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The only Greek river “of feminine gender”

According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a Nymph, a goddess of waters. Neda together with two other Nymphs, Theisoa and Hagno, nursed the infant Zeus after his birth and saved the divine infant from Cronus, who ate his own children. The springs of Neda are on the foothill of Mount Lykaion. In Phigaleia Neda takes up the waters of the Lymax affluent where the “White Water” (“Aspro Nero”) waterfall is formed. Lymax, Neda’s affluent, took its name after Rhea’s labor, because when she gave birth to Zeus on Mount Lykaion the Nymphs threw the waste matter (“lymata” in Greek) of the labor to this river. In the location where the Lymax’s waters merge with Neda’s waters  there was the sacred temple of Eurynome. The temple was built to the east of Phigaleia city at an inaccessible, rough and rocky location at the edge of the steep and large rock where the “White Water” waterfall is formed.

One of the last natural paradises

The routes combine the unique natural beauty of the gorge with waterfalls, natural tunnels, and the vegetation of the area along with the opulent cultural and monumental profile of Ancient Phigaleia.

The huge plane tree of the amphitheatrical area of the Ancient Krini, which is situated in the eastern edge of the Phigaleia, is proposed as the starting point. After crossing the narrow backstreets of the stone-built settlement, with direction to the south, after 500 meters we reach the edge of the gorge. From this point, a picturesque declivitous path, with wooden steps and handrails so that it can be accessible to the public, leads to the “White Water” waterfall on the conflux of the Lymax affluent and Neda River.From the wooden bridge the visitor gets astonished by the waterfall's view. The waters, which fall from 60 meters high, break into foam and whiten, while the age-long plane trees, the enormous holm-oaks, the wild fig trees, the honeysuckles, the laurels, the wild woodbines, the willow trees, and the oak trees rustle composing a magnificent, charming and fascinating landscape. From the “White Water” waterfall the daring visitors can cross the gorge in the summer following the flow of the pellucid Neda’s waters. The gorge hides an enormous variety of images – monuments of nature which make it attractive. In almost two hours we encounter the arched stone-built bridge which joins Elia with Messinia. From there, following the river bed or the shaped track at the northern edge of the bed, we reach “Stomio” where the river vanishes roaring in a tunnel of 100 meters.  Until that point the river was floatable in antiquity. From there the river bed expands ending smoothly in the Gulf of Kyparrisia. The area of Stomio is the most impressive point of the gorge. On the red rocks that overhang the gorge, we find the little church of Panagitsa and the cave of an anchorite. Right of the bed, while crossing a wooden bridge for pedestrians, we see the Marathonias affluent descending. Concealed 50 meters further up there is a unique monument of nature which takes the visitor away to images of exotic islands. Among the enormous plane trees emerges the waterfall of Stomio and the blue lake which is formed by the steep descend of water. The lake is excellent for swimming.From Stomio, you have to return back from the shaped track at the edge of the river bed and ascend smoothly to Ancient Phigaleia. The path ends in the South West Gate of the wall of Ancient Phigaleia where the visitor will wander in the rich monumental profile of the Archeological site which is adjacent to the west of the settlement of Ancient Phigaleia. The errantry in Ancient Phigaleia and Neda is exciting. With good company, food, summer clothes, a bathing suit, the proper shoes and enough patience and reciprocal help for the difficulties, you will really enjoy your time there.

How will you get there?

From Athens: Athens - Korinthos –Tripoli – Megalopoli – Andritsena - Temple of Apollo Epicurius - Perivolia – Phigaleia (250 km)
From Patra:  Patra – Pyrgos – Zacharo - N. Phigaleia – Petralona - Perivolia – Ancient Phigaleia