WALKING TOURS
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MT. TAYGETOS
Magnificent and stately, celebrated in poem and song, Mt. Taygetos descends from north to south in the western part of Laconia. Its range is the longest in the Peloponnese and has the highest peak (Profitis Ilias, at 2.407 m). Incomparable natural beauty, well preserved cobble roads, traditional villages, and well-marked trekking routes across the ravines and peaks. More excellent trekking routes can be found to the south of central Taygetos, linking resort centres, fresh-water springs, historical sites, Byzantine churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Nearby the Xirokambi Gorge offers a unique experience. The international E4 mountain-path leads through medieval Koumousta, the forested area of Pente Avli, Agios Dimitrios, the forest of Vasiliki, Gorani. Other forest paths lead south, to Kastania, Vardounia, Desfina, Platanos, Agios Vasilios and Gythio. At Varvara (altitude: 1.600 m) is the Taygetos mountaineering shelter. It can house 24 people. Information: Sparta Mountaineering Association, phone: 27310-22574 or 27310-22938 or 6973-434571. webpage about greek mountains www.oreivatein.com Related videos: Trekking on Mt Taygetos Hiking on Mt Taygetos |
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MT. PARNON
Calm and attractive, hospitable throughout the year, the green slopes of Mt. Parnon are shared between Laconia and Arkadia. The highest peaks of the mountain's long ridge are on the borderline of the two prefectures; the highest is Megali Tourla, at an altitude of 1.935 m. Picturesque mountain villages, black pine, fir and cedar forests, rich and varied fauna and bird-life, well marked trekking routes leading to the peaks. The mountaineering shelter is at Arnomousa, at an altitude of 1.400 m. It has a capacity of 35-40 beds. Information: Sparta Mountaineering Association, Tel. 27310-22574. |
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THE VALLEY OF THE EVROTAS RIVER
The life-giving River Evrotas flows south before the valley of Sparta, then turns south-east as its current becomes wider, then south again, forming one of the most fertile regions at the valley of Trinasos and Elos. At its delta is an area of wetlands, one of the most important in Southern Greece. At the heart of the valley, also called the "Garden of Europe" lies Skala, set among gorgeous orange groves and gardens. Not surprisingly, Skala is famous for its oranges and garden produce. The Skala and Elos region is of great archaeological and environmental significance. It was the site of ancient Elos, while Glikovrissi was the site of ancient Akriae, hometown of the Olympic winner Nikoklis. At the delta of Evrotas 210 kinds of birds have been recorded, and the Caretta-Caretta turtles lay their eggs on its sandy beaches. |
