OVERVIEW
The Menalon Trail is the first hiking path in Greece that won the Leading Quality Trail (LQT) award of the European Ramblers Associations.( ERA ). It is 75 km long and passes through nine villages. The hiker that will choose this trail will have the chance to walk at an altitude of more than 1000 meters and to stay in 6 of the most beautiful traditional villages in the region. The hiking route goes through the rich in flora and history western part of the Menalon Mountain – in the region of Arkadia, in the center of the Peloponese. The traveler will walk among pine, cypruss and fir trees, will see the magical gorge created by the Lousios River, will taste various local delicatessen and will have the chance to visit historical monasteries.
Tour Facts
Total Distance: 76km
Duration:6 nights, 5 days walking
Minimum Daily Distance: 8,5km
Maximum Daily Distance: 21,1km
Code: MLT03 Grade: Moderate
Season: March to November
Start of holiday: Stemnitsa
End of Holiday: Lagadia
Distance from Athens: 196km Approx. 2h 45min
5
Days Walking & Trekking
76 km
Total Distance
15.2km
Average Daily Walking
Highlights
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Majestic view of Lousios Gorge
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The Holy Monastery of the Philosopher
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Aimyalon Monastery
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The Open Air Water Power Museum in Dimitsana
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Traditional cuisine with good, local products
Mainalon Trail
Trip Code: MLT03
Self-Guided
5 Days Hiking
Walking & Trekking
March to November
Moderate
MODERATE
6 Days from
680€
DAY 1 ARRIVAL TO STEMNITSA VILLAGE
Transfer from Athens to Stemnitsa by private Car. Approximately 2 hours 45min
DAY 2 WALK FROM STEMNITSA TO DIMITSANA
STEMNITSA - DIMITSANA
Length: 12,8 km
Ascent: 716 m
Descent: 830 m
Elevation difference: 693 m
Flat walking: 2,97 km
Ascent length: 5,02 km
Descent length: 4,83 km
Duration (approximately): 5 hours
Difficulty 2/5
The trail starts from the beautiful village of Stemnitsa. It is well marked and heading to the Prodromos Monastery which is nested under the rocks of Lousios gorge. Afterwards it crosses the river through the Philosophou Bridge, and it ascends to the Old Philosophou Monastery with the great view of the gorge, ending up to the New Philosophou Monastery. There, after a small rest you can continue heading towards the Open-Air Water Power Museum. Even though you can go across the museum you can pay a visit to the watermills. From here the path follows a combination of roads and finally arrives at the historic village of Dimitsana.
DAY 3 WALK FROM DIMITSANA TO ELATI
DIMITSANA-ZYGOVISTI
Length: 4,2 km
Ascent: 269 m
Descent: 71m
Elevation difference: 197 m
Flat walking: 1,43 km
Ascent length: 2,02 km
Descent length: 0,79 km
Duration (approximately): 1 hour 40 min.
Difficulty 1/5
ZYGOVISTI-ELATI
Length: 15,5 km
Ascent: 559m
Descent: 520m
Elevation difference: 433m
Flat walking: 5,18km
Ascent length: 4,35km
Descent length: 5,92km
Duration (approximately): 5 hours 30min
Difficulty 2/5
The trail begins at Dimitsana and goes up offering an amazing view of the village. It is a soft slope and what is interesting about it is the Chapel of Saint Paraskevi and the panorama it offers towards the three villages: Dimitsana,Zatouna, and Paliochori.
Zigovitsi is a beautiful little village where a break is needed in order to renew our supplies since there is no other village till Elati. The trail goes on with a quite steep slope and then we pass through the beautiful forest of west Menalon. There is the chance, if we take a small detour, to climb up to Pliovounio Peak at 1643 m which is the highest spot of the Menalon Trail. The whole route till Elati has all the necessary signs and marks for hikers.
DAY 4 WALK FROM ELATI TO VITINA
ELATI-VITINA
Length: 8,5 km
Ascent: 234 m
Descent: 375m
Elevation difference: - 141 m
Duration (approximately): 2 hours 30min
Difficulty 2/5
It is one of the most beautiful segments of the Menalon Trail as we walk at some point parallel to the Mylaon river bank. It is an easy path with plenty of signs which leads to the larger village of Vitina. There are plenty of opportunities to rest, to have something to eat or some coffee, or even buy local products in this charming mountain village.
