Messinia — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerJul 22, 2026

On the Peloponnese, Walking the Mountains Where Odysseus Lived, Fought, and Loved

Greece's largest hiking route aims to revitalize the villages and mythic sites of the Peloponnese, with the chance to learn the last remaining dialect of Spartan.

20 things in this story

Costa NavarinoHoteleco-retreat opened about a decade ago
W HotelsHotelleases land from Costa Navarino, opened 2022
Mandarin OrientalHotelleases land from Costa Navarino, opened 2023
Nestor’s CaveSightmovie-set location where Odysseus battles Cyclops
Methoni CastleSightmovie-set location where Telemachus awaits father
Elsewhere
DaskalioSightTolo, Greeceuninhabited island with emerald seawater
Stelios Kazantzidis & MarinellaPlaceTolo, Greecelegendary Greek duo whose music played
Trekking HellasPlaceTolo, Greececompany that organized the trip
Peloponnese Trail NetworkTrailPeloponnese, Greecelargest hiking network in Greece, 1,200 miles
Argolis TrailTrailArgolis, Greece64-mile trail in the northeastern region
EpidaurusAttractionArgolis, Greeceancient theater, sanatorium from 4th century BC
PalamidiSightNafplio, GreeceVenetian fortress overlooking Nafplio
Mount ParnonSightPeloponnese, Greecemassive mountain range visible from Athens
Parnon TrailTrailPeloponnese, Greece143-mile circular trail
MycenaeAttractionArgolis, Greecebirthplace of the first Greek civilization
MystrasSightPeloponnese, GreeceByzantine Empire’s last stronghold
VamvakouNeighborhoodLaconia, Greeceremote village with nine year-round residents
LastaNeighborhoodArcadia, Greeceno-resident village in Arcadia
GerakiNeighborhoodLaconia, Greecevillage determined to turn the tide
Geraki WeavingPlaceLaconia, Greeceroom where weavers create kilims

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