The best place to restore your balance allowing time for your body and mind to relax and revitalize. In the fast paced world we live in, the ability for one to attain inner peace and regain one’s balance has become an absolute necessity.
Built on the mountainside with a view out to the hilly landscape of the crossroad of Arcadia, Messenia and Ilia.
Nestled in the hidden village of Abeliona with a healing energy flowed from the Ancient Greek History, Abeliona Retreat resort is the ideal place to organize wellness programs & therapeutic retreats.
Let us mention here that these wellness Retreat Resort is built in an area with a really strong and special vibe (it is known that ancient Greeks used to build their temples at places of notable energy), that initiates the peaceful and empowering feelings only a visitor could feel.
5 Nights and Activities to choose:
Our river trek starts at the Figalia Bridge near the village Platania where you meet your guide. After a briefing we start our trek. Though there is not a real track we aim to walk through or along the river. We may have to hop on rocks, jump on the river bank, and figure out for the best way. Walking in the water is unavoidable, while in other parts swimming is absolutely necessary. Along the river course there is rich vegetation with plane trees. Waterfalls appear suddenly in front of our eyes and in parts the river narrows and is surrounded by steep rocks. After 4 hours of walking & swimming, we reach the main majestic waterfall of 25m creating a large pond with crystal clear turquoise waters. We shall swim in the pediment of the great waterfall and the more daring will descend by a rope until the opening of the Stomion cave. Before ending our trek, we shall make a relaxing stop to taste a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies.
Neda is a big river in the western Peloponnese.
Start from mount Lykaion, flows westward and empties into the Ionian Sea. The river was named after the nymph Neda who was a goddess of the waters. Near the banks of the river is the ancient town of Phiigalia and the temple of Epicureus Apollo. The river over a large part of it crosses a ravine with very rich vegetation. Along its course, numerous waterfalls are created. The largest is near Figalleia and has a height of about 25 meters. Neda is a well-kept secret river of Greece, still a hidden gem! A perfect choice for river trekking.
Meeting time: 09:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Bridge of Figalia
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate parts
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Youth
Starting our hike from the fortress of old Kardamyli we follow the trail of the ancient time called ‘’royal street’’ connecting Kardamyli with Sparta during ancient years. Walking on a pathway immersed in olive trees, pines and cypress trees. Visiting some of the traditional villages of the region, we walk through their narrow streets and alleys learning about their history. Byzantine churches, stone-built watchtowers, old fountains, olive and grain mills reveal the life of locals in the past. A blast of colors and aromas from wildflowers and herbs overwhelm us and bring us even closer to the natural environment. Just a breath away, mount Taygetos with its imposing peaks the magnificence of the mountainous nature is harmoniously combined with the allure of the sea as mount Taygetos is so close from the embrace of the Mediterranean.
A small break for a healthy picnic with traditional local delicacies gives us a good mood and additional energy.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Kardamyli square.
Duration: 5 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy, a few challenging parts
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth, Kids over 10 years old
Just a short distance from Kalamata, lies mount Kalathi rising up to 1300 meters. Visible from any side of the city, you can see it sometimes lost in the clouds. It is very rare for a mountain of such height to be sited so close to the sea and the city. On its slopes, picturesque villages smothered in green and even higher on its summit, forests of fir and pine trees with stunning views to the Messinian Bay and the city of Kalamata.
