Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
Bursting with legend, the Peloponnese stands as a realm where myths intertwine with reality. Its scenic expanse unfolds with the epic tale of Hercules and the Nemean lion, where ancient Gods once walked, weaving their divine threads into mortal lives. Separated from the Greek Mainland by the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal, this region is a mosaic of natural wonders, with the Mani peninsula, a jewel in its crown, boasting mountainous majesty and coasts carved by Aegean whispers.
Your journey begins in the heart of this myth-laden land, in the coastal haven of Kardamili. The town's cobbled streets lead to ancient ruins and charming tavernas, promising tales of historical triumphs and local flavours. Walking through the Outer Mani, a secluded paradise untouched by the hands of time, you'll trace the footsteps of ancient warriors, passing olive groves heavy with the famous Kalamata olives and vineyards promising the nectar of Dionysus.
Your adventure doesn't end with the setting sun. Embrace the exquisite layers of moussaka, savour the aromas of freshly grilled gyros, and let the delicious pistachio ice cream tantalise your taste buds. Complement these culinary delights with the finest Greek wines, where each sip is a tribute to the land's ancient vineyards. Let the ouzo dance on your palate, and the warm embrace of tsipuro linger, painting your nights with the spirited essence of Greece.
Our carefully chosen hotel is not just a place to stay, it offers a taste of traditional Greek hospitality - comfortable, family-owned establishments that feel like home. After a day of exploring ancient paths and charming villages, retreat to the tranquillity and warmth of your room, getting ready for another day of exciting discoveries.
Most of the walking is on good well-marked footpaths, often following the 'kaldaremi' (ancient cobbled mule tracks).
Arrive in Kardamili, if you arrive early stroll around the town or maybe take a dip in the inviting Mediterranean Sea.
You stay at Gorgones Rooms.
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Experience the enchanting allure of Kardamili with a stay at Les Sirenes (Gorgones), a charming guest house that captures the essence of traditional Peloponnesian charm. Nestled along the scenic coast, this delightful retreat offers guest rooms equipped with convenient amenities such as a kitchenette, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and savour the local flavours at the on-site restaurant, located by the sea, where you can bask in the refreshing breeze and soak in the picturesque views. Les Sirenes (Gorgones) invites you to embrace the authentic spirit of the Peloponnese, right at your doorstep.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Mainly following kalderimis, (ancient stone mule tracks) and dirt tracks, the trail winds its way through the medieval remnants of the old town of Kardamili before ascending steeply up to the Byzantine chapel of Aghia Sophia. The track then snakes around and gently down to a cool dry stream before heading up to and around the quaint village of Petrovouni. Stop to admire the wonderful views to the coast before returning down to Kardamili on a beautifully maintained kalderimi. This is an ideal introductory walk to get a taste of the Mani, or for those who are looking for a gentle stroll with plenty of stopping off points of interest.
Starting at the hillside village of Exochori, the trail follows an ancient kalderimi down to the ancient bishopric of Proastio with its eclectic collection of over 30 Byzantine churches and chapels. The track then follows the contours of the dirt foothills and meanders around the coast to Neochori and finally down a tarmac road to the coast at Stoupa. You have a chance to swim at the end of the walk at either the main beach in Stoupa or at the refreshing underground mountain springs at Kalogria nearby.
The trail descends from Oitylo down a steep kalderimi to the beautiful seaside hamlet of Nea Oitylo continuing along the coastal path and on a long well-maintained kalderimi (the longest continual stretch of mule path in the programme). You’ll arrive at the delightful rural market town of Areopolis before finally setting off downhill to the coast and the world famous largest underground caves in Europe at Dirou Pirgos.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy the peace and serenity of the gorge. A fair degree of fitness and stamina is required as it entails walking up the gorge to a height of 150m to view the Byzantine chapels Moni Lykakiou and Moni Sotiris before climbing steeply out of the gorge up a dirt track. You’ll then walk along the kalderimis to the villages of Pedinon (465m) and Tseria (highest point of the walk at 600m) before dropping once more into the gorge and following a wide dirt track up the hill to Exochori.
The trail winds steeply up to the Byzantine chapel of Aghia Sophia before tracking cross country to Petrovouni and onwards along the aptly named ‘Orchid Alley’ to Proastio. Follow a kalderimi to the coast and a swim at Foneas Cove before returning along the coastal tarmac road to Kardamili where you’ll have the chance for a swim at Kalamitsi Bay.
The trail starts at the pretty harbour village of Aghios Nicholaos (known locally by its original Slavic name of Selenitsa). From sea level the track climbs steeply to the hamlet of Kotroni and onwards up to Platsa with its beautiful neo-classical houses. The spectacular views down to the coast are magnificent. Winding around the contours of the hill the trail meanders to the chocolate box village of Pigi before descending a well-marked kalderimi returning to the coast at Pantazi Beach and along the coastal tarmac road back to Aghios Nicholaos.
After breakfast, leave your hotel for Kalamata airport.
The above prices do not include any travel.
These prices include our standard flights.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: Easyjet Gatwick to Kalamata, then transfer (approx. 1.5hrs) to hotel in Kardamili.
Return: Transfer (approx. 1.5hrs) from hotel in Kardamili to Kalamata airport then Easyjet Kalamata to Gatwick.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 10pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
