A guided half day hiking trip on the best part of ” Menalon Trail ” the history-packed gorge of Lousios.
The place
The Lousios Gorge, nestled at the west slopes of Menalon mountain in the heart of the Peloponnese is a natural marvel steeped in history and beauty. This rugged canyon, through which the Lousios River flows, is famed for its wild landscapes, ancient monasteries perched precariously on its cliffs, and the rich biodiversity that thrives within its depths. Our Hiking Lusios Gorge hike here is a passage through time. From the cliff-hanging Prodromou Monastery to the ancient and new Philosophou monasteries, every step is a story etched into the stone.
The activity
Meet your guides at the new Philosophou monastery and get briefed about the hiking trip. Start venturing into the Lousios Gorge, to the venerable old Philosophou Monastery, founded in 963 AD, nestled in the serene expanse of the forest. This monastery stands as one of the oldest Byzantine monuments in Greece, offering stunning views of the gorge below. Venturing deeper into Lousios Gorge, the path reveals ancient hermitages, ancient mills, and natural springs, crossing the majestic Lousios River where, according to legend, the god Zeus was bathed as an infant. The hike includes a visit to the Prodromou or St. John the Baptist Monastery, an architectural jewel of Greek Orthodox design, precariously situated on the edge of a cliff and dating back to the 16th century, showcasing historical fortitude and spiritual serenity.
A significant rest is taken midway to enjoy a delightful homemade snack. The trail takes you to the Ancient Gortys a city erected beside the river, linked with Asclepius, the god of healing. The site highlights its importance as a sanctuary of health and well-being in ancient times. Here is the end of our hike. You may not miss the chance to heal your feed into the cold waters of the river before our guide drives you back to the starting point.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: New Moni, Panagias Filosofou.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy, some challenging parts
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Youth, Kids over 10 years old
Know before you book for Hiking Lusios Gorge
Activity requirements:
– A minimum number of 4 participants for this activity to take place.
– No previous experience.
– Relatively good physical condition.
– Parental accompaniment for minors to take part in this activity.
– Kids from 10 years old may join this trip.
– A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity.
Includes:
– Local mountain guide
– Tour planning
– Snack with local products
– Photographs from the tour
– Transfer from the finish point to starting point
– All taxes
Upgrades and discounts:
Private trips available.
Discounts available for families and kids.
Hotel pick up / drop off upon request.
Cancelations:
We reserve the right to modify or cancel any outdoor activity due to bad weather or any other reason beyond our control.
See our terms and conditions
Know before you go
What to bring with you:
– Bottle of water (A reusable bottle helps in minimizing plastic waste)
– Hat
– Sun screen
– Hiking shoes or trainers (Open shoes, sandals or flip-flops are unsuitable)
– Hiking backpack (if available)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience?
No, many of our customers are first-timers. Hiking Lusios Gorge trip is easy to catch up and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time hiking trip. All of our trips are about journeying. We walk at a relaxed pace, learn on the move, and enjoy the natural environment. If you are a group of experienced hikers wanting to complete a demanding journey then a private trip would be the best option.
Is this hiking trip suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely Yes! A hiking trip is a wonderful way for your child to explore the outdoors. There are so many reasons to love a hiking trip with kids. Watching them gain confidence when outdoors, gives them the chance to see places from a different perspective, teaching them about the natural environment.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this hiking trip?
Kids from 10 may join a standard group trip or a private trip. We always walk with kids at a relaxed pace allowing them to learn and have fun.
What kind of fitness level do I need to take part?
Relatively good physical condition is required. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. We’ll take plenty of breaks and walk at an achievable pace.
What is the size of a group?
From 2 participants up to 12 people on our standard group trips. Most of our groups consist of couples, families, and individuals. We can also cater to smaller groups on private trips.
What is the trip best suited for me, and how do I choose?
All of our trips are designed to be suitable for everybody. Each one has its unique characteristics. The best way to choose a trip among others is to check which one departs closer to the place you are staying.
Do you offer private trips?
Yes, we can organize a private tour, standard or tailor-made, just for you, your family, or your friends.
Should I book a standard trip or a private trip?
If you are happy to hike with a mixed group or don’t want to spend as much money then booking a standard group trip is the best way to go. Private trips work best with groups of experienced hikers or groups of friends who want to do something a bit different, would like to do a more advanced journey, or just want to have privacy and enjoy the trip just themselves.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, simple, nutritious, and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures during our trips. Halfway we make a relaxing stop at a nice place to taste a delicious snack
What route will we take?
We usually perform our tours within a certain route aiming to visit the most beautiful spots each trip has to offer however; your guide is likely to choose an alternative route that suits the conditions on the day and the experience and needs of the group. This is the safest and best way to operate hiking trips.
Where do I park my car?
You can park your vehicle safely and for free near our meeting point. Feel free to ask us about parking conditions for a specific trip.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
A hiking trip is either canceled and we return your money or arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill up the online booking form for Hiking Lusios Gorge or the trip you want to participate in.
SUSTAINABILITY
At Explore Messinia, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and safeguarding the natural splendour of the landscape for future generations. Our hiking tours reflect this commitment to environmental stewardship in several significant ways. By navigating on foot, we eliminate the need for fossil fuels, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint and a quiet, eco-friendly exploration of the region.
We strongly encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce the dependence on plastic throwaways. Staying hydrated is essential, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of our planet’s health. Refillable bottles can be topped up before the hike to ensure you have sufficient water for the journey.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond equipment and personal habits. We weave environmental stewardship into our hiking tours. Guides will provide space and bags for small clean-ups during the trek, encouraging participants to help maintain and enhance the condition of the trails and natural areas we visit. We ask everyone to collect any plastic or other debris encountered along the way, ensuring that we leave the locations better than we found them.
By adhering to these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the magnificent landscapes we explore remain pristine and that our hiking experiences continue to be environmentally friendly and enriching for every participant.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
