Hiking over Kalamata
A half day hike near Kalamata at the foothills of Mount Taygetos with one of a kind views of the Messinian Gulf.
The Place
Just a breath from Kalamata lies Mount Kalathi, rising to 1316 meters. Visible from any side of the city, you can see it sometimes lost in the clouds. It is very rare for a mountain of such height to be sited so near the sea and the city. On its slopes, picturesque villages are smothered in green, and even higher on its summit, forests of fir and pine trees with stunning views to the Messinian Bay and the city of Kalamata. Hiking over Kalamata is a trip that offers spectacular views of Kalamata and the Messinian Gulf.
The Trip
Our hike starts from the village of Ano Verga. We follow the trail ascending to the mountain’s highest peak. Along the way, we discover the ruins of a Greek settlement of the past century lost among olive trees, walnuts, mulberries, and fir trees. The smell of herbs, fragrant shrubs, and wildflowers dominates our senses. Arriving at the highest peak at 1316 meters, the view to the Messinian Bay and the city of Kalamata is breathtaking. We stop at an old threshing floor to rest and taste a homemade picnic of local delicacies and fresh fruits, enjoying stunning views.
What's included
- Local mountain guide.
- Tour planning.
- Picnic with local products.
- Photographs from the tour.
- Liability insurance.
- All taxes.
Not included
- Transfer to the meeting point.
- Tip or gratuity.
Know before you book
- A minimum number of 4 participants is required for this activity to take place.
- No previous experience is required.
- Good physical and mental condition.
- Parental accompaniment is required for minors to take part in this activity.
- A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity.
Know before you go
- Bottle of water.
- Hat.
- Sunscreen.
- 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. The Hiking over Kalamata 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; we 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 to 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 really 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 picnic with freshly baked bread, organic garden-grown fruits and vegetables, homemade olive oil, and cheese.
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 rescheduled for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for Hiking over Kalamata or the trip you wish 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.
Read more
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.
What our guests say
Hiking on Taygetos mountains with Explore Messinia. there is a great connection between the wonderful nature of the Peloponnese, the professionalism, dedication and humanity of the team.
Trifonas was an amazing instructor and guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in giving us the basics of how to Kayak. He allowed us to enjoy the experience on our own whilst being there to support and engage with us when needed. A truly cheerful guy, Trif made us laugh constantly and took us to some beautiful little beaches. The feeling of solitude whilst being out at sea1 was amazing. I'd definitely recommend this excursion if you're in the area.
Very much enjoy my First hiking experience in Greece.Before joining this activity.People from Explore Messinia have given me as many information as they could for preparation which helps a lot. what's the best is you feel very comfortable and feel caring with the group of people together camping and hiking.As the moment you climb up to the mountain.The fulfillment from the heart is priceless.It's really a nice experience to pique your curiosity and fight:))))
What guests say about their days with Explore Messinia — from trips across our program:
Read all of them on TripAdvisor and Google — also featured by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler.
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4 hours including breaks