The Greek Mountaineering Club of Molai and Southeastern Laconia (E.O.S M.N.A.L) is set to embark on a thrilling hiking expedition over the weekend of August 9-10, 2025. Participants will have the unique opportunity to climb to the highest peak in the Peloponnese, standing proudly at 2,407 meters, while relishing the breathtaking view of the sunrise above the earliest pyramid in the world.
The hiking route will follow the trail from the Shelter to Gouves and then to Portes, culminating at Prophet Elijah Peak (2,407 m) before returning along the same path. This majestic mountain, Taygetus, is steeped in history and rich in mythological traditions. It derives its name from Taygeta, one of the Pleiades, daughters of Atlas and Pleione, who, according to myth, transformed into stars in the constellation Taurus because they could not bear to witness their father’s pain as he held up the sky.
The mountain is also linked to ancient deities; Taygeta is thought to have been a local goddess, likely associated with Artemis, the goddess of hunting. The ancient writer Pausanias noted how her mother, Leto, gazed proudly at her immortal daughter as she hunted on the slopes of Taygetus.
Participants should prepare for potential modifications to the hiking itinerary, influenced by weather conditions, trail difficulty, and the capabilities of group members. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, a hat, a headlamp, sunglasses, a backpack with personal items, ample water (at least 1 liter), energy snacks, and, most importantly, a spirit of camaraderie and enthusiasm.
First Group: Departure is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 AM from Molai with private vehicles to the Taygetus Shelter (meeting point: Supermarket Afoi Panagiotopoulou). An unforgettable overnight stay atop Taygetus awaits, as participants embrace the sky. The sunset will paint the silence in hues of gold and crimson—a truly indescribable experience. Preparations must include appropriate gear for low temperatures, even in summer, such as a four-season sleeping bag, warm fleece clothing, windbreakers, hats, and gloves, as it can be quite cold at the peak.
To join, communication with the coordinators is required by Friday afternoon at the latest.
Coordinators: Eleni Michalvei, 6975853308 – Anastasios Priftakis, 6976866517.
Second Group: Departure is set for Sunday at 1:30 AM from Molai with private vehicles to the Taygetus Shelter (meeting point: Supermarket Afoi Panagiotopoulou). The hiking journey will commence around 3:30 AM.
Again, interested participants must reach out to the coordinators by Friday afternoon.
Coordinators: Andreas Kritikos, 6977212475 – Dimitris-Mironas Liaros, 6938426877.
Join this exciting adventure through history and nature, where the richness of the Greek landscape combines the thrill of mountaineering with the allure of ancient mythology.
