Climbing

If you are a fan of rock climbing, then you can have lots of fun in the region of Mani. The area is popular not only for its history, but also for its morphology. The terrain of West Mani along with its maze of routes network, which connects the alpine villages, create an ideal spot for all types of outdoor activities. Moreover, it provides remarkable natural climbing fields that challenge your skills and add extra value to your experiences.

If you want to override the highest mountain of the Peloponnese, Mount Taygetus (2.407 meters) can rise up to the occasion. Its main ridge is the cutting edge between its two sides. The east side has plenty of waters, forests, and small verdant hills, while the west side is full of parched slopes, ridges, and glens. Two beautiful rivers originate from Taygetus, Evrotas River that pours into the Laconic Gulf and Nedondas River that pours into the Messenian Gulf. The mountain is furrowed by many torrents that create large gorges.

If you want to climb with a view of the deep blue, then the Kavo Malia Climbing Park (also known as Zombolo) will give you an unforgettable experience. It’s full of vertical rocks that tower over the area, which make a great impression in every sense. On top of that, the interchanging scenery that embraces the crystal blue waters, the little sandy beaches, and the exquisite calmness gives you all the "support" you need, in order to focus on your mission.

If you want to roam around a mythical mountain that’s full of natural and historic treasures, then you have to get to Mount Ziria. It’s the second highest mountain of the Peloponnese and it consists of 2 blocks: Big Ziria (2.374 meters) and Small Ziria (2.117 meters), while the Flambouritsa Valley conceivably divides them. Also, the great cave that Hermes, the messenger god, was born is located within the valley. It’s set at 1.700 meters of altitude and it covers 1.200 square meters. It has 8 altitude chambers and it also demonstrates a rare white stone blend.

If you want to set foot on a marvelous mountain that’s been praised from ancient times, then Mount Parnon warmly welcomes you. It covers an area of 2 million acres in the east of the Peloponnese and its name in Ancient Greek means “the peak that shines”. The mountain has great historical, cultural, and ecological value. The archeological findings, such as various remains, castles, observatories, quarries, and Byzantine sites prove that it was inhabited from the Stone Age and during ancient times.

If you want to discover the holy mountain of god Pan, the mountain of legends and history, then you should climb Mount Mainalos. It’s the “heart” of the alpine zone of the Peloponnese and it preserves its absolute natural landscape. The mountain covers the biggest part of Arcadia from the north and it boarders with the mountains of Oligyrtos, Lyrkio, and Artemissio from the east, via semi-alpine valleys. It reaches the mountains of Helmos and Erymanthos from its north side, while it faces mount Lykaio from its west side.

If you are in the mood for an uplifting excursion, then the area of Lagada has a lot of climbing just for you. It’s a park that was created by the Protection, Management and Mild Tourist Development of Taygetus Program in the area of Lagada. It gives you unlimited climbing possibilities and it also gives you the unique opportunity to rise above the “neighborhood” of the mythical Kaiadas.

If you are a passionate climber, then you have to experience the striking red rock, which stands tall in Arcadia. Leonidio is considered to be the “it” place for rock climbing in Greece and the region is evolving to become one of the biggest climbing zones of Europe. The high quality of limestone leads the way for hundreds of fields and thousands of new routes. Just picture it, you can have more than you ever imagined for a truly intense experience.