Altomira is a village made of stone. And there on the rock slope of Taygetos, among the arbutuses, the oaks, the firs, the people have made underground cisterns, threshing floors, their homes…

A few kilometres from Kalamata, going up the slope of the mountain, the alteration of landscape comes as a surprise. After the olive trees the wild vegetation contrasts with the Messenian bay that lies on our right like a blue carpet. While from time to time, during the winter, the sunshine turns into mist recalling a picture taken from the Alps. The stone fountain spouting clear water greets us at the entrance of the village. This water once powered the mills that were used to grind the wheat sowed by the residents in every inch of the scarce soil of the slope. The plain buildings of the village made of natural materials perfectly match with the colors and the modestly face the mountain’s bulk.

Some entries date back to 1618, when the village was recorded to have 20 families. It is said that the thief, Altomoros, was hiding on that rock and finally took refuge up here giving his name to the settlement and thus leaving his imprint in time. This is one view but there is another more realistic one in relation to the landscape and history. It comes from the Latin words alto & myro, meaning high wall, a meaning that fully complies with Altomira.

The slope of Altomira is located opposite the gorge Rintomo, which leads through Koskaraka to the beach of Santava, between Akrogiali and Kitries. In the past residents used to communicate with the lowlands through the incredibly picturesque cobblestone path called Mpiliovo, which is considered to be one of the most important examples of street architecture in pre-war Greece.

The houses at the village are excellent examples of Mani architecture. One of them is the complex ‘Ilia‘ which has been restored to accommodate up to 8 people and is available at any time.

The complex as a whole offers family warmth that only Mount Taygetos can provide.

Altomira is the starting point for excursions to the center of Taygetos, which is still a virgin place. Pigadia, Rizana, Krya Vrysi, Rintomo, Zekia, Kossyfalona where the image of the crater of the dormant volcano dominates and many other fascinating locations make the visit a unique experience.

At any time of year Altomira offers a lot to those who have an open heart, a strong desire to learn new things and love for nature.

At the guesthouse ‘Ilia‘, traditional architecture has been harmoniously tied with modern facilities to offer unsurpassed hospitality. The warmth of the surroundings is found everywhere, both in the colors and the items that are either decorative or serve practical purposes.

Your stay will remain unforgettable and you will look forward to returning here again and again. This is exactly our aim: to accommodate you once more in the future in the warmth of our guesthouse!

Explore the area around Altomita, by following the 4-day trip designed exclusively for Moorea’s guests by wondergreece.gr!