A guide to everything you can see and do in one of Greeces most beautiful mountain regions.
Stone-built villages that are true museums of traditional architecture, atmospheric guesthouses, traditional gastronomy and an absolute connection with nature. A mountain paradise in the heart of the Peloponnese. The villages of Mainalo in Mountainous Arcadia are a beloved and always popular winter (and not only) destination for short and long escapes a stone’s throw from Athens. One visit is certainly not enough. Mountainous Arcadia is the place you want to keep returning to, to discover yet another hidden treasure.
Escape to Mainalo
Following the Athens–Tripoli national highway and after about two hours of driving, you find yourself in the heart of fir-clad Mainalo. This mountain, at nearly 2,000 meters high, is the very soul of Arcadia. It dominates the center of the Peloponnese and stands out for its natural wealth and beauty. Levidi, the first large village you will encounter on theroad coming from Athens, will impress you with its stone-built houses and lively square. From here it’s worth visiting the ancient theater of Orchomenos, as well as the unique Kapsia Cave, ranked among the ten most notable caves in Greece.
At an elevation of 1,033 meters on Mount Mainalo, in a lush area of pines, firs and chestnut trees, lies Vytina, one of the most popular mountain villages of the Peloponnese. It was the first settlement to develop tourism thanks to its proximity to the Mainalo ski center. Along the village’s little lanes, homes and mansions of local black marble prevail. The heart of Vytina beats in the square with the stone-built church of Agios Tryfon. Around it you’ll find most of the shops with local products, cafes-bars and tavernas serving regional specialties. One of the most popular spots is the «Road of Love», a romantic route amid tall trees that change color with the seasons.
Dimitsana gives you a palpable sense of how close you are to the Lousios River, as it gazes from above over the plain of Megalopolis. Cobbled alleys, Byzantine churches and soaring mansions compose this historic village, which has been designated a traditional settlement. The residence of Palaion Patron Germanos and the historic library, which hosts rare editions, will be on your way as you wander the picturesque streets. Just outside Dimitsana, it’s worth stopping at Greece’s one and only Open-Air Water Power Museum, which showcases the importance of hydropower in traditional society.
Just 9 km further on, you’ll reach Stemnitsa, one of the most beautiful and historic villages of Arcadia. Built amphitheatrically on the western slopes of Mainalo at 1,100 m., it enchants with its imposing tower houses, cobbled lanes, and its Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches. The elaborate bell tower of Agios Georgios, visible from afar, will lead you to the lovely and always lively central square. The village has a noteworthy folklore museum, as well as the Stemnitsa Silversmithing School, one of the very few in Greece.
Between Stemnitsa and Dimitsana, the historic Monastery of Timios Prodromos, literally wedged, almost hanging from the towering vertical rock, seems to hover over the Lousios gorge. It is one of the largest and most beautiful monasteries in the Peloponnese. From the monastery’s balcony, you’ll revel in sweeping views of the gorge’s wild beauty. From the path that descends to the Lousios and traverses the gorge, you can reach the Philosophou Monastery. At a point where the riverbed narrows there is a small bridge that crosses to the opposite bank. Philosophou Monastery consists of two monastic complexes, an old one and a newer one, located a short distance from each other.
Among the most picturesque and historic settlements of Arcadia is Karytaina. Built on the slope of a rock at the southwestern edge of Mountainous Arcadia, it is a true jewel of the area. Old Byzantine churches, mansions, fountains, bridges and the impressive castle crowning the rock set the scene in the declared traditional settlement of Karytaina, which preserves the character of a medieval castle-town and transports visitors back in time. Nikos Kazantzakis, in «Travelling in the Morea», called Karytaina the «Toledo of Greece».
A lesser-known village between Stemnitsa and Karytaina, Elliniko, built upon three verdant hills, has in recent years become an ideal destination for those seeking quiet escapes in nature’s embrace. In the central square of Agia Triada, you’ll be impressed by the imposing two-storey school building that once housed the village’s primary school.
Equally beautiful is Lagadia, a village famed for its master stone builders and stonemasons. Perched on a steep mountain slope, it is known as the «hanging village of the Peloponnese» due to its location. The houses, churches, fountains and uphill cobbled alleys are true masterpieces of stone architecture.
Near Dimitsana, on the opposite side of the Lousios gorge, lies Zatouna, an exceedingly picturesque village that charms visitors with the Gortynian architecture of its houses. Standing out among its buildings is the old primary school, which today houses a museum dedicated to Mikis Theodorakis, who lived in Zatouna as an exile.
Beyond the region’s well-known destinations, there are other equally picturesque villages worth discovering. You’ll enjoy lovely strolls in Magouliana (the highest inhabited village in the Peloponnese), Valtessiniko, Alonistaina, the small and uninhabited Limbovisi(the village of Kolokotronis), Raftis, Piana and Chrysovitsi. All are wonderful and have their own charm and authenticity.
