tower) climbing to 300m before descending to the coast.
Overnight Gorgones Rooms, Kardamili (breakfast and dinner included).
A peaceful and serene walk up the Viros Gorge to view the Byzantine chapels before climbing steeply to the hill-side villages of Pedinon and Tseria. Descend to the Gorge and a wide dirt track up to the mountain village of Exochori (450m). Transfer back to Kardamili.
Overnight Gorgones Rooms, Kardamili (breakfast and dinner included).
Transfer to Exochori. A less strenuous day. The trail follows an ancient kalderimi down to the historic bishopric of Proastio with its eclectic collection of over 30 Byzantine churches and chapels. The track then follows the dirt foothills down to Neochori and the coast at Stoupa. Transfer to your hotel in Agios Nikolaos.
Overnight Stephanou Inn, Agios Nikolaos (breakfast included).
A circular hill ascent from Agios Nikolaoss up to the hamlet of Kotroni and onwards up to Platsa with its beautiful neoclassical houses. The trail then meanders to the chocolate box village of Pigi before descending to the coast.
Overnight Stephanou Inn, Agios Nikolaos (breakfast included).
The coastal merchants’ route from Agios Nikolaos to the smaller hamlets of Agios Dimitrios and Trachila. A gradual ascent to 380 metres and the villages of Nomitsi Thalames (Mani Museum and Morea Olive Oil Stone Mill) and Lagadha (10th/11th century church Agios Sotiris). Or: start from the remote mountain village of Milea and take the old pilgrim trail up a well-preserved kalderimi to the impressive monastery of Panaghia Giatrissa perched high on top of a promontory at 1000m. Transfer to the seaside hamlet at Nea Oitylo.
Overnight Porto Vitylo, Nea Oitylo (breakfast included).
A slower more leisurely day and a fitting end to the week. Follow the kalderimi to the historical town of Areopolis and onwards to the world-famous underground caves at Dirou Pirgos. Alternatively, a rest day; enjoy the quiet seafront ambience explore Areopolis or take a short taxi ride to the caves. Late afternoon transfer back to Kalamata.
Overnight Pharae Palace, Kalamata (breakfast included).
After breakfast, leave your hotel for Kalamata airport.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Just a short distance from Kardamili Beach, these lovely apartments offer a welcome stay in the Peloponnese.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
Tour only
Private transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Kalamata airport to Kardamili hotel at 13:20, and from Kalamata hotel back to Kalamata airport at 13:45.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