DAY 5 WALK FROM VITINA TO VALTESINIKO
VITINA-NYMPHASIA
Length: 5,6km
Ascent: 235m
Descent: 339m
Elevation difference: - 104 m
Duration (approximately): 2 hours
Difficulty 2/5
NYMPHASIA-MAGOULIANA
Length: 8,9km
Ascent: 660m
Descent: 364m
Elevation difference: 296m
Duration (approximately): 3 hours 30 mins
Difficulty 2/5
MAGOULIANA—VALTESINIKO
Length: 6,6km
Ascent: 167m
Descent: 301m
Elevation difference: -134 m
Duration (approximately): 2 hours 30 mins
Difficulty 2/5
Starting from Vitina the trail continues close to the Mylaon river. The stone bridge of Tzavaraina is a beautiful spot on the trip. The path then goes up and gets to the small village of Nymfasia. Coming out from the village the road descends towards the bridge of Kernitsa. Then we follow the road that goes up to the impressive Monastery of Kernitsa.
Later we will come across the monastery retreat at Sfyrida where we can have a rest by the spring. The trail continues through the forest and takes us up to the village Magouliana. Continuing with the last part of a challenging day the path takes us to a spot where we can admire the amphitheatre like view of the village. After crossing the Mikros Potamos Valley we will get to the village Valtesiniko with great options for a good meal. This whole segment is well marked with hiking signs.
DAY 6 WALK FROM VALTESINIKO TO LAGADIA
VALTESINIKO-LAGADIA
Length: 13,9 km
Ascent: 596m
Descent: 775m
Elevation difference: -179 m
Duration (approximately): 5 hours
Difficulty 2/5
The last part of the route passes by the impressive school building in the village and offers a panoramic view all the way to the last houses. The path gets through a thick forest and ends up in the village of Langadia. There are plenty of trail signs and the village offers a lot of choices when it comes to food, accommodation or entertainment.
DAY 7 FREE MORNING & RETURN TO ATHENS
After a hearty breakfast we enjoy our free morning exploring this small picturesque village. Afterward, we return to Athens by private Car. Approximately 2 hours 45min.
Please note that the length of the trip does not include the distance from the path to your overnight accommodation.
About Route
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The trail starts at the picturesque village of Stemnitsa and after 75 km ends in the village of Langadia. The trail is described as moderate, with an average daily mileage of 12 kms with enough hiking signs and sufficient path maintenance. Most of the route is made up of forest paths that are quite easy to walk on.
Time of Year
The Menalon Trail offers something different to hikers every season and it is sure that they will enjoy the trail regardless of the month. The route is at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters, so, when it comes to temperatures, the ideal period is from April till the end of June. In summer (July and August) hikers will have to be properly prepared to deal with higher temperatures, often over 30 degrees Celsius. Those who choose autumn will be rewarded with seeing the amazing colours of nature there.
Navigation
The package you will get from us includes maps of the region and tour details that will help you find your way. The paths are very well maintained and there will be no missing signs or marks.
Experience & Fitness
This route is suitable for people with a basic physical condition. It is considered moderate as it implies walking for more than 20 kms. Also the average daily trail is of about 15 kms on tracks that are not particularly challenging.
Travel Insurance
Insurance does not included in the price. We strongly advise you to purchase one which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Equipment
For this trip you don’t need to have some special hiking equipment with you.All you have to do is take the basic stuff that you will find listed in the information pack that will be sent to you.
Meals
Breakfast is included. For lunch you can either make something easy with the things you can buy at the local markets and just take it with you or maybe stop in a taverna en route.For dinner you can eat at local tavernas in the villages where you will be staying, or even enjoy a traditional dinner at the place of your accomodation.During this trip you will have the chance to try unique local specialities such as the traditional trahana - a pasta like mixture of grains and fermented yogurt, or the pasto - smoked dried pork.Visitors should not leave without having tried first the renowned traditional spoon sweets there, made from local raw materials.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Since some destinations are quite popular during high season finding an accomodation may be a bit difficult so we would advise you to do the booking as soon as you know your holiday plans.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
If you want to skip a part of the trail you can call a local taxi and go straight to the next spot where you have arranged for your accomodation.The staff at the hotel can help you with that.
The guest houses and hotels in this itinerary are generally traditional small, and family-run, 3* or 4* properties. Any accommodation has been carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and or exceptional service. All hotels and guesthouses are comfortable and fully equipped with heating, en-suite bathroom/shower, air-conditioning, telephone, and television.
Here are some of our choices so you will get a first general idea of what you can expect:
- Guest House Stemnitsa
- Hotel Archontiko
- Petrinos Pyrgos
After your booking you will be sent a detailed list with all the accommodations of the trip.
In case an accommodation we have chosen for you is fully booked, we will find a similar or better alternative.
Extra overnight:
You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way. If you wish we can also book for you before and/or after the trip a hotel in Athens.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Prices per person are for the double room. If you wish single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge.
Suggests you:
Are you interested in a trip with more hiking days? Feel free to take a look at Pelion trail.
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Select Your Trip MLT03 Menalon Trail (6 nights, 5 days walking) 680€ per person |
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not mentioned above
- Trip Insurance (strongly advised to buy one)
- Admission fee for The Open Air Water Power Museum in Dimitsana