Our hike starts from the village of Ano Verga. We follow the trail ascending to the mountain’s highest peak. Along the way, we discover the ruins of a Greek settlement of the past century lost among olive trees, walnuts, mulberries and fir trees. The smell of the herbs, fragrant shrubs and wildflowers dominate our senses. Arriving at the highest peak at 1316 meters the view to the Messinian Bay and the city of Kalamata is breathtaking. We stop at an old threshing floor to rest and taste a homemade picnic of local delicacies and fresh fruits enjoying stunning views.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Ano Verga.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy, some challenging parts
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth
Our hike starts from the village of Altomira on the outskirts of the southwestern Taygetos. Biliovo is considered as one of the most well-preserved traditional cobblestone paths of Greece, unique in its kind, it is classified as a folk architectural monument. It was created by local artisans in the early 20th century in an effort lasted 25 years! It has been a vital boost for the local social and economic growth since it linked the higher with the lower villages of western Mani. While descending on its curly way of 75 turns, images from the past unfold when locals were passing through the path carrying water and goods from their fields to their houses with the help of patient mules. The natural environment around in and the elevation since in some parts the cobble path has been built on 70% slope, offer awesome views. While walking through the old path our gaze extends to all over Messinia lapped by the blue Mediterranean. From the villages of Mani and the city of Kalamata to Koroni and Cape Akritas. Midway we stop to rest and taste a homemade picnic of local delicacies and fresh fruits enjoying stunning views.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Kampos Avias
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy, mainly downhill
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years
A half day hike at the longest gorge of mount Taygetos
Just 10km away from Kalamata, close to the core of Taygetos lies Ridomo gorge a geological phenomenon with interesting limestone formations, created by the effect of water rushing down from the mountains.
The gorge starts from the peaks of mount Taygetos all the way down to the beach of Santova just outside of Kalamata. At a certain point it becomes two meters narrow and 60 meters high. Walking through this part is a great experience.
Our hike starts from the rim near the village Vorio. We follow the path leading down to the rocky bottom. Walking the gorge uphill is a bit challenging as we scramble the huge boulders but very much rewarding as the views around us are truly magnificent. We make a few stops to rest enjoy a healthy picnic and admire the unique geological formations. We may spot some wild goats skillfully balancing on the almost vertical cliffs. Small waterfalls dripping down from high above, and partly those walls are decorated by evergreen ivy plants. After around 5 kilometers the rockiest part is over and the gorge gets narrower. Soon we shall find yourselves into a narrow corridor between vertical walls, listening the echo of our steps and almost able to touch both walls at the same time. This is the most impressive part of Ridomo Gorge.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Voreio
Duration: 5 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Challenging
Suitability: Family, Group friendly, Couples, Youth, Kids over 12 years old
We meet at Foneas beach, a few kilometers south of Kardamyli. Kardamyli is a port village in the Mani nestled between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and Mount Taygetos.
After a short introduction to stand up paddle boarding where you will learn the basic paddling techniques, how to turn, stop and stand up until you grow confident on your board, we are ready to go. Starting at a slow pace, we shall practice our skills, stop occasionally to enjoy magnificent the landscape and take pictures. The perspective from a Paddleboard is unique, giving the paddler a different perception into the water where it is common to see the fish and sea turtles swimming below the surface. In addition, the view from on top of the water is equally impressive. The beauty of the imposing cliffs around the coastline is so breath-taking that you feel as if you’ve left the real world behind you. Soon we will be exploring hidden beaches, and paddle inside coves with turquoise water. We will be paddling into sea caves, swim into hidden caverns, enjoy gliding alongside the cliffs and for those who dare an option is a cliff jump into the water. Halfway we shall make a relaxing stop for swimming and snorkeling. Time to discover the richness of the underwater world. A delicious picnic is scheduled half way, sourced from farm-fresh, local producers carefully prepared by your guide.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Foneas Beach.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy
Suitability: Family, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years
Monemvasia is a unique medieval gem of Greece one of the most beautiful castle towns in the world. Sea kayaking in Monemvasia reveals amazing views of the city walls, the rock, and the spectacular cliffs visible only from the sea.
Meet your guide at Monemvasia’s small port located across the fort, and get a short introduction to paddling techniques, safety measures, and equipment. Soon we shall hop on our kayaks for a trip around the rock like never before. It is well known that the best view of Monemvasia is from the sea and this is what we shall do. Paddling under the impressive city walls and rocks on which the town is built you will enjoy breathtaking views of the citadel town from a different perspective. You will enjoy in private the best view of the city walls and the medieval town with several breaks for story-telling. This is unquestionably the most beautiful part of our sea adventure. The area is mostly rugged, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a swim. Our next stop is ‘’Portelo’’, a small, hidden gap on the south side of the walls offering the unique experience of swimming in the shade of the Castle of Monemvasia and as well as a platform for fun diving! After completing our paddling around the rock, we shall jump out of our kayaks onto a beach, where we will break for a homemade picnic, sunbathing and snorkeling to discover the richness of the underwater world. We finish the day paddling back to the starting bay overlooking the rock from a different angle.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Monemvasia Port
Duration: 3 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Very easy
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years old
Our trip starts from Kardamyli’s old harbor we paddle in warm crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves and impressive rock formations. We visit sea caves and discover idyllic beaches along the shoreline.
