A half day hike near Kalamata at the foothills of mount Taygetos

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 close to the sea and the city. On its slopes, picturesque villages smothered in green, and even higher on its summit, forests of fir and pine trees with stunning views of Messinian Bay and the city of Kalamata.

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 dominate our senses. Arriving at the highest peak at 1316 meters the view of 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.

• Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
• Meeting point: Ano Verga.
• Duration: 4 hours including breaks
• Difficulty: Easy, some challenging parts
• Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Seniors, Youth