Authentic Peloponnese Tour: From Xirokambi to Poros on a 10-Day Hiking Trip

Do you dream of a trip to the real Greece? Away from the crowds, surrounded by nature, with plenty of room for both relaxation and adventure? This unique tour takes you to three special destinations on the Peloponnese: the charming mountain village of Xirokambi, the romantic port town of Nafplio, and the lush island of Poros.

Explore at your own pace with your own rental car: hiking trails in the app, on-site support, and your accommodations are all taken care of. Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and travelers. And it all comes with a sustainable twist.

This is a custom trip that you can book directly with our local specialist. Go directly to Request a quote.

Hiking Among Mountains and Monasteries near the Taygetos Mountains

After arriving in Athens, you’ll pick up your rental car and spend your first night on the coast in the town of Mati. Then you’ll travel to the region of Laconia, where the mountain village of Xirokambi is tucked away at the foot of the Taygetos Mountains. Here you’ll stay at the charming Taleton Guesthouse, a renovated olive oil factory surrounded by olive and orange groves. The region around Mystras, Sparti, and Xirokambi in Greece is rich in historical and natural attractions. It’s perfect for those seeking peace and quiet as well as hikers. From here, you can take two beautiful hikes:

• The Zerbitsis Trail takes you through the lush Anakola Gorge to an idyllic monastery nestled among the olive trees. (13 km, 4 hours)
• The Faneromeni Gorge hike offers rugged terrain, an abandoned rock church, and impressive views. (11 km, 4.5 hours)

Tip: Be sure to visit Byzantine Mystras and the ruins of ancient Sparta to add a cultural touch to your nature trip.

Romantic Nafplio: History, Ouzo, and Ocean Views

After a few days spent enjoying nature, you’ll drive along a picturesque route lined with citrus groves to Nafplio, one of Greece’s most romantic cities.

You’ll stay at the charming Amymone & Adiandi Guesthouse in the old town, just a stone’s throw from the sea. Stroll through the Venetian streets, climb the 857 steps to the imposing Palamidi Fortress, or enjoy a coffee with a view of the sea.

Using the app, you can take a self-guided city walk and visit a local ouzo distillery, where you’ll learn all about this traditional Greek drink—and, of course, taste it.

Island Vibes on Poros: Glamping, Cooking, and Coastal Walks

The final leg of the journey takes you to Galatas, from where a 10-minute water taxi ride will take you to Poros, a charming island full of pine forests, bays, and hiking trails.

You’ll be staying at Odyssey Eco Farm Glamping, a sustainable retreat surrounded by nature. Here, everything revolves around mindful living, local products, and a deep connection to the environment.

You can choose from several hiking trails, such as:

• The Sferia hike with views of the sea and the town of Poros (5.3 km, 2 hours).
• A hike to the Temple of Poseidon, with stunning views of the sea (8 km, 4 hours).

An extra treat: a cooking workshop with Katerina, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes in her charming kitchen. A feast for both your taste buds and your heart.

Day-by-day itinerary: from mountain village to island paradise

A trip where you’ll be surprised every day by a different aspect of authentic Greece.

Day 1: Arrival in Athens & first night’s stay

• Arrival at Athens Airport.
• Pick up rental car.
• Overnight stay by the sea in the quiet coastal town of Mati (NLH Mati Seafront Hotel).

Day 2: Road Trip to Xirokambi

• A drive south through the interior of the Peloponnese.
• Arrival in Xirokambi, surrounded by nature.
• Overnight stay at the charming Taleton Eco Guesthouse.

Day 3: Hike to Zerbitsis Monastery

• Hike: 13 km | Duration: approx. 4 hours | Elevation gain/loss: 380 m
• Low-cut hiking shoes are sufficient.
• A circular hike (13 km) past a Hellenistic bridge, through a gorge, and to the beautifully situated Zerbitsis convent.
• Option for a shorter route.
• Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the taverns in the village.

During this varied circular hike, you’ll discover the beautiful surroundings of Xirokambi. The route takes you past an ancient Hellenistic bridge, through the impressive Anakola Gorge, and along country roads with stunning views of Mount Taygetos and the Evrotas Valley. A highlight is the idyllically situated Zerbitsis convent, surrounded by olive groves. Via Paleochori, you’ll hike through a lush gorge back to Xirokambi.

If it’s hot or you’re short on time, you can opt for a shorter route and skip the monastery.

Day 4: Exploring the Faneromeni Gorge

• Hike: 11.1 km | Duration: approx. 4.5 hours | Elevation gain/loss: 780 m
• Good hiking boots are recommended.

