A new hiking network in Greece is opening up the rugged Peloponnese peninsula to travellers, offering a chance to walk the mountains and coastlines where the mythical king Odysseus is said to have lived, fought, and loved. The Peloponnese Trail Network, the largest of its kind in Greece, connects nearly 1,200 miles of ancient footpaths through small villages and historic sites, with 11 official trails already opened across five administrative regions.
The project comes as Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film The Odyssey, released this year, shines a global spotlight on the region. Shot partly in southern Messinia, the film features locations such as Nestor's Cave — where Matt Damon's Odysseus battles the Cyclops — and Methoni Castle, where Tom Holland's Telemachus awaits his father's return. The Greek concepts of xenia (hospitality) and nostos (homecoming) are central to the story, resonating with local efforts to welcome visitors.
Nikos Stakias, a former hospitality worker who spent two decades in England, Cyprus, and Athens, has returned to his birthplace to help launch the trail network. 'It's about quality of life and sharing our land,' he says. The network is designed to revive depopulated villages and draw travellers beyond the well-trodden islands. Only three in every 100 foreign tourists reached the Peloponnese in 2025, despite it being just a few hours' drive from Athens.
For UK travellers, the Peloponnese offers a less crowded alternative to the Greek islands. The region is served by direct flights from several UK airports to Athens or Kalamata, with onward car hire or bus connections. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises normal precautions for Greece, though travellers should check the latest travel advice before departure. Comprehensive travel insurance covering hiking activities and medical evacuation is strongly recommended, as some trails are remote.
Luxury accommodation is expanding, with W Hotels and Mandarin Oriental already open at Costa Navarino, and Four Seasons and Six Senses expected to follow. Costs for a week's self-guided hiking trip, including flights, transfers, and accommodation, start from around £800 per person, depending on the season. Visas are not required for UK passport holders for stays up to 90 days, as Greece is part of the Schengen area.