The Polylimnio Waterfalls in Messenia

The Polylimnio Waterfalls are one of the best kept “secrets” of Greece.  Trek through the woods in the Messenia region of the Peloponnese to uncover them.

Polylimnio Waterfalls

The Polylimnio Waterfalls can be found at the Polylimnio Gorge in Messenia which is a region in the Peloponnese outside of the city of Kalamata.

At the time, I didn’t know what the waterfalls would look like.

There I was, hiking in my flip flops in the summer heat wondering if all the slippery trekking would be worth it. As you could see from the photos – it was!

Hidden Lakes of Polylimnio

In Greek, polylimnio translates to many lakes. That’s what you’ll discover. There are 15  little “hidden” fresh water lakes. At many of them, gorgeous waterfalls drop into stunning aqua blue waters.

Only after you hike and clamber your way around a tree lined mountain path do you start to see these incredible lakes.

There were signs but it was more fun for me to follow a group of Italians to figure out exactly where to go. Where I heard Italian – I went!  And where I ended up was amazing.

This is Kadoula Lake. In Greek, the word kardoula means small heart; the word its name was derived from.

The lake’s fresh, clear cold mountain water was extremely refreshing after the hike – the perfect reward.  For the more adventurous or skilled, diving into the water would be an option.

I’m not the jumping off cliffs type but it was entertaining and relaxing to watch people make the impressive climb up the rocks to bullet themselves deep into the waters.

 

Polylimnio’s Many Lakes

I had learned that the lakes were pretty much a secret for a long time, well hidden from visitors. Well, the secret is out and its a wonderful find should you visit Kalamata.

The trekking path is about three kilometers long.  The names of the lakes you’ll encounter are considered quite interesting.  A few include Mavrolimna (black lake), Tou Tucherou (of Tucherou), Tou Italou (of the Italian), Tou Panagou (of Panagou) and Stathoula (a girl’s name). Kadi Lake features the biggest waterfalls that drop from a height of 25 meters.

Here’s a sign for the explanation for the name of  Tou Italou.  There’s a story indeed!

How to Get to Polylimnio Waterfalls

The waterfalls are located in a region about 30 miles from the city of Kalamata in the Peloponnese.

Follow the road from Kalamata to Pylos all the way to the village of Kazarma and the village of Charavgi. From Charavgi you can locate the walking path to Polylimnio.

There will be a sign pointing in the direction of Polylimnio on the main road.

Tips for Hiking to Polylimnio

• Pack your bathing suit. Some people hiked in their swimwear due to the heat.
• I wore slippers and found it quite slippery. I suggest you wear rubber soled shoes to be sure.
• Bug spray!
• Wear a hat. The sun is strong. You might not find shade once you are at the lakes.
• If you want, pack a light snack, some food and a bottle of water. There are no places to buy refreshments along the trail. You might decide to enjoy the waterfalls all day so it would be good to have something to munch on should you get hungry.

Have you ever been to the Polylimnio Waterfalls or any destination in the Messenia region of Greece?