Efklis-Lagou Chani and the Velanidia Holy Monastery

Hiking the Historic Stone Path from Lagou Chani to Velanidia Monastery

On Sunday, March 29th, 2026, the  “Efklis” Kalamata Hiking and Mountaineering Club is organising a hiking excursion on the slopes of Mount Taygetus, above the gorge of the Nedon River. The group will walk along a historic stone path (kalderimi) that, in earlier times, connected the mountain villages of Nedousa, Alagonia, Piges, and Artemisia with the city of Kalamata.

For generations, this path served as the main route used by villagers to transport their goods to the city. Residents carried walnuts, chestnuts, cherries, potatoes and, livestock products along this trail in order to sell them in the markets of Kalamata. It was a lifeline of communication and trade between the mountain communities and the coastal town.

The route also carries important historical significance. On March 18th, 1821, at the Monastery of Mardaki above Nedousa, local revolutionary leaders gathered to coordinate the uprising against Ottoman rule. Among them were Nikitaras, Papaflessas, Anagnostaras and Kefalas, together with many captains and armed fighters from nearby villages. After consulting with Petrobey Mavromichalis and Theodoros Kolokotronis, they descended along this very path toward Kalamata, which they liberated on March 23, 1821, marking one of the first major victories of the Greek War of Independence.

During the hike, participants will have several opportunities to admire panoramic views of the Messenian Gulf from different points along the trail.

The hike will start at the bridge of Saint Polycarp, where the historic “Lagou Chani” once stood. This roadside inn served as a resting place for mule drivers and traders traveling with their animals along the mountain routes.

Route Information

Distance: 11.74 km
Estimated hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hours including stops
Minimum altitude: 420 m
Maximum altitude: 517 m
Difficulty level: A+ (moderate, 3/5)

In several sections, the old stone path has been damaged and is covered with loose stones, therefore careful walking is required.

Meeting Point

Departure from Kalamata at 08:30 AM
Meeting location: Parking area at the upper side of the Central Market of Kalamata

Estimated return: around 3:00 PM

Transportation

Travel will be arranged by modern air-conditioned coach.

Cost of transportation:
10 euros (members, students and children)
15 euros (non-members)

Seat reservations are confirmed only with ticket purchase. If a participant cancels for personal reasons and the seat cannot be replaced by another person, 50 percent of the ticket price will be refunded.

The participation cost includes

Transportation to and from the destination by luxury air-conditioned coach
Driver expenses
VAT (13%)
All necessary costs for organizing the excursion

Information and Reservations

Phone: +30 697 425 2234 (afternoon hours)
Facebook: S.P.O.K. Efklis
Instagram: efklis_pezoporikos_kalamatas

This hike offers a rare opportunity to walk along one of the historic routes of Taygetus, combining natural beauty, panoramic sea views and a path deeply connected with the history of the Greek Revolution.