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Published: January 1st 2023
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We decided it was time for a road trip...we are super comfy at our apartment in Tolo and have ventured to some sites close by, but time to see what else the Pelopennese has to offer. On the agenda is a hike through the Lousios Gorge, seeing Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and where ever else that may look interesting. First up was getting to the hilltop town of Dimistana, the base for the Gorge hike. It is a small village and is hanging off a cliff, which we found would be a theme for the next couple of days. Lots of pics after scrolling to the bottom.
Getting there was easy (about 2.5 hours) , mostly on an excellent highway before getting off to the more local roads, which were also in great shape. As we went up and up, the village came into view and we just muttered "wow". Going up the one car road into town was not for the faint of heart, and It is not often I get totally freaked out driving, but I did here. To get to our hotel's parking spot it was up a one way alley with a hairpin turn straight
up that I just couldn't do with our manual shifting rental car. I was spinning the wheels, and with a small stone wall and major cliff behind me, I was petrified. Ken then took over and also struggled, so a local (who was waiting behind us to go up) came over and gave us instructions on how to do it and that worked. Thanks to Ken and the good Samaritan!
We explored the little town that was very busy with tourists, cute little shops and cool cafes. Our hostess at the Kazas Guesthouse (https://www.xenonaskaza.gr/) gave us recommendations for both a restaurant and the hike the next morning. We had a nice dinner at a very local taverna, that with wine, salad, bison burger and appetizer came to $25. What a deal!
The next morning we enjoyed a home cooked breakfast at our guesthouse and as we were doing a one-way back to Dimistana, we took a 45 min taxi along a snake-like road, with treacherous drop offs to Ancient Gortys. We started the 5 hour hike across an ancient bridge, and with the sounds of a rushing river the entire way, we made our
way up, down and over the trail with amazing views at every turn. There are three monasteries along the way, all hanging off cliffs and offering a coffee, sweets and a place to rest for all who pass. We were amazed at the alpine like peaks, massive cliffs and beautiful river/streams, just not what you picture in Greece.
The last section up to Dimistana, was all up, up, up with a stream that invaded the steps in many places. By the time we got to the end, my shoes were squishy but we had made the almost 8 miles and 100 flights of stairs along the way!
We rewarded ourselves with an amazing dinner at a newly opened cafe on Dec 9, that was cozy and with great wine/food pairings. The owner gave us spot-on recommendations on a local merlot wine and Ken has decided it is one of his all-time favs! With all the hiking, a quiet village along with wonderful meal and wine...sleep was not hard to find!
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