The most beautiful mountainous route in the Peloponnese starts from Sparta and leads to Kalamata (or vice versa), but not through the modern highway, instead following the old provincial road of Taygetos.
The Pentadaktylos of the Byzantines and the Taleton of the ancient Greeks, reaching an altitude of 2,407 meters, is the twelfth highest mountain in Greece. It is also referred to as the “Trulos tou Moria” because it is the highest mountain in the Peloponnese. Additionally, its mountain range spans a length of 115 kilometers. Due to its massive volume, it extends across three regions: Arcadia, Laconia, and Messenia.
Knowing the imposing Mount Taygetos
There are many ways for someone to experience this imposing mountain in the southern part of the country. From beautiful villages and monasteries perched on its slopes to paths that traverse a spectacularly large portion of the mountain, canyons, and valleys.
However, the easiest way for someone to witness the magnificence of nature unfolding before their eyes is to take their car and make the journey from Sparta to Kalamata via the old road that connected these two cities. A route particularly beloved by those who crossed it, filled with many memories.
A few years ago, before the new highway was opened to traffic, to reach Kalamata from Sparta (or vice versa), one had to climb Mount Taygetos. Either by following the classic winding route from the tourist kiosk or through Megalopolis.
The most impressive route in the Peloponnese.
Certainly, the most impressive route is the one that starts from Sparta, ascends to Trypi, and the renowned Keadas, and from there, following the ribbons, begins to climb the mountain, crossing the wild gorge of Lagkadas.
The altitude difference between Sparta and the tourist kiosk is almost 1,100 meters. This means that until we reach the tourist kiosk, where there is a cafe and a restaurant, we have only uphill terrain ahead of us.
However, the route is adorned with breathtaking scenery. Moving along the edge of the cliff, you’ll need to enter tunnels within the rocks, climb onto “balconies” of cliffs, and traverse areas literally covered by plane trees. Our only companions are some other adventurous drivers and occasionally wild goats and wild boars, adding a touch of romance to the journey.
The scenery is dreamlike throughout all seasons of the year. But if you happen to pass through during the autumn months, then a fairytale landscape in golden, orange, and red hues will enchant you!
If you find a place to park, then get out and admire the beautiful view. You’ll feel an unprecedented sense of fulfillment within yourself, and a miracle will unfold on the wild slopes of Taygetos. Because no matter what humans create, no matter how many monuments are erected, and no matter how much art is praised, nature will always remain the one and only wonder of life.
As we mentioned, the highest point of the journey is the tourist kiosk at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The temperature difference from the two cities is noticeable here, reaching up to 10 degrees Celsius.
Delights from local vendors, taverns under the plane trees, and a breathtaking sunset.
From the tourist kiosk onwards, we descend the mountain with an endless view between the mountains and the sea. Here, note that you can see (if you catch the right moment) one of the most spectacular sunsets, with the sun setting into the Messinian Gulf, painting the sky with intense shades of purple!
Throughout this journey, you will also encounter local vendors selling their delights at makeshift stalls along the roadside. Local, pure products depending on the season, bearing the stamp and care of the region.
As you rightly suspect (if you are younger) or as you correctly remember (if you are older), when this was the main artery of communication and transportation between the two cities, there was a bustling atmosphere with such vendors along the entire length of the route. Even today, here you will find the juiciest and tastiest cherries in spring, as well as the crispiest and most flavorful chestnuts in the fall. You can also purchase pure honey, fragrant tea, and other mountain herbs and spices.
Descending from the side of Kalamata, you will find charming taverns in the small villages you pass through, which, if you’re hungry, will become your personal oasis. Under the colossal plane trees, you’ll taste local cheese, wild greens, fresh meats, and roasted piglet.
I know that modern closed highways are comfortable, fast, and offer greater safety. However, none of them will offer you the magic of the natural wealth of a mountain. For this reason, the next time you want to travel from one city to another, think about it again!
