Nature hikes - Monemvasia

Hiking routes

The hiking routes presented here offer an alternative way of getting to know the region covered by the Monemvasia Municipality, providing a more immediate contact with the natural environment, the inhabitants and history of the area. Therefore the routes are treks, rather than climbs, to enable visitors to appreciate the history, architecture, religious monuments, as well as nature.

The hikes mainly follow the old paths that were once the only way of getting from one village to another, as well as newer, mostly unsurfaced, roads where necessary. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of routes, whether circular or direct, according to their particular interests, their state of fitness and time available.
The region is ideal for hiking, with relatively easy routes, many with wonderful views, accessible throughout the year. They combine hills, mountain slopes and coastal paths.

The routes described here have been selected from existing pathways throughout the municipality based on a network of routes on Cape Maleas, around the town of Monemvasia, routes through Mt. Hionovouni, as well as selected sites of particular natural or historic importance such as the Balogeri gorge near Riechia, the Zarakas archaeological site, the abandoned medieval settlement of Loggari, the Larnaka gorge and Strongyla peak above Molai, Cape Xyli, Palaiokastro hill near Papadianika and the Talanta watermills.

All the routes have directions in coloured markers and small red and whte signposts attached to rocks, trees or other fixed points. There are also signs indicating the direction of the route including the code number. The direction indicated for each route is the suggested one, and naturally can be done in reverse.

The peninsula of Cape Maleas is rich in history and natural beauty, from the extraordinary archaeological finds from the ancient city of Vies, near Neapoli and the submerged Mycenaean city of Pavlopetri. Remnants of Byzantine monastries and churches dot the landscape, leading some to call the area a little Mt. Athos.

The general area, referred to as Vatika, centres on Mt. Krithina (800 m), at whose feet lie little beaches and sheltered inlets that once harboured pirate ships, ending at the tip of the rugged cape itself with its landmark stone lighthouse. On the western side of the peninsula is the fertile plain behind Neapoli, a contrast to the ruggedness of the rest of the landscape. Most of the villages are built on the surrounding slopes, their white houses and narrow lanes reminiscent of island settlements.
Natural monuments include a number of caves, the most important being Aghios Andreas at Kastania, and the petrified forest with its wealth of paleontological findings at Aghia Marina.

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