A half day river trek exploration at the stunning gorge of the female river of Neda.
The Place
Neda is a river of the western Peloponnese. Stems from Mount Lykaion, flows westward, and empties into the Ionian Sea. The river was named after the nymph Neda, who was a goddess of the waters. Near the banks of the river is the ancient town of Figalia and the temple of Epicureus Apollo. The river, for a large part of it, crosses a ravine with very rich vegetation. Along its course, numerous waterfalls are created. The largest is near Figalia and has a height of about 25 meters. Neda is a well-kept secret river of Greece, still a hidden gem! Neda is not only a perfect choice for river trekking but also for Canyoning!
The Trip
Our river trek starts at the Figalia bridge near the village of Platania, where you meet your guide. After a briefing, we start our trek. Though there is no real track we aim to walk through or along the river. We may have to hop on rocks, jump on the riverbank, and figure out the best way. Walking in the water is unavoidable, while in other parts, swimming is absolutely necessary. Along the river course, there is rich vegetation with plane trees. Waterfalls appear suddenly in front of our eyes, and in parts the river narrows and is surrounded by steep rocks.
After 4 hours of walking & swimming, we reach the main majestic waterfall of 25 m, creating a large pond with crystal clear turquoise waters. We shall swim in the pediment of the great waterfall, and the more daring will descend by a rope until the opening of the Stomion cave. Before ending our trek, we shall make a relaxing stop to taste a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies.
Key Details
Meeting time: 10:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Bridge of ancient Figalia
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate parts
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Youth
Know before you book for River Trekking in Neda
Activity requirements:
- A minimum number of 2 participants is required for this activity to take place.
- Previous experience is not required.
- Knowing how to swim is compulsory for this activity.
- Good physical and mental condition.
- Parental accompaniment is required for minors to take part in this activity.
- Kids from 12 years old may join this trip.
- A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity.
Includes:
- Wetsuit, Helmet, Waterproof bags.
- Professional River Guides holding a First Aid certificate.
- Eco-friendly cultural and educational guiding.
- Picnic with freshly baked bread, fruits and vegetables, homemade olive oil, and cheese.
- Transfer from the finish point to the starting point.
- Waterproof camera and photographs from the trip.
- Liability insurance.
- All taxes.
Excludes:
- Water (please bring your own full bottle of water).
- Transfer to the meeting point.
- Tip or gratuity.
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 River Trekking in Neda or 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 (1,5 litre per person).
- Any specific medication you are on.
- Hat or cap.
- Short or long sleeve t-shirt (quick dry if available).
- Sunscreen.
- Towel.
- Swimwear or shorts.
- Change of dry clothes (to change after river trekking).
- Spare pair of shoes that will get wet. Suitable are hiking shoes or trainers (open shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are unsuitable).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve never river trekked before?
Most of our customers are first-timers. The River Trekking in Neda trip is easy to catch up, and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time river trekking trip. Our experienced guides will take you through the basic skills, so you have the knowledge and adequate walking capability to enjoy a day at the gorge.
What will be the pace?
All of our trips are about journeying. We walk at a relaxed pace; we learn on the move and enjoy the river and the gorge. If you are a group of experienced trekkers wanting to complete a demanding journey, then a private trip would be the best option.
What should I wear?
We suggest wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Swimwear is essential if you wish to swim, a quick-dry t-shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and shorts. Sandals, open shoes, and socks are not recommended as they tend to get soggy. Hiking shoes or trainers are fine. A lightweight polypropylene or fleece layer should be included in early spring and late fall tours. Wetsuits are provided as well as dry bags where you can store your phone or some other personal belongings.
Who are the people who will guide us?
Professional local river guides with a great knowledge of the area and the natural environment.
Is this River Trekking trip suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely Yes! A family river trekking tour is fun, educational, stimulating, and surprisingly relaxing for parents who wish to have their kids engaged in the experience of exploring the natural environment and the outdoors in a safe and controlled way.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this River Trekking trip?
Kids from 12 years old may join a standard group trip or a private trip. We always walk with kids at a relaxed pace giving them the opportunity to learn and have fun.
What kind of fitness level do I need to take part?
You don’t need to be a strong, athletic person. Good general physical condition will be just fine. 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 4 participants up to 16 people on our standard group trips. Most of our groups consist of couples, families, and individuals. We can also caterto smaller groups on private trips.
What trip is best suited for me? How do I choose?
All of our trips are designed to be suitable for everybody. Each one has its own 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 choose a private or a standard trip?
If you are happy to walk with a mixed group or don’t want to spend more money, then booking a standard group trip is the best way to go. Private trips really work best with groups of friends who want to do the trip slightly differently, 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 homemade 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 weather conditions on the day and the experience and needs of the group. This is the safest and best way to operate outdoor 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 river trekking trip is either cancelled, and we return your money, or arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for River Trekking in Neda or the trip you want to participate in.
At Explore Messinia, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of our canyons for future generations. Our canyoning adventures exemplify this dedication in several impactful ways. By relying on natural water flows and human physicality rather than powered equipment, we ensure a minimal environmental impact and encourage a genuine connection with nature.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of eco-friendly and sustainable gear. We provide harnesses, helmets, made from high-quality, and wetsuits from terraprene which is petroleum free durable material designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, we encourage participants to bring reusable water bottles to reduce the dependence on single-use plastics. Hydration is vital, but it doesn’t have to compromise the health of our planet. Refillable bottles can be topped up before and during the activity to ensure you have enough water for the journey.
Sustainability in our canyoning tours doesn’t stop at the equipment. Our guides integrate environmental stewardship into every adventure. Participants are encouraged to assist in preserving the canyon’s pristine condition by picking up any plastic or other debris encountered along the way. This small act of collecting litter ensures that we leave the canyons even more beautiful than we found them.
By adhering to these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the spectacular canyons continue to thrive and that our canyoning experiences remain eco-friendly and enriching for all
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
