The Neda Gorge and Waterfalls
The Neda Gorge and Waterfalls
The river Neda took its name from the nymph Neda and is located in the Peloponnese forming the natural border of the prefectures of Ilia and Messinia, while it flows into the Ionian Sea.
According to the myth, when Rhea gave birth to Zeus, on Mount Lycaion, she entrusted his upbringing to Neda and two other nymphs, Theisoa and Agno. The nymphs held and nursed the divine infant, sparing him from the teeth of his father, who was in the habit of eating his own children. Neda gave her name to the river and thus nourished the legends and traditions in the surrounding areas.
The drive through the area is breathtaking with many parts of the river truly resembling a jungle. Crossing the river is a unique experience especially for adventure lovers.
The Neda gorge, which is also crossed by the river of the same name, is a well-kept secret that rewards whoever discovers it.
The whole landscape in the mountains on a route of ravines drowned in vegetation is of rare beauty. The main features of the vegetation are plane trees, wild oaks, figs and holly trees, while all together in combination with the running water and the stones of the river create a fairytale setting.
The Stomio, a large dark “tunnel” of about 200 meters through which the river disappears is one of the most impressive spots. It’s a normal cave with stalactites and… bats that Neda leaks.
The vegetation literally hangs from the rocks and rocks forming various formations from long years of erosion. The spot with the chapel of Panagia is also beautiful.
Along the route you will also come across waterfalls with the largest one being near Figalia and having a height of about 50 meters.
In the area there are also many hiking trails for nature lovers and it would be good to ask the locals for information and well-kept secrets!
In the summer you will have the opportunity to take cool dips while you should know that in several places the water is deep and you should be especially careful and ask for professional guidance!
