Spectacular views of Kalamitsi Bay
A kalderimi is a cobblestone-paved track built for hoofed traffic. Kalderimia are sometimes described as cobbled or paved mule trails. They are typically 2 m wide, so that two fully laden mules could pass each other without much difficulty. After many years of neglect and overgrowth due to the development and prevalence of modern road networks, there are now initiatives to map and restore kaldirimia for walking tourism.
Whilst it is one of the most beautiful, Agia Pelagia is not for the faint-hearted or unfit: the first 150 m or so of this kalderimi are rather steep (35° in places). But if you’re undaunted at the prospect, and are prepared to take your time going up this arduous primary part, the gifts that the trail has to offer are very much worth the effort. We won’t say more, so that you can discover for yourselves how beautiful this hike is.
Agia Pelagia can be reached by setting out on the low-impact Kalamitsi walk and then turning left, uphill (instead of right, downhill) when you get to the byroad that goes down to Kalamitsi Beach.
In Mani, the kalderimi network formerly linked almost every village, hamlet, chapel, and even sheepfold, and there were thousands of kilometres of these. They are paved with flat stones, and as they are designed for foot and hoofed traffic, they have steps where necessary, made of stones laid vertically. On flat stretches, they may be unpaved. On slopes, they have retaining walls. Kalderimia use switchbacks on steep ascents, and often have parapets next to steep slopes. When they cross streams, there may be paved fords.
Essential items
for a pleasant 1-hour walk
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Layered clothing
- Cotton socks
- Athletic footwear
- Bottle of water