Spectacular Neda Gorge in Greece Listed for Protection

The Gorge of Neda, which separates the prefectures of Ilia and Messinia, in the southwestern Peloponnese, will be declared a protected landscape and natural formation, the Environment Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Deputy Minister Giorgos Amyras will sign a ministerial decision setting out the terms of protection for the area between the settlements of Stomio and Fygalia (municipality of Zacharo) and that of Platania (municipality of Trifylia).

It will include a section of the gorge, the Stomio cave and the Neda River falls.

“Neda Gorge is an exquisitely beautiful but also fragile natural ecosystem in rural Peloponnese. It should have been placed under protection long ago.

“We have begun to environmentally restore areas that affect the gorge’s geomorphology, clearing away garbage and putting our focus on the sustainable management of the ecosystem,” Amyras said.

The hike at the gorge is through an unspoiled natural environment, covered with wild vegetation of plane trees, oaks and arbutus. Narrow rocky passages, impressive ponds, waterfalls and caves add extra beauty to this unique natural landscape.

Entrance to the gorge is possible at many points, depending on the length of the route one wishes to cover. The most popular starts at the Figalia bridge, near the village Platania.

Walking in the water is unavoidable while in some parts swimming is absolutely necessary. In some other parts the help of ropes is a must to go from one bank of the river to another, says tourist guide All Over Greece.

Crossing the gorge is not that easy as there are a few parts with a moderate level of difficulty. It requires prior planning and extreme caution; however, it is definitely worth it. The best time to cross the gorge is late summer to early autumn when the amount of water is less and it is easier to walk in the river or swim a little in the deeper parts.

Gorge and Neda River

Neda River which crosses through the gorge is 31 km (19 mi) long and flows into the Gulf of Kyparissia, a bay of the Ionian Sea, near the village Giannitsochori.

It is unique in the sense that it is the only river in Greece with a feminine name.

It took its name from the nymph Neda, one of the nurses of the child Zeus. In the Messenian account, Neda, together with another nymph Ithome, brought up and bathed the infant Zeus after he was stolen by the Curetes owing to the danger threatened by his father.

These nymphs gave their name to the river Neda and mountain Ithome.

Meanwhile, the Arcadian version claimed that Neda, Anthracia, Hagno, Anchirhoe and Myrtoessa were the nurturers of the king of the gods. Neda was depicted to carry the infant god.