Activity Tourism covers a range of areas from “active” holidays involving sailing, climbing, hiking, horse-riding and mountaineering, to the less physical, yet still activity-focused areas of nature watching, food trails, or local culture and heritage trails.With an increased focus on healthier living, activity tourism is an area that has been growing strongly over the last 20 years. Globus Yachting and Travel Agency offers a variety of activities all around Greece.
1a. ACTIVITIES AT "TAYGETOS MOUNTAIN" FROM KARDAMYLI-PELOPONESSE-SOUTH GREECE
KARDAMYLI MESSINIAKI MANI
The Mani is a world of contrasts. The scenery is dazzling, stark, powerful: rocky hillsides with fascinating shapes descend to jewel-shining seas. Castles, turrets and tiny villages dot the hillsides at every turn, off small winding roads that zigzag along the coast. Simply gorgeous, rugged landscapes and plentiful outcrops of archaeology welcome the visitor at every turn. And the great pleasure of being outdoors with good companions, combined with the unique sensation of being close to nature, can be enjoyed every day here: with an abundance of footpaths, a pristine environment, numerous hiking excursions, famous historical sites and exceptionally beautiful landscapes, the Mani has become the trekker's mecca. Karamyli is a spectacularly beautiful seaside village located in the Mani, a stunning region in the southern Peloponnese. Set dramatically against a backdrop of crystalline aqua-blue waters, majestic cypress trees, wild olive groves, verdant rolling hills and distant snowcapped mountains, it is one of the prettiest of villages that overlook the calm seas and splendid sunsets of the Messinian Gulf. 3 hours and 30 minutes' drive from either the capital of Athens or the port of Patras, and just 35 km from the nearby city of Kalamata, it remains one of the south Mediterranean's best-kept secrets: an exclusive, small, unspoilt resort that boasts stately villas, enchanting stone maisonettes, lush gardens, a picturesque harbour and fantastic beaches.
Go Hike
"TAYGETOS" - PYRAMID PEAK 2407M (price: 110€)
The roof of Peloponnese... tough as only a solid rock can be. The route initially traverses a forest of Greek fir (Abies caphalonica) and black pine, then continues through treeless high-altitude landscape with impressive rock formations. The stunning panoramic vistas will be the reward of your efforts. The ascent to the summit of Taygetos is not just a climb. It is an inner journey and a pilgrimage to a mountain so steeped in history and legend.Time Range: Meeting at 5:30 and return at 16:00
Duration: Full day activity
Difficulty: Hard (5)
Suitability: Suitable for High training and for people that have a slight experience from mountain hiking
Recommended months: from May to November
“PETROVOUNI HIKE” – LET’S WARM UP (price: 60€)
This is a short circular route around Karamyli. It is the best way to get to know this special
area of west Mani and a little taste of its beauty.Time range: Meeting at 8:00 and return at 10:30 or 18:00 and return at 20:30Duration: 2,5 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all ages
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Snack and coffee near the sea.
"VIROS GORGE" – PREMIER BONDING WALK(price: 60€)
Viros is one of the four gorges on Taygetos mountain range. The trail starts at the end of the river, located in Karamyli. Walking upwards to the gorge through trees, shrub, vegetation and impressive geological formation, we discover two monasteries hidden in a forest section. The trail is circular; most of the walking is in shade conditions, which makes it perfect for a summer hike! Time range: Meeting at 7:00 and return about 12:00
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all / No previous experience required
Recommended months: From April to October
Food tasting: Picnic rest stop with local veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives), smoked pork, local cheese, olive oil and herbs, oilrusks, seasonal fruit and water from the fountain
"EXOHORI HIKE” – FROM THE SEA TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN (price: 70€)
Starting from Karamyli and the sea surface, we follow the old stone path entering the mountain, meeting some of the semi mountain villages. Passing through olive groves we end up in Exochori village, where we can have a beautiful view of Viros Gorge, the largest gorge in west Mani. We return to Karamyli from a different route, visiting Agia Sofia, a famous church built in the 16th century, following the 2500 years old stone path that connected Karamyli with Sparta, ending up to the old city of Karamyli. Time range: Meeting at 8:00 and return at 12:30
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Medium (2)
Suitability: Suitable for all ages
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Snack and coffee in Faragi Hotel and lunch in a restaurant in Karamyli in the end
"DOUBITSIA" - THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HIKE (price: 70€)
Doubitsia is a wild life refuge (designated Natura site) that towers above awesome Viros gorge! The hike is around 4-5 hours in shady conditions and it is suitable for adults in fair to good fitness level. Taygetos and Chalasmeno mountains dominate the distant horizon and together with lush vegetation compose a unique wild landscape! Most of the walking is in shade conditions, which makes it perfect for a summer hike! Time range: Meeting at 7:00 and return at 13:30 ·
Duration: 4-5 hours ·
Difficulty: Medium (3) ·
Suitability: Suitable all ages in fair to good fitness level ·
Recommended months: during the whole year and ideal for the summer, as the walk is in shade ·
Food tasting: Lunch at the Faragi hotel, having the beautiful view of the Viros gorge below (optional menu)
"RIDOMO GORGE” - A HIKE TO MANA SPRING (price: 70€)
Ridomo Gorge starts from the Taygetos ridgeline and finally fades into the Messinian Bay at Sadova beach, forming the natural boundary of Western Mani. During our climb you will be more than impressed by the rich geologic features of the gorge, with its evident stratification of rocks, its burst of intense rock color palette in perfect match with its splendid greenery. Time range: Meeting at 7:00 and return at 13:00
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Medium (3)
Suitability: Suitable for all ages in fair to good fitness level
Recommended months: during the whole year and ideal for the summer, as the walk is in shade
Food tasting: Lunch at a local kafenion at the end of the hike when it is open. Alternatively, we can have homemade Picnic rest stop with local veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives), smoked pork, local cheese, olive oil and herbs, oilrusks, seasonal fruit and water from the fountain.
