The ideal way to explore the mountains in summer is by following the paths of a cool river. Crossing spectacular gorges, watching magnificent colours, enjoying the rich flora and fauna, everything is possible on a river hike. The suggestions below are suitable for all ages and abilities. As with most river hikes, athletic shoes are recommended and trekking poles are an asset.

 

In the village of Charavgi (20 minutes drive from Paris Village), hidden in an environment of absolute charm, the visitor can explore the lakes of Polylimnio (which means "many lakes"). Fifteen small lakes with strange names such us Mavrolimna (black lake), Kadoula (small basin), Tycheros (lucky), were well hidden for centuries and it is only since recently that they become accessible to the public. They all form a wild but beautiful environment with small canyons, and enchanting waterfalls. Visiting them is not just a simple walk, but also an exciting meeting with the nature that will be well established in the thoughts and memories of those following their "watery ways". 

 

You can drive to Charavgi with your car, which you can leave in the parking place, just before the beginning of the path that leads to the lakes. There is a small picnic area but no facilities, so you better take with you water and anything else you think you might need. However, try not to carry too many supplies because the trail is of middle difficulty and you should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes.  

 

The Neda is the only river in Greece with a female name. According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a nymph, a goddess of the water. When Zeus was born on Mount Lykeon, his mother entrusted his upbringing to the hands of Neda and two other nymphs, Agno and Theissoa. (Today, we can drive through small villages in the area that bear these names.) In the ancient times the Pelasgi inhabited the area. It is mentioned that Lykaon, the king of Pelasgi built the city of ancient Lykosoura. Also the father of Figalus, built ancient Figalia.  

 

The Figalians with Iktinos (the architect of the Parthenon), built the great temple of Epicurios Apollo, who helped them conquer back their city from the Spartans. Its total course is approximately 32 kilometres. It is worth mentioning the marvellous monuments that the traveller meets following its course. The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges, picturesque stone-bridges, historical sites, narrow cliffs, underwater caves and impressive waterfalls. Swimsuit and athletic shoes are a must if you are going to try it! 

There are two main access routes to the river, if one wants to walk its length from the beginning. 

 

The first is from the coastal road of Pirgos to Kiparissia. We turn east towards Lepreo and Nea Figalia. At 7,5km we reach the village of Lepreo and after 6 more km to Nea Figalia with the nice small stone houses. Next is Petralona and a steep slope overlooking the Neda valley. We continue to Perivolia and turn left to Figalia. (From there one can visit the archaeological site of Ancient Figalia.) Next there is Dragogi after which we can be standing before the temple of Epicurius Apollo. We continue North to the hidden village of Sklirou with a nice small guesthouse and a beautiful stone-built church of St. George. Turning east to Agios Sostis we stop at the cool shady square of St. John, where a big festival takes place each year on August 29th. We return to the main road and head west towards the village of Ampelionas with its many chestnut trees and roaring streams.  

After the village, we can turn left to the village of Neda or right to the village of Petra, which is at the heart of Neda. The second access route is from the main road that connects Kalamata with Kyparissia. We must take the exit in the Dorio area and follow the route through the villages of Upper Messinia : Psari, Syrizo, Stasimo, Kakaletri, Neda.  

 

The gorge of Viros is found in the heart of Messiniaki Mani and was used by the antiquity as street to Lakonia. The natural road of stream believed that followed the called Royal road that connected the Sparta with the Kardamili. Older in the watercourse of river functioned a lot of water mills in the locality Milomahalas, little below from the sources Exohori. Today exist only the forgotten ruins samples of technology of other seasons. Viros strange from the Saint Panteleimona that is found in altitude 1400m in the Taygetos Mountain and passing from the Forest Royal goes down to the sea crossing the heart of Messiniakis Manis. 

The forest inspection of Kalamata, recognising the value of way, has recently drawn up relative study aiming at the appointment of path from a line of work of small scale (stone taps, living rooms, steps etc). Thus might the way become acquaintance in the one who loves the walk that always more often visiting Mani. 

The Viros Canyon is located in the centre of the Messinian Mani and used to be the path to Lakonia during the Ancient Years. It is said that the Royal Way that connected Sparti to Kardamili followed the natural flow of the current. Once, in the watercourse functioned a great number of water mills situated in the Milomachalas area, near the Eksochori sources. Today, only wrecks are left to remind us the technology of an older era. Viros expands from St Panteleimona that is located in an elevation of 1400m on Taygetos and passing through the Vasiliki Woods goes down to the sea through the heart of the Messinian Mani. The Forest Inspection Agency of Kalamata acknowledging the value of the route, has recently drafted a research of small scale projects aiming at the election of the path (fountains, stairs etc). The route will increase its reputation to the walking lovers that visit Mani.  

Ridomo 

 

This is one of nature's wonders of exceptional beauty with wonderful geological and morphological formations and a great diversity of fauna and flora. It is ideal for recreation, physical exercise and walking and is of particular aesthetic and tourist importance.. 

The gorge is situated at the beginning of the Messinian part of Mani, at 15 km from Kalamata, originates at the mouth of the Sadova stream and stretches up to the Prophet Elias top of the Taygetos Mountain at a distance of 21 km. It was first mentioned by Pausanias (160 BC), who crossed this gorge. It was the natural boundary between the Messinians and the Spartans, and refers to it as the Choerios Nape (=gorge of the pigs). The inhabitants of the area used it as a way of communication with the Taygetos and Lakonia and, therefore, many cultural elements have survived to this day, such as the well preserved, stone paved footpaths of Sotirianika - Altomyra - Pigadia - Vorio and Sotirianika - Tubia, as well as the arched bridges at Koskaraga and Tubia. 

Particularly beautiful geological formations, rocky slopes, rare formations, areas of layers with typical chromatographic areas and slopes with caves the stalactites of which are visible from the streambed characterize the itinerary. 

The most impressive part of the gorge is the point where its bed becomes very narrow, an area 100m long, about 2m wide and 60m high, at the footpath leading from Kedro (Gaitses) to Pigadia. The double, stone bridge linking the vertical, solid slopes of the aforementioned especially beautiful formation is a traditional art monument of great significance. 

Having a narrow bridge of the gorge at the Kalamata-Kabos road and at a length of 12km, as a reference point, the gorge splits into two streams, the Ridomo stream and the Kareas stream. This is the location of the «Panagia Kapsodematousa» Monastery (=Blessed Virgin Mary who burnt the haystacks), celebrated on July 2nd with a traditional feast. Similarly, on the opposite side and on the Ridomo stream, one finds the Aghia Marina church, celebrated by the stockbreeders of the area on July 17. 

Moving up along the gorge, towards the alpine zone of the Taygetos mountain, from Kitries to the mouth of the Sadova river, in the Mediterranean zone there are lentisks, a type of chickpea plants, bushy oaks, white beamstrees, sage leafed pear trees, different types of arbutus etc., while in the semi-mountainous area there are hornbeams, commences and cedars and in the mountainous area there are oak trees, fir trees, maple trees, hawthorns and wild plum trees.