A varied mountain hike (11.1 km) through forests and a gorge, featuring a cave chapel and panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll pass a deserted little church in a cave and the inhabited Faneromeni Monastery (open to visitors during operating hours). After a long descent along a quiet paved road, a spectacular trail leads through a deep gorge, offering beautiful views along the gorge walls. Just before the end lies the unique little church of Panagia Spiliottissa, built inside an overhanging cave.

Free afternoon to relax or take a short walk.

Day 5: To Romantic Nafplio

• A drive toward the coast, past orchards and traditional villages.
• Arrival in Nafplio; overnight stay at the Adiandi & Amymone Guesthouse in the old town.
• Free time to stroll through the town and enjoy dinner by the sea.

Nafplion (also known as Nafplio) is a beautiful city located in Argolis, in the eastern Peloponnese. It is often called one of the most romantic cities in Greece. It’s a charming little town with plenty to do. There are charming Venetian-style shopping streets, coffee shops, and restaurants. Plus, it’s less than 2 hours from Athens. You’re surrounded by mountains and can buy fresh fruit from local farmers.

Day 6: Nafplio City Walk & Ouzo Tasting

• Self-guided city walking tour via the Nature Travel Lab app.
• Guided tour and tasting at a local ouzo distillery.
• Option to climb the Palamidi Fortress.

Discover the best spots in this former Greek capital with the help of this handy app. This self-guided city walk is included in your trip and gives you the freedom to explore the city’s hidden gems at your own pace.

After your walk, you’ll enjoy a special guided tour of one of Greece’s oldest ouzo distilleries. Here, you’ll learn all about the traditional production process.

Palamidi Fort

If you’re up for an active afternoon, take the beautiful walk up the staircase (with 857 steps) to Palamidi Fortress. From here, you’ll have a stunning view of the city. It’s a steep climb, but definitely worth it.

Day 7: To the island of Poros

• Drive to Galatas and take a water taxi to Poros.
• Check in at Odyssey Eco Farm Glamping. Back to nature!
• Enjoy a relaxing evening at the farm.

Galatas is a quaint Greek coastal village on the Peloponnese. You can take a water taxi or the small ferry to the island of Poros, just across the water, in about 10 minutes.

Poros has many lovely little bays and beautiful sandy beaches. You can also go stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking there. Poros is also an ideal island to explore on foot—follow the hiking trails on your own or take the route mapped out by our local partner via the app.

Day 8: Cooking & Island Hike on Sferia

• Walk to scenic overlooks and an old windmill.
• Optional: Cooking workshop with Katerina: learn the secrets of Greek cuisine.

Poros Circular Hike, Sferia

Hike: 5.3 km | Duration: approx. 2 hours | Elevation gain/loss: 100 m

The walk begins at the bridge connecting the islands of Sferia and Kalavria. Through narrow alleys and streets, you’ll walk uphill through Poros town toward the old windmill. From here, a beautiful trail leads along the ridge of Sferia to the Agioi Anargyroi Church, offering stunning views of Poros town and the Peloponnese. You’ll then walk back to the starting point along the coastal road and the promenade.

Katerina from Odyssey Eco Farm Glamping’s favorite pastime is cooking traditional Greek meals. What she loves even more is sharing this passion with others. That’s why she organizes cooking workshops in her beautiful kitchen. If you also love Greek cuisine, be sure to book this class during your stay on Poros. Learn all the secrets and traditions, and ask the locals all about life on the island.

Day 9: Temple of Poseidon and Mountain Landscape

• Circular hike (8 km) to the Temple of Poseidon, through forests and along the coast.
• Last night on Poros with dinner by the sea or at the Glamping site.

Poros Circular Walk via the Temple of Poseidon

Hike: 8 km | Duration: approx. 4 hours | Elevation gain/loss: 265 m

The hike also starts on the bridge connecting the two islands of Poros. You’ll first follow the coast toward Askeli Beach and then climb along country roads and trails through wooded areas to the Temple of Poseidon. After the visit, the route climbs through the forest to an elevation of about 300 meters. Via a mix of trails, country roads, and a short stretch of asphalt, you’ll descend to Perlia by the sea, near Kanali. There are beautiful views along the way.

Day 10: Back to Athens & Departure

• Ferry ride to Galatas and drive back to Athens.
• Returning a rental car at the airport.
• The end of a special journey through Greece’s natural landscapes!

Would you like to extend your trip with a few days in Athens or at the beach? Just let us know—we’d be happy to adjust the itinerary for you!

Peloponnese Hiking Tour – Xirokambi – Poros on the map