➀ Leave Kardamyli (Καρδαμύλη) by taking the street heading east, from which a green sign dedicated to hikers indicates the route “Petrovouni – St. Sofia”. The road rises, and after 700 m, take the path that goes to the left, identified by a green sign indicating the direction of Petrovouni. Note that for the next 3 kilometers you will follow a hiking route materialized by white markers on a red background. You then follow a magnificent stone path whose bends take you to the top of a promontory which dominates Kardamyli. The panorama there is spectacular. Take the path on the right, which takes you through the hamlet of Petrovouni (Πετροβουνί). Take the small road on the left, pass in front of the cemetery, then take the cement track which climbs on the right. 300 m further, the track splits in two: continue straight. Then 200 m later, at the fork, turn right towards the south. In this portion, you can enjoy beautiful views of the highest peaks of the Taygetos mountain range. The path then branches off again to the east to descend into a green hollow. To do this, you will first have to follow the red and white beacons through the maze of terraces of an olive grove. They will also guide you to go up on the opposite side. Before reaching the village of Proastio, take a look at the ruins of the Monastery of Saint George (Μονή Αγίου Γεωργίου) protected by a hedge of cypresses.

➁ Proastio (Προάστιο), 1h45 from Kardamyli. Take the time to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets of this village, which is both austere and full of charm. The page of the excellent “Mani Guide” site dedicated to Proastio will allow you to take full advantage of its architectural marvels, and in particular its many churches. No restaurant in the village apparently.
Continue east taking the road that leads to the village of Neochori (Νεοχώρι). It crosses the gorges of Noupantis thanks to a remarkable stone bridge, built in the 1930s. Just past the bridge, a green sign directs hikers to a trail you can follow to cut off the long right bend in the road. You can continue on this quiet road, or rather choose the track which goes on the right which gets to the road again 1500 m further on. The road follows a south-east direction, until a 90 degree junction, with the asphalt road on the left and a dirt track on the right. Choose the track. The descent to Stoupa is fast, but will give you time to choose the appropriate qualifiers to evoke the panorama that is offered to you. You still have to cross the village of Lefktro (Λεύκτρο), then that of Stoupa (Στούπα), before enjoying a refreshment along its pleasant beach.

➂ Stoupa (Στούπα), 1h45 from Proastio.