This self-guided holiday is set in the tiny municipality of Avia in the southern Peloponnese of Greece. The mainland of Greece is often overlooked as a holiday destination but here we have some delightful countryside to explore, full of ancient history, myth and legend.Accommodation is in private 3 bedroomed apartments set 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.
PRICE
£425 per person based on two people sharing
INCLUDED
7 nights in private apartment (or 6 if flying into Kalamata with charter)
Maps and directions
Local representative
Mobile phone
Transfer to/from Kalamata airport or coach station
NOT INCLUDED
Flights, lunches, dinners and drinks, local buses and taxi’s.
DEPARTURES
Any day April to October. July and August not recommended due to the heat.
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Itinerary
Where possible most of our walks use ancient 'kalderimia' (ancient tracks) that the Greeks used to get from village to village before the arrival of roads in the 1960’s.
Day 1: arrive, transfer from Kalamata airport/ coach station to private apartment.
Day 2: Walk from Kambos village to Karamyli.
Leave Kambos on kalderimi past the castle of Zarnata and the village of Stavropigio through olive groves to climb to the church of Aghios Giorgios, from where you will have a fantastic view of the Messinian gulf and the municipality of Avia and the mountains beyond. Down from the church via another kalderimi and onto a rural track up to another viewpoint and then down into the seaside village of Kardamyli where you can enjoy a swim whilst you await to be collected.
Approx 5 hours, medium walking. 11 km
Day 3: Walk from Kato Doloi to Sotirianaka.
Leaving the village of Kato Doloi along kalderimi, taking in views of Zaravas tower house and proceeding to Kambos and Orova. Pass the deserted settlement of Toubia, proceeding down to the gorge and out again on the other side. Stop at the ancient settlement of Marvinitsa and its ancient monastery before proceeding on to Sotirianaka to await collection.Approx 4 1/2 hours, medium walking 9km
Day 4: Walk from Sotirianaka to Altomira.
Transport to village of Sotirianaka, before ascending an ancient highway and a rural track through forest to the deserted village of Altomira. Excellent views and opportunities for taking photographs. Await pick up at Altomira or Sotirianaka.Approx 6 hours, medium walking 13 km
Day 5: Spring and well walk from Kato Doloi to Kitries
From Kato Doloi follow ancient tracks and walkways past ancient springs and wells down to the harbour of Kitries where you are recommended to lunch in one of the local fish restaurants. Return by way of rural track.
Approx 5 hours (depending on lunch), easy walking 10 km
Day 6: From the village of Vorio, circular route.
Transport to the village of Vorio and then follow a rural track into the heart of the foothills of Taygetos, with excellent scenery. Down to the gorge and then 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 7: Trip to ancient Messini or further walk if required.
Day 8: Transfer to Kalamata airport/ bus station
Spectacular mountain and coastal views, castles, monasteries and excellent traditional Greek food and wines.
ACCOMMODATION
The apartment has one double and two twin rooms, bathroom, shower and fully fitted kitchen, dining for sixor more people. Outside there is a large balcony, romantic courtyard and garden complete with fish pond, castle walls and cannon. The apartment is set within an historic former tower house home to local kapetani of the area. Nearby are tavernas serving traditional Greek food, bars and shops.
GETTING THERE
FLIGHTS: To Athens - everyday To Kalamata – every Sunday May until late October
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks inrucksack), day pack, swimming costume, towel, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat, sun block/cream; torch; small first-aid kit. Lightwaterproof jacket, light fleece or warm jumper; comfortable walkingclothes plus long-sleeved cotton shirt; casual, light clothes for theevenings.