There are places in Greece where you feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled upon a secret door. The Peloponnese is one such place. And especially the Mani: rugged, quiet, rocky, and with views that make you stop again and again just to take a look.
On this 10-day hiking trip, you’ll combine the coast, gorges, fortified towns, and mountains—with just enough comfort to relax in a small hotel or guesthouse in the evenings. And the best part: you book this trip through Nature Travel Lab with our local specialist, so everything is taken care of, from the route to your accommodations. Go directly to request a quote.
The Mani is Greece in its purest form. Imagine: tower houses clinging to mountain slopes, stacked stone walls, the scent of wild herbs in the air, and the ever-present blue of the sea. Here, you’re not just walking through nature, but also through layers of history—from ancient trade routes to Byzantine monasteries hidden among the greenery.
The trip is structured around short to medium-length hikes, with plenty of time for swimming, relaxing at outdoor cafes, and unexpected stops along the way.
You’ll land in Kalamata, pick up your rental car, and drive toward the southern coast of the Peloponnese. Your first base is Stoupa/Agios Nikolaos, a laid-back coastal area with beaches and the Taygetos Mountains in the background.
Where to stay: Calme Suites Mani. Renovated stone suites, within walking distance of the sea in Agios Nikolaos.
Stoupa is one of those places where you naturally slip into vacation mode: two lovely sandy beaches, waterfront taverns, and mountains that already tempt you with the hikes to come.
Nature Travel Lab tip: Stop by a small convenience store this afternoon and stock up on some sustainable “hiking snacks”: fruit, nuts, bread, and a large bottle of water to refill your own bottle.
Today you’ll head into the Viros Gorge with a hiking guide. This gorge is not only beautiful but also historic: the ancient Royal Road that connected Sparta with the port of Kardamili ran through here. Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of monasteries and a 14th-century monastery with (restored) frescoes.
We’ve intentionally left this day open. Feel like going to the beach? Pick a cove. Feel like some culture? Wander through the villages in Mani. Or just… do nothing. (That’s also sustainable travel: less rushing, fewer obligations.)
You continue south to Gerolimenas, a special place nestled in a sheltered bay.
Where to stay: KaSeas Boutique Hotel. A historic building dating from 1872, renovated to preserve the local architectural style, with a view of the sea.
Today you’ll hike to the southernmost point of mainland Greece: Cape Tenaro. You’ll start in Kokkinogia and walk along a rocky path to the lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll pass the ruins of a church said to have been built on the foundations of an ancient temple to Poseidon.
You are traveling to Monemvasia, the fortified town that rises spectacularly from the sea atop a rock. Winding streets, city walls, Byzantine churches—every stroll here feels like a journey through time.
Where to stay: Ritsos Guesthouse. Just inside the castle walls, near the sea and the village square. From April through October, you can have breakfast at The Kafeneion under an old fig tree (and yes, it’s just as charming as it sounds).
You can keep it short (there and back) or go all the way around the peninsula. It gets particularly rocky near the lighthouse; after that, follow the red arrows back toward the bridge.
You’ll drive inland to Xirokambi, in the Mystras–Sparta region. This area combines nature with history: think of the archaeological site of Mystras, museums in Sparta, and hiking opportunities in and around the Taygetos Mountains.
Accommodations: Taleton Guesthouse. Named after the highest peak of Mount Taygetos, it is located in a traditional village near Sparta. It is surrounded by olive and orange groves and is part of the Natura 2000 network (Farida).
The final leg is a varied circular hike past an ancient Hellenistic bridge, through the Anakola Gorge, and along country roads with views of Taygetos and the Evrotas Valley. Highlight: the idyllic Zerbitsis convent nestled among olive trees. Is it hot out or short on time? If so, there’s a shorter route where you can skip the convent.
Then drive back to Kalamata and return the rental car.
Sample price (2 people in May): €1,202 per person (total €2,404), based on a double room. You can request a quote below for your desired dates.
Not included
Als je een offerte aanvraagt, sturen we deze door naar de lokale partner (Nederlands sprekend) en bevestigen zij direct aan jou indien akkoord. Je betaalt dezelfde prijs als wanneer je direct reserveert. Verdere afhandeling van de reservering en betaling regel je met de lokale leverancier (met wie wij goed contact en afspraken hebben). Wij blijven altijd beschikbaar voor mogelijke vragen.
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Is this hiking trip suitable if you’re not an avid hiker?
Yes, the hikes are mostly short to medium in length. You will need sturdy shoes for the rocky sections (including Cape Tenaro and around Monemvasia).
Does it come with a guide?
Yes: You hike the Viroskloof with a guide (small group). The other trails are self-guided.
Do you need a rental car?
For this route, however, you’ll pick up the car in Kalamata and return it there as well.
Can you extend this trip with a few extra days at the beach?
Definitely. Stoupa/Agios Nikolaos is perfect for a few extra “no-obligation”days.
Click here to see our other tour of the Peloponnese featuring Xirokambi and Zerbitsis
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