On the southern side of Olympia, in the borders of Ilia and Messinia of Peloponnese and very close to the ancient Figalia, one can find the Neda Gorge.

It stems from Mount Lyceo, through the villages of Petra and Kakaletri of mountainous Messinia, very close to Andritsena. The water follows a path of natural wealth of 32 km and finally reaches to the Ionian Sea, at Elea location, just outside Kyparissia.

The road Patras - Pyrgos of Kalamata "follows" the contour of the coastline. Apart from the beauty of the sea, a beautiful mountain appears at its eastern slopes, which "protects" a beautiful river, Neda, and is the only river having a female name in Greece.

Many are they who want to "taste" its untouched natural beauty. Starting from Kyparissia, the narrow road leads, after 18 km, at the mountain village of Platania. From there, an earthy road is the link between people and the "heavenly" Neda gorge.

Hikes are organized there having as a starting point one old stone bridge. On the trail, there are many signs that indicate the route from the bed of the river to the gorge, where the waterfall flows out from a height of 20 meters. The visitors can follow the path, duration of 7 to 8 hours, to cross the canyon but you must take into account that the walking through the river is mandatory and in some areas even the swimming.

The best time to visit the gorge is in late summer to early autumn. The river downs less water so swimming is easier.

It must be noted that the fauna, which occurs along the gorge, is worthy of admiration.
As a result, you may meet creatures like otters, birds, freshwater fish, water snakes.


Ways to access it:

¤ From the village of Petra and near the church of Agianastasis, where the river flows. It is the best point for those want to see the river from its start.

¤ From the village of Platania, follow the road to the last stone bridge and continue to Figalia. This way is the shortest route to the point where Neda ends, but is also characterized by the most difficulty.

¤ An alternative route, through the typical Greek provincial road, is from the villages of Sidirokastro and Avlona.

¤ An earthy road starts from the village of Kakaletri, reaches the river and continues to the village of Marina. It is recommended for those who want to start from the quietest parts of the river.


Origin of name:
According to mythology, Rhea gave Zeus to a nymph, Neda, the goddess of water, when he was born to protect him from her husband, Saturn. It was she who took care of the baby - together with Theisoa and Agno nymphs. She bathed and washed him at the source of Lyceo, which later became the legendary river and took her name.