Exploring the Peaks of Mount Taygetos: An 11-Day Greek Adventure

A Day of Summiting and History in the Mani Peninsula

Today was a day of incredible contrasts, from the rugged heights of Mount Taygetos to the historical depths of Areopoli. It was a day that tested our limits and rewarded us with stunning views and a deeper appreciation for the rich culture of the Mani Peninsula. I am so glad to be able to share this experience with you all.

Our day began early with a hearty breakfast at Paralia Tavern. Greta and I fueled up with a mix of local and familiar breakfast items. I had some scrambled eggs and sausages, while Greta enjoyed some fresh fruit. The food was simple but satisfying, providing the energy we needed for the challenging hike ahead. After breakfast, we packed our gear and started the drive towards Mount Taygetos. The drive itself was an experience, with winding roads offering glimpses of the stunning landscape.

Conquering Prophet Elias Peak

The main goal for today was to reach the summit of Mount Taygetos, also known as Prophet Elias. The peak stands at an impressive 2,407 meters (7,890 feet), making it the highest point in the Peloponnese. The hike began from the refuge of the Sparta mountaineering club at 1550m. The initial part of the trail took us through alpine meadows, where the air was filled with the aroma of fragrant shrubs and wildflowers. I even spotted some of the endemic herbal tea that grows in the region.

As we ascended, the views became increasingly breathtaking. We paused frequently to take photos and soak in the panoramic vistas. The landscape was a mix of rocky terrain and grassy meadows, a testament to the unique environment of Mount Taygetos. The weather was perfect for hiking, with clear skies and a cool breeze that kept us comfortable as we climbed higher. We continued uphill to the so-called “Portes,” which translates to “gates.” This split in the ridge marked our entry into the final part of the hike to the summit.

The final stretch was the most challenging, with a steep incline and rocky path that tested our endurance. However, the anticipation of reaching the summit kept us motivated. Finally, after several hours of strenuous hiking, we reached the top. The sense of accomplishment was immense as we stood on the summit plateau, taking in the breathtaking views.

The view from the summit of Prophet Elias was simply spectacular, a panoramic masterpiece that stretched across the entire Peloponnese.

From the summit, we could see the Evrotas Valley and the Parnon range to the east, and Kalamata and the eastern half of Messenia to the west. The view was truly awe-inspiring, a reward for the hard work it took to get there. At the summit, we found a small stone church dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. It felt special to stand on this sacred ground, knowing that it has been a place of worship for centuries, possibly even dating back to ancient times when it was a temple to Zeus. We took some time to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch, savoring the moment and the stunning scenery before beginning our descent.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and spiritual serenity of Prophet Elias on Mt. Taygetos, where nature meets cultural heritage in Greece.

The descent was tough on the knees, but the views were just as rewarding as we made our way back down. We reached the base of the mountain in the late afternoon, feeling tired but exhilarated by our accomplishment.

Exploring the Historical Town of Areopoli

After our descent from Mount Taygetos, we drove to Areopoli, a town on the Mani Peninsula. Areopoli is known for its historical significance, as it was the starting point of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The town's name, meaning City of Ares, pays homage to the ancient Greek god of war. We parked the car and began to explore the town on foot. The architecture of Areopoli is unique, with tower houses constructed from field stones, setting it apart from the traditional blue and white buildings found in many Greek villages. The narrow streets and stone buildings exuded a sense of history and charm.

We visited the Church of Taxiarchis, the cathedral of Areopoli, where the inhabitants of Mani gathered before commencing the fight for liberation on March 17, 1821. Inside the church, we admired the sculptured altarpiece and the multi-story bell tower, which was built in 1836 and has become a symbol of the area.

As we strolled through the town, we came across Porfyra, a local shop that sells handmade Byzantine icons and other religious items. Greta, with her keen interest in art and history, was particularly fascinated by the intricate details of the icons. We learned that the shop also supports local artists and craftsmen, which resonated with our desire to support sustainable and authentic businesses.


Explore Porfyra Icons in Mystras for a unique blend of souvenirs and local artistry that captures the essence of Greece.

For dinner, we chose mystrasbistro. The restaurant had a peaceful atmosphere. The menu featured a mix of Greek and French cuisine, a fusion that sounded intriguing. We ordered a variety of dishes, including traditional meatballs with tomato sauce and feta cream, as well as a pork stable steak. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. We finished our meal with a slice of orange pie, a perfect ending to a day of adventure and exploration.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Mystras Bistro in Sparta - where tradition meets modern dining in an inviting atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our experiences. From the challenging hike to the summit of Mount Taygetos to the historical exploration of Areopoli, it was a day filled with unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Greta and to document them for you all on Evendo.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Μνημείο Δημήτρη Λιαντίνη and Kolonaki. I am excited to see what new adventures await us as we continue our exploration of the Mani Peninsula.