The river is a Neda by the largely unknown challenges for a traveller. The katavasi demonstrated the unique experience: walking in the gorge, changing the landscape, waterfalls, the archaeological site of ancient Figaleias, plus the fact that traces of human presence is very distinctive and compose a unique setting.
The Neda stems from the word Lykaio frontier Arcadia and Messinia.
Forms a path 32 kilometres and is the natural boundary of the prefectures of Messinia and Ilia. The river in most of the road crosses a narrow gorge, which is just ... beautiful.
Wild and dense vegetation, small waterfalls and three adults, who form "kolympithres" tirkouaz with water, rocks and imposing fidogyrismata route. Clearly organized descent is more safe (in general) choice. The Trekking Hellas (tel. 2103310323-6), for example, offers the possibility of four journey every weekend from June to September instead of 47 euros per person.
Near the shores of Nedas is the ancient Figaleia, while a few kilometers west of the new Figaleias is the Velika, a great (and beautiful) cave from which crosses the waters of the river until you reach the parapotamo Pamisso. In the same height of the journey is the church of the Virgin Mary and a little more over the recess where according to tradition was the miraculous image.
The best time to do (namely, more sports ...) the entire route is late summer-early autumn. The river downloads less water, so the (inevitable) ... swimming in some parts of the journey or even only to "kolympithres" (due to temperature) is much more comfortable.
For those who simply want a good taste of the river, the descent from the village Platania is the most appropriate. Following the (many) vgainoume plates in the Tower of Barmpalekou, modern building with a café and ... panoramic view. The dirt road down the slope is smooth (those with 4x4 vehicle would appreciate a little above) and leads to a designed area for parking and piknik.
The paths opened, lead (right) in the first cataract, (opposite) the church of Panagia and ancient Figaleia and (left) in a compatible and very characteristic part of Nedas. Note necessary: even this little taste is very strong and wants some walking!
As a basis for the campaign in Neda, Kyparissia (three hours maximum Athens via Tripoli) is the best proposal. Beautiful and quiet (especially the Old City with the Byzantine castle), has the classic "comfort" for a traveler, and indeed a good level.
Fairly and ... different types of restaurants (for the famous "gournopoyla" go to the square, for seafood you get down to the beach or to the new port - and, try varieties of "En Plo"), nice café and bars on the beach (we recommend "Vromero Grubby "!).
From Kyparissia, in order to go to Platania and Neda, follow the road from Kopanaki is novus and good enough. More ... worried follow the path of imioreina villages Sidirokastro and Vlore, the road is typical Greek district, but the route is beautiful. The Platania, noted, have a nice "balcony" (with cafes and tavernas) sees the gorge of the river and the sea. Keep in mind that summer jacket needs, so you and your needs.
From Kyparissia also worth (much) to visit (to learning and recreation) mykinaiko archaeological site of Peristerias (northern edge of the kingdom of Nestor, with impressive results, in the Archaeological Museum in Athens), Agrili to the south, ouzaki the "Mylo" (if you find greens of the sea, try) and olofresko fish villages St. Sunday Marathos (the "Argyris" Fennel is a must in the region).
For your stay in Kyparissia there are several good hotels. The hotel "Tsolaridis" (tel. 27610 22145) has 25 rooms, with prices starting from 40 euros. In "Kyparissia Beach" (tel. 27610 24492-4) prices start at 50 euros for a double room and 90 euros for suites, and from July 10 until August 31, the corresponding rates are 65 and 120 euros. The hotel "Kanellakis" (tel. 27610 24464-65) has double rooms at a price of 40 euros with breakfast, and there is the possibility of a better price.
