TRYPI OF TAYGETOS

Text and research by Nikos Aivalis, photo report by Elpida Zografidou, technical support by Alexandros Sparti, translation by Eva Trombetas

On this journey we travel to Trypi, in the beautiful, ancient Laconia with historical and natural wealth. As we cross the nature trails of Taygetos we will get lost in a hidden fairyland.

Starting from the capital of Laconia, Sparta, following the road Sparti - Kalamata via Taygetos, we cross one of the best routes in Greece. Just 9 km from Sparta we come across the village of Trypi at an altitude of 640 meters. The village probably took its name from the famous cavern of Kaiadas, which is located nearby. The picturesque village of Trypi is amphitheatrically built, with beautiful houses, taverns and shops, while springs and water run from everywhere. Our goal is to reach Knakionas headwater, a real kingdom of Laconic nature.

Knakionas headwater

As we arrive at the village of Trypi, we turn into a downhill alley, and carefully we descend passing through houses and natural surroundings, until we reach a point where the road intersects the river. We leave the car at that point and start our roaming. From the first moment you step on this place, it inclines you towards to what will follow. Surrounded by plenty of nature, vegetation is at its best. In front of us runs the river, which intersects the road giving a first contact with it.

the beautiful river

As we move on we arrive at an old church, the one of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, where every September big festivals are organized with songs and dances. At this point there is a large opening suitable to stop and take some photos or have some coffee, water and food. Of course we believe, as we emphasize in each of our travels, that wherever we go we should always pick up our rubbish, our cigarette butts, we show respect to the place which is a heritage of nature and our ancestors for our children.

church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos

Behind the church there are huge rocks that resemble a fairy house. Opposite the church there is a fountain where water runs to quench the thirst of visitors, after all here the water is plentiful. All around you can admire beautiful rocks, in white and green shades.

fountain with running water

It is time for us to slowly ascend, to admire all the magnificence of the springs until we reach the highest point. Leaving the church, on our left we find several places where the river forms literally small pools. It feels as if they invite you to dive into these virgin and gurgling waters, sometimes being white, blue or green like emeralds, which enchants and travels you. What’s in addition great about them is that they are icy even in summer.

small natural pool

There are many natural pools, with a larger one in which there is a large rock and rope for the adventurous who want to dive. It is the only place where one can dive, as in most places the river is shallow, making diving from above dangerous.

the nature of Trypi

Going uphill again, we reach our destination. In the heart of the river. After a slight uphill and downhill, we reach a point where water literally comes out of the rocks. A circular spot, with a huge rock in the middle where one can sit on, running water around, for the most part shallow and with a point towards the rocks being deeper and deep blue. White rocks on one side and lush landscape all over the rest. One can’t find the rights words to describe what we see, to realize the size of the natural beauty in this place.

the heart of the river

At this point we tried to enter the river. The first contact was very difficult, as the water was literally icy, despite the very hot weather of the day. Slowly and step by step, we managed to enter and enjoy the waters that literally spring from Taygetos. The scenery is incredible, of unparalleled beauty and it reminds us of how lucky we are to live in the most beautiful country in the world, rich in natural value, ancient and historical, truly blessed, as in every corner you can find a small paradise.

Knakionas river

It is worth mentioning the rich fauna of the area, as birds, butterflies, lizards and small frogs live in these waters, being a unique air to the already existing beauty of the river.

a small from

Somewhere at this point our journey comes to an end. It’s certain that we will be here again and we invite you as well to visit this beautiful place, to admire its nature, to dive in the crystal clear waters of the river, to have a picnic, camping or even a walk. We assure you that the place will reward you richly. Of course we leave the place exactly as we found it, clean and calm, showing absolute respect for what nature generously gives us. We are waiting for you on our next trip.