Sparta – the melodious name of a once-prominent city and home to an exceedingly proud people, whose warriors in ancient times were renowned for their tenacity and desire for victory.
Sparta is located in the Peloponnese, one of the best travel destinations in Greece. The imposing Taygettos Mountains, the southernmost mountain massif in Europe, tower high over the city. In ancient times, the mountains ensured the isolated location, as well as the political freedom, of the Spartans. Its peaks, almost 2,500 m / 8,200 ft. in height, seem to reach the sky. Those seeking to conquer these mountains today still need a touch of Spartan tenacity.
If you are looking for an extraordinary hiking adventure in pristine nature with breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the trails of the Taygettos Mountains are perfect for you. Wonderful evergreen forests, rich vegetation with colourful flowering plants, and impressive gorges and valleys await you here. Your adventure on foot begins in Sparta and ends on the wild Mani peninsula by the azure sea. Look forward to plenty of variety and boundless Greek hospitality!
You can book this tour on any date between May and November, also as a private group (subject to hotel availability).
Due to the staggered tour prices, this tour can be arranged for as few as 2 participants. The larger the group, the lower the tour price for each individual.
Along the way, we enjoy wonderful views of the Evrotas valley with the city of Sparta in the distance. Pine, cedar, and yew trees scatter the landscape. In the late afternoon, we reach Anavryti, where we spend the night in a cosy family-run guesthouse.
Today we follow a section of the famous trans-European long-distance hiking trail E4. The picturesque trail leads through pine and fir forests up to an altitude of 1,550 m / 5,085 ft. Here, in complete isolation, lies the mountain lodge where we spend the night.
We later take a break with one of the most beautiful views of the entire mountain range. From here it is not far to the plateau of the highest peak at 2,407 m / 7,897 ft. above sea level. Breathtaking panoramic views immediately make you forget the effort of the climb!
We continue through a varied landscape to the small shepherds’ settlement of Agios Dimitrios. Here we pitch our tent, make camp and cook ourselves dinner. With a bit of luck, the shepherds will let us try some of their homemade cheese and yoghurt.
Our path takes us through the spectacular Viros Gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs with numerous stalactite caves. Once we reach the town of Exohori, we continue along an ancient, paved path. Extensive olive groves line our way and give us a glimpse into rural Mani life.
Arriving at our hotel, we are treated to a hot shower and then enjoy our dinner on the hotel terrace with a fantastic view of the gorge.
We pass through several traditional villages and learn a wealth of interesting facts about the residential towers that are so characteristic of Mani. Old well houses, Byzantine churches, and flour mills bear witness to the everyday life of bygone times.
The route ends at the medieval residential tower complex of Old Kardamyli. The afternoon is free to enjoy a swim or relax at the hotel. In the evening we enjoy a meal in a local taverna. Overnight stay in Kardamyli.
Alternatively, take a kayak tour off the coast of Kardamyli (extra charge). We would be happy to help you book this extraordinary paddling experience. Lunch and dinner are individually arranged today, just choose your favourite spot and enjoy! Overnight in Kardamyli.
On this trip, we stay 5 nights in carefully selected, family-run guesthouses and hotels where tradition meets comfort. The friendly staff ensure that you want for nothing. Every day starts with a rich and varied breakfast. WIFI is usually available around the clock in the hotels. For the ultimate adventure that a Taygettos climb inevitably brings, we also stay in a mountain lodge and enjoy a night of camping with a campfire.
Official papers:
Luggage:
Clothes:
Footwear:
Accessories:
Optional accessories:
*Single rooms can be booked for an extra charge of 220 € /week.
4 hrs
Mar – Nov
Easy
Divari Beach
Divari Beach
Persons: 2+
Age: 5+
8 days/7 nights
May, Oct
Moderate
Athens
Athens
Persons: 8-16
Age: 12+
4 days/3 nights
Apr – Oct
Easy
Santorini
Santorini
Persons: 2+
Age: 14+
8 days/7 nights
Apr – Nov
Moderate
Kalamata
Kalamata
Persons: 2+
Age: 14+
2 days/1 night
All Year Round
Moderate
Athens
Athens
Persons: 2+
Age: 7+
4 hrs
May – Oct
Easy – Moderate
Platania
Platania
Persons: 4+
Age: 15+
8 days/ 7 nights
May, Sep
Moderate
Athens
Athens
Persons: 4+
Age: 14+