Karitena to Kalamata

Walking all the way gave us a very different picture of Greece from the usual tourist trail from one beauty spot or archaeological site to another. From Dimitsana, we passed the bleak open cast coal mines of Megalopolis, then through the twisted forest regrowth that followed a forest fire and along the old railway.  We walked through several small market towns, bustling centres for the rich agricultural lands of the Messene plain. There were plenty of cafes and small shops, but nowhere to stay: this was not tourist country.

Only the vast cross and cemetery at Meligalas was a reminder of more violent times, and perhaps also a warning of the threat of neo-fascism today.

At last we reached the sea, and celebrated at a small fish taverna on the edge of Kalamata. Six tables stood outside on the pavement, while a busker played on the guitar.

Route: Karitena, Thoknia, Chrani, Desilla, Zevgolateio, Meligalas, Aris, Kalamata