Walking in the Outer Mani

Day 1: Arrive in Kardamili

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).

Day 2: Sotirianika to Kardamili (17km/10.6mi)

A transfer takes you to the start of the walk in Sotirianika. 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).

Day 3: Viros Gorge (10km/6.2mi)

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).

Day 4: Exochori to Stoupa (14km/8.7mi)

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).

Day 5: Agios Nikolaos (11km/6.8mi)

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).

Day 6: Agios Nikolaos to Lagadha (14km/8.7mi or 15km/9.3mi)

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).

Day 7: Nea Oitylo to Dirou Pirgos (11km/6.8mi)

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).

Day 8: Depart Kalamata

After breakfast, leave your hotel for Kalamata airport.