Let's Cycle
MANI ROAD BIKE TOUR (price: 70€)
Cycling through the West Mani's culture, history and nature. From the mountain villages down to the coast line, cycling is the best way to explore and experience the area, seeing all the beautiful details that a car will never see!
Time range: Meeting at 8:00 and return at 12:00
Duration: 4-5 hours · Difficulty: Medium (3)
Suitability: Suitable for adults in fair to good fitness level
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Snack at a local kafenion during the ride and lunch at the end of the cycle in a local tavern by the sea.The return in Karamyli is with our vehicle
“SUNSET BIKE TOUR" – BIKE BONDING (price: 50€)
Ideal for families. This is a tour for all ages. We transfer the bikes and the passengers in Stoupa and we start our tour from the bike road that connects Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos, we cross Agios Nikolaos and we continue to Trachila. At the return we stop at Pantazi for swimming (during the summer months) and then we have a traditional Greek dinner. Families with very young children have the tour from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos and back only. Trachila ride is suitable for 12 years old plus.
Time range: Meeting at 18:00 and return at 21:00 (depending on the season)Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Smple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all ages
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: traditional Greek dinner
E-Bike tours
“EXPLORE MORE!" - DISCOVER THE MANI PENINSULA ΅(max 2 participants price: 90€ per person)
We have designed four different routes for you to explore West and East Mani far more than you would ever expect to see, feel and remember! Ride an e-bike with us and let all of your senses to discover the Mani Peninsula in a way that you cannot feel by any other means. Be one with nature, gaze the panoramic views unimpeded, feel the wind on your skin, smell the fragrant smell of the flowers and herbs, pedal right next to the wild goats, listen to the whistle of the wind and the twits of the birds, taste the local cuisine. E-bike tour is a unique experience. Join us and explore the wildness and beauty of Mani in a way that you will never forget.
Time range: Depending on the route
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for adults
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: traditional local treats
Ride with us
“WEST MANI EXPERIENCE” – A DRIVE THROUGH TIME AND HISTORY (price: 70€ per person-snack and refreshment)
This is a concentrated experience. The goal is to visit all the highlights in the wider area having short hikes. We visit traditional villages, old churches and historical monasteries.
Time range: Meeting at 8:00 and return at 13:00
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Snack in a local tavern and ending with lunch in a different restaurant
Jeeping!
ENTER INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE BEAUTIFUL AND FASCINATING LANDSCAPE OF THE TAYGETOS (price: 70€/person half day & 100€/person all day)
Discover some of the most picturesque and remote places and villages in the mountainous region of Taygetos on a comfortable guided jeep tour. Expansive & panoramic vistas, wilderness areas with unending views await. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on your trip.
Time range: Half day tour & full day tour
Duration: depending on the tour
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: local traditional treats
Workshops
SWEET MEMORIES CREATIVE WORKSHOP – THE INSIDE EXPERIENCE (price: 70€/person including meal)
This is not just a workshop, but a fully integrated concept, beginning with the arrival and ending with the departure from the area. This workshop is the ultimate fulfillment of the stay in a very experiential way. It is a summarization of everything that you have seen and experienced. At your welcoming, you receive a personalized treasure bag and you are asked to collect little treasures from your days here in west Mani. At the day before your departure, you will compose everything you have collected in a handmade paper album. This is a very creative way to express how you have spent your days and share your personal experience with the rest of the group. This activity reinforces the bonding between the members and connects you with your inner child and your creativity in a very spiritual way.
Time range: Meeting at 19:00 and finishing at 21:00
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all
Materials are provided
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Homemade Traditional treats and local wine
Workshops
COOKING WORKSHOP – TRADITIONAL TASTES (price: 60€)
Come and join us in making the traditional “diples”, this “folded”, sweet, crispy pastry that can become dangerously addictive! We have revived a long-forgotten recipe, a favorite of our grandmothers! All you need to do is roll up your sleeves, get covered in flour and enjoy a really unique experience. After the cooking, taste the local goodies like smoked pork, Greek salad right from our garden, different variety of cheese from Taygetos mountain, together with good wine and some Greek “tsipouro”. Enjoy the sunset of the spectacular Mani’s sky, feel the hospitality and taste the real Mani!
Time range: Meeting at 19:00 and finishing at 21:00
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Homemade traditional treats and local wine
Workshops
“MOSAIC WORKSHOP - MEET INTERESTING TECHNIQUES (price: 60€)
An outdoor studio is set amongst the olive trees and provides a cool and inspiring space to be creative. We offer workshops for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. During the course students are taught how to cut mosaic tiles, ceramic and glass using specialist tools and will design and make an item (usually a small panel) to take away with them.
Time range: Meeting at 18:30 and finishing at 21:00
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Simple (1)
Suitability: Suitable for all
Recommended months: during the whole year
Food tasting: Homemade traditional treats and local wine
