Peloponnese hides many surprises worth discovering. From canyons with waterfalls to places of the highest historical importance. All this is highlighted in the road map of Anavasi to the Peloponnese.
Methana
Methana peninsula is situated on the Aegean volcanic arc, where there are still active volcanoes such as Nea Kameni of Santorini and Nisyros. There are several volcanoes on the peninsula, the most well known is the one near Kameni Chora.A footpath carved on red and black rocks leads in half an hour (and another 1.5 km from the village) to the crater at the top of 412 m high cone. The peak offers a magnifcent panorama of the Saronic Gulf. It is also worth visiting the medieval Favieros’ castle at Steno and the ancient citadel on a hill top near the village of Kypseli.
Vouraikos Gorge
Vouraikos gorge is carved in the conglomerate rocks of the Northern Peloponnese. A rack railway that was built in the late 19th century crosses it from end to end, through wild landscapes with cliffs, waterfalls and the river flowing below. The 22 kilometers trip from Diakofto to Kalavryta lasts one hour. Next to the rail line is a waymarked path (E4). The downhill walk takes about 6 hours.
Lousios Gorge
From the plateau of Karkalou to the confluence with Alfios river, Lousios river gathers an impressive volume of water and crosses one of the most beautiful canyons in the Peloponnese, with lush vegetation and spectacular cliffs. On its course and by the numerous springs on its sides more than 100 water-powered facilities (watermills, powder mills and sawmills) were operating. There is a waymarked hiking trail from Dimitsana to the Open-Air Water Power Museum and the Monasteries of Filosofou and Prodromos ending at the site of ancient Gortys. The path crosses the river several times by stone bridges.
Araxos
The protected area of Strofilia Forest is at the north west top of the Peloponnese. Strophilia forest and Kotychi Lagoon are situated west of Patras . The national park has a length of up to 22 km and extends from the Gulf of Patras to Kyllini. The national park starts in the north at Cape Araxos, with the lagoon of Kalogria, and above the lagoon the limestone hills of Mavra Litharia (240m), then the lagoon Prokopos, the swamp Lamia and at the southern end the lagoon Kotychi. The area can be described as a coastal plain with sandy beaches and sand dunes scattered with sand plants and dwarf pine trees, a landscape of exceptional natural beauty. Coastal sand dunes prevent water from flowing into the sea and have created a system of stagnant water, with wet meadows and salt marshes.
Voidokilia Beach & Gialova Wetland
Gialova is one of the most important ornithological areas in the Peloponnese, and is an ideal place for bird watching. Follow the specially designed "Nature Trail" to learn about the important ecosystems found in the lagoon. Towards the sea the golden strip of sand and dunes forms the perfectly semi circular beach of Voidokilia. On the south side there is a rocky promontory crowned by the old castle of Navarino or Paliokastro. Two paths climb to the castle, one from the south leading to the main gate and one from the north entering the fortress from a hole in the wall after passing by the cave of Nestor.
Neda Gorge & Figaleia
The springs of Neda gush from the rocks between the villages of Kakaletri and Petra in mountainous Messinia, on Mount Lykaio. The best time to spend the whole day crossing the gorge is late summer to early autumn. The water is less and it is easier to walk in the river or swim a little, in the deeper parts of the river. The river Neda fows through a beautiful gorge with spectacular waterfalls that form small ponds with crystal clear waters. In the village of Figaleia built on the site of the ancient Arcadian city of the same name, οne can visit the temple of Athena and Zeus Saviour.
Two paths descend from the village to the river which can be combined into a circular route by crossing a section of the gorge. To be seen is also the temple of Apollo at Bassai 10 km northeast of Figaleia.
Hiking to Cape Tainaron
The southernmost cape of the Peloponnese, Tainaro, known in antiquity as Poseidon, owes its name to the famous mythical hero and settler Tainaron, son of Zeus. During the Frankish rule, the name Kavo Matapas prevailed. The Battle of Tainaro, known as the Battle of Cape Matapan, took place off the coast of Cape Matapan in March 1941 between the Italian and English fleets.
According to the Myth, this is where the Gates of Hades were, from here Hercules descended and brought Cerberus to earth in his last feat. The cape is a magical place. The path starts from the small settlement of Kokkinogeia near the temple of Poseidon from which few traces remain by the small Byzantine church of Asomatos). On the way we come
across a beautiful mosaic foor of a 1st century AD house.
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