The Taygetos mountains form a backdrop behind Kalamata that most day-trippers never actually walk into. From the mountain villages east of the city, paths follow centuries-old connections between villages, far from the coast and the crowds.
Route through the mountain villages
Start in one of the small villages on the slopes of the Taygetos and follow the old kalderimi — the cobbled stone paths that once formed the only connection between villages. The route passes olive groves and abandoned stone houses, with views over the Gulf of Messinia.
Difficulty
Moderate: the paths are clear but uneven, with loose stones. Sturdy hiking shoes are not optional. Plan on two to three hours for an average route between two villages.
Best season
Spring and autumn. In summer it gets too hot to walk without shade during the day; go early morning instead.