Activities in nature
At 15 km long and about 2 km wide, the Lousios Gorge is one of Arcadia’s most important sights and among the most impressive gorges in Greece. Lush vegetation, old bridges, fulling tubs and watermills create a beautiful scene, and traversing the gorge is a unique experience for visitors. A typical route starts from the new Philosophou Monastery and, following the path, passes the old Philosophou Monastery, then descends to the Lousios, climbs up to the Monastery of Prodromos and finally ends at Ancient Gortyna (duration about 2 hours). The Lousios River is also ideal for those who love rafting and for anyone wanting their first introduction to the sport.
One of the best ways to get to know the area is by hiking the famous Menalon Trail. The first trail in Greece certified by the ERA (European Ramblers Association) stretches for 75 km, passing through historic Arcadian settlements (Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana,Valtessiniko,Lagadia). The trail passes all the historic and cultural sights of these areas, while at the same time interconnecting with an endless side network. Menalon Trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty. The Stemnitsa-Dimitsana section is the most popular for a one-day hike.
Ski lovers will surely appreciate the Mainalo Ski Center, located on the Ostrakina plateau at 1,600 m., below the mountain’s highest peak (1,981 m.). The ski area offers seven runs, three lifts, a snowboard park and a chalet. It’s ideal for learning to ski as well as for fun in the snow.
Accommodation
Levidi
- Built on the highest hill of the village of Levidi, near Vytina, the Villa Vager revives the memories of the past with great respect and transports the visitor to another era.
- Menalia Villas & Suitesis a true architectural gem at the foot of Mainalo. Its stone-built guesthouses will delight even the most demanding visitor.
Vytina
- Arca Deorum, in the heart of Vytina, is a boutique refuge that blends the authenticity of stone with contemporary aesthetics, offering a distinctive stay where comfort, luxury and nature coexist in harmony.
- In one of the most beautiful spots in Vytina you’ll find AIORA, a true hospitality jewel where Arcadian tradition meets comfort and luxury.
- The 20 rooms of the Grand Vytina Hotel & Suites exude an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility, while the amenities and modern comforts satisfy even the most exacting guests.
Valtessiniko
- Melato Houses offers high-aesthetic, fully equipped apartments with excellent views over the village, ideal for those seeking peace and special moments in nature.
Lagadia
- In the heart of the historic village of Lagadia, Gileri Eco & Design Residences combines the warmth of traditional architecture with a contemporary, eco-friendly hospitality philosophy.
- Kentrikon Hotel is one of the area’s oldest hotels, with a long tradition of hospitality. It is housed in a three-story stone building that dominates the center of the village.
- At Lagadia 4 Seasons, refined luxury and local character meet to create a romantic paradise in the Arcadian mountains.
- At Lagadia Resort the local architectural tradition meets advanced boutique luxury.It offers a bouquet of excellent amenities, the most impressive being the chalet-style suites.
Dimitsana
- Theonimfi Guesthouse, on Dimitsana’s central square, offers four beautiful and spacious rooms, in the style of an old manor house.
- Built on a slope directly below Dimitsana’s small theater, Baroutomilos is a hotel-jewel that elevates the art of hospitality with exceptional amenities.
Stemnitsa
- Trikolonion Country Hotel welcomes you in the heart of Stemnitsa. Its 14 luxury rooms and 4 suites will impress you from the first moment with their simple, warm atmosphere.
- Tsarbou Guesthouse is just a few steps from the central square. The old Tsarbou mansion, built in 1875, was restored in 2009 and transformed into a cozy retreat with touches of discreet luxury and impeccable aesthetics.
Chrysovitsi
- On a 26-acre estate at the 4th km of the Chrysovitsi–Stemnitsa provincial road, All Seasons Paradise comprises 11 separate chalets set apart from one another, with double, triple, quadruple and family suites offering a wealth of comforts. Plus rich facilities and many activities for young and old.
Karytaina
- Petra Thea Villa Karitaina is a stone-built villa ideal for families and groups of friends. It stands in a wonderful location below Karytaina’s medieval castle and beside the Alfeios and Lousios rivers.
Taste
Levidi
- Make a stop at the famous Koubouris tavern-grill for roast pork with crispy crackling, kokoretsi and kontosouvli.
Vytina
- With a long history since 1990, Maestro patisserie preserves Arcadian tradition with recipes over a hundred years old. Beyond Vytina’s central square, you’ll also find shops in Levidi and Tripoli – all with the same excellent quality and service.
- At Klimataria, Vytina’s oldest taverna, they cook as if at home. Try the pies with homemade pastry and the cured pork.
- Kokkina Pitharia is a renowned restaurant that marries tradition with creative cuisine.
Dimitsana
- A steady favorite in Dimitsana, Kapileio ton Athanaton is a warm, unpretentious taverna with tasty food.
Good choices too are Kioupi and Drymonas.
Stemnitsa
- On the village square, the traditional taverna Stemnitsa serves excellent grilled meats and stews.
- Naturally, stop at the traditional café Gerousia for tsipouro with fine meze and homemade sweets.
- The trip to the village of Psari, very close to Stemnitsa, is worth it to eat at Arkadiani. Beyond the good restaurant, the multi-space includes a workshop producing traditional products and a cooking museum.
Markou
- A classic stop for food lovers is the traditional little taverna Zerzova.
