Taygetos Mountains

The Taygetos range forms the dramatic backdrop to Kalamata — a wall of jagged limestone peaks rising directly behind the city to over 2,400 metres. From the beach you can see snow on the upper slopes well into April. The mountains divide the Laconian plain (Sparta's territory) from the Messinian plain (Kalamata's territory) and have been a physical and cultural boundary for millennia.

Walking routes ascend from the foothills accessible by car from Kalamata. The main summit trail starts from the village of Saidona (about 45 minutes by car from the city) and takes 4-5 hours each way. The lower slopes are covered with phrygana scrubland and pine forest; the upper zones are bare limestone. In spring, wildflowers along the lower paths are excellent, and the range is good for birds of prey — short-toed eagles, buzzards, and Eleonora's falcons are regularly seen.

A full ascent requires walking boots, plenty of water, and an early start. A guide is not necessary on the main trail but is recommended for anyone not experienced in mountain navigation. Several local operators in Kalamata arrange guided mountain walks.

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A story
The summit of Profitis Ilias, at 2,404 metres, is the highest point of the Taygetos and one of the highest peaks in the Peloponnese. On a clear day from the top you can see both sides of the Peloponnese — the Messinian Gulf to the west and the Laconian Gulf to the east — and the islands of the Ionian Sea. In antiquity, the mountain was sacred to Artemis; Spartan boys were left there on winter nights as part of their warrior training.