You arrive at the lovely working fishing village of Agios Nikolaos for your first night staying at family run bed and breakfast or apartments. As people will arrive at different times, for those of you who have arrived we will meet for sunset drinks. If you arrive on an early flight, you will have time to unwind, take a stroll or swim, cycle to one of the next bays before enjoying an evening meal at at one of the village tavernas.

Arrival at Agios Nikolaos

Sunset meal at Agios Nikolaos

After breakfast together, we start our journey to Kastania. After an initial 20 minutes on a minor road winding through olive groves we then take paths and tracks up to the village of Pyrgos(350m). We walk through the village with its amazing views of the coast continuing on around the base of the mountain through oak woods to Eleochori (350m) from where we ascend steadily on paths and kaldirimi to Dryopi.

En route to Kastania

From here we take another kalderimi, gently ascending around the mountain to the village of Kastania where we will stay the night. Despite its small size Kastania has numerous Byzantine churches with magnificent frescos that we will explore. In the autumn Kastania hosts one of the Mani chestnut festivals. Few people stay in Kastania so accommodation limited but comfortable. We will eat together at one of the friendly village tavernas. 5 – 6 hours walking.

Autumn crocuses on the way to Kastania

We start our morning along farm tracks zig zagging up the mountain (1000m), more stunning views, having taken a break at the beautiful monastery of Agios Konstantinos. Approximate time 1 ½ hours. We descend initially on farm tracks through pine and chestnut woods and then down a wide grassy path to a stream bed. Here we take a narrow path through a wooded glade, crisscrossing the stream, that at times can be a little challenging, bringing us out at the monastery of Vaidenista (500m) for lunch and a well earned rest. A short walk on a minor surfaced road (15 mins) takes us past the atmospheric ruined Kitriniaris Tower after which we gently climb on paths and kalderimi through olive groves to Exochori where we stay at the Hotel Faraggi, a family hotel overlooking the gorge. 6 hours walking.

Kastania to Exochori

A relaxing day’s walk on paths and kalderimi traversing down the south of the Viros Gorge with breathtaking views of the gorge and villages on the north side. We will visit the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Petros and as we descend (300m), Agia Sofia before we shortly arrive at Kardimyli with its castle, churches and excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.

walking to Kardimyli overlooking the Viros Gorge

After lunch enjoy a free afternoon exploring, swim or shopping (your only opportunity). Walking 3 hours

Sunset at Kardimyli

A taxi ride takes us to the village of Stavri the start of our day exploring Cape Tigani (frying pan) that includes the still operational ancient salt pans and the ruins of a 13th century Frankish fort.

Cape Tigani

Clinging to the cliffs overlooking the Tigani causeway stands the beautiful frescoed Byzantine church of Church oof Odigitraea. Maximum ascent and descents 100m. We then take a short bus ride to Gerolimenas where we are based for the next two nights.

En route to Pepo

Our walk starts from Gerolimenas along a minor road through olive groves and, weather permitting, spring or autumn flowers through the villages of Boulari and Diporo where we join the paths and kalderimi up and around the mountain to the once wealthy village of Pepo (450m) still housing the odd farmer and dog. There is a short 15 minute section with a smattering of thorny bushes so long sleeves and trousers a must. We continue climbing on the other side of the valley to Leontaki (500m) that provides spectacular views back over Pepo and the complex terracing that in years past were fields of wheat. At Leontaki we descend on a kaldirimi to Diporo back down the road to Gerolimenas for lunch at a taverna overlooking the harbour. There is the opportunity to swim and explore. There are a choice of tavernas for your evening meal. 4 ½ hours

Day 7: our last walk takes us on a steep climb from Gerolimenas up the bluff of the Cavo Grosso with stunning views over the harbour (130m). At the top, we walk across scrubby stone walled fields to the old towered village of Ochia. From here we walk down the minor road back to Gerolimenas for lunch before a taxi takes you north to Agios Nikolaos for your last night. We meet in the evening for an evening meal. 3 ½ hours

Climbing up to the Cavo Grosso

Your week with us has come to an end and unless you have a very early start we breakfast together. We can arrange a car to take you to Kalamata or Athens or you may wish to use public transport. If you want to extend your stay we can help you book accommodation.

Anna Maria Studios, Agios Nikolaos:

6 studios/apartments with balcony, en-suite facilities located in a quiet garden in the old village two minutes from the Gnospi swimming platform and the village bars and tavernas. Pantazi beach is a 15 minute stroll.

Anna Maria Studios, Agios Nikolaos.

Petrino and Nikos villas and apartments:

Traditionally built small picturesque complex of two apartments and four villas set in its own garden surrounded by olive groves three minutes from the centre of the village and Gnospi swimming platform.  All accommodation has en-suite facilities, balcony and kitchenette.  Your hosts are the Maniot Nikoloudi family, Stavroula managing the accommodation and her sister, Ellie, running an excellent restaurant in the village. Pantazi beach is a 15 minute stroll.

Sol Yoga Centre accommodation:

Wendy and Kerry have two light airy apartments with terrace areas in their beautiful garden overlooking the sea and olive groves 10 to 15 minutes walk from the village centre. For those who enjoy bird watching (eagles frequently seen), wild tortoises, the family cats and dogs, this is the place for you.

Sol Yoga Centre accommodation, Agios Nikolaos

Villa Kastania, Kastania:

6 comfortable rooms with twin/double and some three beds located in the middle of the historic village.  All rooms have en-suite facilities, kitchenette with balcony or garden area.

Hotel Faraggi, Exochori:

Enjoy warm hospitality at this small hotel/taverna with its five rooms, all en-suite with balconies overlooking the dramatic Viros Gorge You can enjoy supper and breakfast in the restaurant or on the large terrace whilst taking in the breathtaking views.

Lela’s Taverna, Kardimyli:

Renowned for its food throughout the peninsula, Lela's is owned and run by the formidable Maniot, Georgios and his wife Maria. Lela’s has 5 double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities above the taverna overlooking the Mediterranean. All rooms have a sea view and all balconies, two of which face on to the gardens. All accommodation in Kardimyli is close to the beach or swimming platforms.

Marina's Studios and Gorgones Rooms overlooking Harilaos taverna:

These family run rooms have en-suite facilities with balconies or garden over looking the bay and are a perfect place to enjoy Kardimyli’s spectacular sunsets.

Voula Pansion:

Run by this friendly Maniot family, Voula the grandmother at the helm. Nothing is too much, you are likely to have pomegranates or freshly laid eggs thrust into your hands and you will be made welcome.  The accommodation is set in the grandparent's garden of fruit trees and chickens. It is simple yet clean with en-suite bathroom, balcony and access to a kitchen. It is a five minute walk to the centre of the village and the balconies overlooking the garden have mountain views.

Akroyiali Guesthouse and taverna, Gerolimenas:

This guesthouse is owned by the Maniot Theodorakis family run by brothers, Yannis and Georgios together with their children, Stavroula and Tasos. All rooms are comfortable, large and airy with large balconies overlooking the spectacular harbour or the dramatic Cavo Grosso. The taverna serves delicious home cooked food.

Akroyiali Guesthouse and taverna, Gerolimenas

Pyrgoi Theodorakaki Hotel, Gerolimenas:

Also run by the Theodorakis family with equal hospitality. It is a traditional stone building next to the family taverna and Akroyiali Guesthouse.  It offers comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Pyrgoi Theodorakaki Hotel, Gerolimenas