Kardamyli and Stoupa two villages in the Mani nestled between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and Mount Taygetos Sea kayaking here is indeed one of our most popular tours offering an inch by inch exploration of the rich in images and diversity environment. Will be exploring the coast at a relaxed paddling pace and your guides will reveal you some of the secrets of the area. Each little cove hides a special surprise such as hidden sea caves, rock gardens, cliffs with spectacular formation, hidden sandy and pebble beaches
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: The old customs in St. John’s harbor
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years old
The gorge of Polylimnio waterfalls is a paradise on earth and one of the hidden gems of the Peloponnese.An easy hike combined with archery into one of the secret gems of the Mani region.
Polylimnio means many lakes and this is exactly what you discover. There are numerous fresh water lakes in many levels with aqua blue waters created by spectacular waterfalls. Water flows from one lake to another and the hiker can cross the gorge through a clear path, bridges, as well as metal aiding handles.
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years old
We meet at the village of Haravgi where our hike starts towards the gorge. We walk into a magical but real natural paradise passing along lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Our hike will take up to two hours and it is suitable for kids as there is no significant altitude difference. Swimming into the lakes would be an option. A swim into the lake and under the waterfall will be extremely refreshing and the perfect reward. At the end of the hike we can enjoy a healthy picnic with traditional local delicacies and relax by the lake. Here your guide and archery instructor will assemble your bow and will set up the place for shooting. Your guide will advise you step by step on how to use your bow and arrows with precision and safety. At the end, we will celebrate your scores.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Haravgi village, Polylimnio parking area.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Very easy
From:
850 € per person in Double room
The Retreat Hotel in Peloponnese Greece
For Groups, families or couples that want to relax and be close to the nature.
The Abeliona Retreat offers 22 spacious rooms built in traditional Arcadian style. The 13 Junior Suites and 9 Family Suites come with a fireplace and all modern comforts, from Wi-Fi to bath amenities. The interiors are furnished with fine antiques and classical fabrics, in traditional décors with a subtle modern touch and a twist of upper quality. With utmost attention to detail, the accommodation of Abeliona Retreat are your personal little heaven.
Healthy meals is in our interest! Meals can either be a la cart or customized according to the needs of the group. Moreover we give our travelers the option to lunch or dine in our traditional tavern nearby called ‘’The Magazaki tou Spyrou’’. Preparation of meals are made with ingredients from our farm and traditional raw materials from local producers.
You can enjoy thrilling adventure activities in a captivating natural environment, while at the same time, you are a stone’s throw away from all the historical monuments of the area.
There are different roads one can follow to achieving equilibrium; whether through the serenity of meditation in nature, the adrenalin rush of rafting in nearby Lousios River, the mindfulness of hiking along a network of mountain trails, or the feeling of well-being that comes from having an organic meal in our restaurant. In Abeliona Retreat, you may choose your own path to wellness and personal transformation.
One can join the sign posted trails within chestnut forests and springs in the area around Abeliona Retreat. We are at the moment upgrading Apollo Trails which is a hiking network covering 92km of the surrounding area. Soon a bicycle network, apart from the already existing hiking one, will be joining Apollo Trails as well! We will also be offering travelers the option to rent mountain e-bikes so they can wander in the paths.
Our tour is designed on a self-drive mode. You will arrive on your own at the hotel and the next days you will be given the meeting points in order to participate to our thrilling activities. The rest of the day you are free to relax and wonder around the beautiful region.
Mani is an immense “museum” of nature, a route in history, between ancient temples, Byzantine churches, gallant castle houses, and smells of thyme, sage and sea breeze. In your spare time, you can get to know it better with excursions to natural beauty trails and historical interest.
Yoga Retreats in Greece in the Hidden Village in Arcadia Peloponnese
5 Nights
Arcadia Peloponnese, Greece
5 NIGHTS + ACTIVITIES:
FROM 950 €
[ cost per person in Double room ]
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