Hikingtrip Menalon Trail

Discover Greece walking through history and unspoilt nature

A Journey Through Landscapes, History, and Local Flavor

The Menalon Trail is a breathtaking 8-day hiking package in the mountainous region surrounding Mount Menalon in the Arcadia province on the Peloponnese. This impressive trek connects several mountain villages, including Dimitsana, Vytina, and Lagkadia, which serves as the final destination. What makes this trail so special is that it mostly follows centuries-old paths—the routes that once connected villages long before asphalt roads were built.

The landscape varies from rugged mountain peaks to lush valleys, featuring diverse vegetation. As you traverse the narrow trails, you pass through dense pine and oak forests, olive groves, and green river valleys shaded by majestic plane trees. Every step takes you through a geologically young and pristine mountain area, where nature reveals its untamed beauty. The route ascends and descends depending on the terrain, making the hike both a physical challenge and a visual delight.

This region is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in historical significance. In ancient times, this area was home to a highly developed civilization, and later, Moria—the old name for the Peloponnese—played a vital role during the Byzantine era. The area is historically important for Greek independence: this is where the revolt against Turkish rule began. Dimitsana even briefly served as the seat of the first Greek Senate before it was moved to Nafplion and later to Athens, after these cities were liberated from Ottoman rule.

In addition to the picturesque mountain villages, known for their distinctive architecture and rich history, the Menalon Trail offers the opportunity to explore various archaeological sites, such as the impressive ruins of Gortys and Mainalon. You’ll also pass several monasteries, including the spectacular Prodromou Monastery, built high into the cliffs of the Lousios River Gorge, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Hiking the Menalon Trail is more than just walking—it’s a journey through time and nature, where history and beauty converge into a breathtaking adventure.

For the Experienced Hiker

This hiking week is perfect for the seasoned hiker seeking a challenge in nature. Daily hikes average about five hours, with some days slightly longer or shorter, depending on the terrain and pace. The route offers a diverse landscape, making each day a new discovery and adventure for those with prior experience hiking in varied conditions.

Book Early and Secure Your Spot!

The final booking deadline is 2 weeks before departure. However, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible. The sooner you book, the greater the chance that the trip will go ahead, and you’ll be assured of your spot. By reserving early, you help us organize the trip to perfection, ensuring we create an unforgettable experience together. Don’t wait too long—book today!

Included / excluded

Included / excluded
Practical info

Included:

Transfers to and from the airport at the travel location.
All transportation during the tour in a comfortable minibus or car.
All overnight stays based on a double room in the most beautiful hotels.
Breakfast in the hotel and dinner in taverns according to local tradition, including drinks during the meal.
All entrance and transportation tickets for activities offered during the trip.

Excluded:

Excluding flight.
Single room supplement.
All personal expenses.
All drinks and snacks outside of meals.
Travel and cancellation insurance.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunches, and dinners are provided by JUMP Travel. During breakfast, you’ll receive lunch packs and water to take along for the day’s hike.
Transportation: Transfers are arranged to drop us off at the start and pick us up at the end of each hiking day, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the walks.
Luggage: Suitcases and personal belongings can be left in Dimitsana, as they will be transported to Lagkadia, so you won’t have to carry heavy baggage during the hikes.
Packing List:
- Backpack
- Specialized hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Raincoat
- Headlamp for hiking
- Additional t-shirt and socks
- Small medical kit for allergies or personal medication

Included / excluded

Included / excluded
Practical info

Included:

Transfers to and from the airport at the travel location.
All transportation during the tour in a comfortable minibus or car.
All overnight stays based on a double room in the most beautiful hotels.
Breakfast in the hotel and dinner in taverns according to local tradition, including drinks during the meal.
All entrance and transportation tickets for activities offered during the trip.

Excluded:

Excluding flight.
Single room supplement.
All personal expenses.
All drinks and snacks outside of meals.
Travel and cancellation insurance.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunches, and dinners are provided by JUMP Travel. During breakfast, you’ll receive lunch packs and water to take along for the day’s hike.
Transportation: Transfers are arranged to drop us off at the start and pick us up at the end of each hiking day, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the walks.
Luggage: Suitcases and personal belongings can be left in Dimitsana, as they will be transported to Lagkadia, so you won’t have to carry heavy baggage during the hikes.
Packing List:
- Backpack
- Specialized hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Raincoat
- Headlamp for hiking
- Additional t-shirt and socks
- Small medical kit for allergies or personal medication

View program

Dates 2025

17 t/m 24 mei

8-day tour guided by Suzana Gulevska and Nathalie Thiele
4-12 participants.

Subject to change.

€ 1.350,-^*

Supplement single room per week € 250,-
* Excluding flight.

Book now!

Menalon Trail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kalamata

Upon arrival at Kalamata Airport, we will transfer to the charming village of Dimitsana. Afterwards, you will have the chance to explore the village and absorb the unique atmosphere of this historic location.

Day 2: The Stemnitsa Hiking Route

Today’s itinerary includes the famous Stemnitsa Hiking Route, taking us through stunning landscapes on our way to Dimitsana, where we’ll spend the evening in this picturesque mountain village.

Day 3: Dimitsana to Elati

We set out from Dimitsana, hiking through Zigovisti toward Elati. Before Elati, transportation will be arranged to take us to Lagkadia, where we will spend the remainder of our nights.

Day 4: Elati to Vytina

Our journey continues from Elati to the charming village of Vytina, an excellent base for further exploration of the region.

Day 5: Vytina to Nymfasia

Today, we hike from Vytina to the cozy village of Nymfasia, continuing our adventure through breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Day 6: Nymfasia to Magouliana and Valtesiniko

We continue from Nymfasia to Magouliana, and then to Valtesiniko, two picturesque villages offering stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Day 7: Valtesiniko to Lagkadia

The final route takes us from Valtesiniko to Lagkadia, where we conclude our hike with an impressive and fitting end to this adventure.

Day 8: Departure from Kalamata

After an unforgettable hiking journey, we transfer in the morning to Kalamata Airport, bringing our trip to a close.

View pictures

The detailed description of the trail*

Click on the section for more information.

Section 1: Stemnitsa - Dimitsana»
Time: 5h / Length: 12.5 km

The starting point of the trail is Stemnitsa, the village of goldsmiths. The village, at an altitude of 1080 meters, is built on the slopes of mount Klinitsa. It is protected as a traditional settlement and almost all the houses are stone-built and many of the mansions are three-storey buildings. The town was an important center for organizing the revolution in the period of the 1821 war of independence against the Ottoman repression. Stemnitsa served as headquarters of the First Peloponnesian Senate and was the first informal capital of the rebelled Greek nation, before it moved to the town of Nafplion which was liberated later.

The route starts from the main square of the village next to the church belfry. This dirt road is the old mule track to the Prodromos Monastery, nested high up on the sheer rock face. To the left there are great panoramic views of Megalopoli. The footpath is well designed and some parts of it are paved. It traverses an old farmland area that used to be an important winemaking region. At the church of the Transfiguration of Christ where you can take water from the fountains and rest while admiring the view of the Lousios gorge before going into the paved path that leads to the Prodromos Monastery.

Arriving at the river, where the riverbed narrows, you can cross over to the other side, where there are two monasteries. The Old Philosophou Monastery dates back to 963 and the New Philosophou Monastery which was founded in 1691. We then take the old mule track heading for Dimitsana.

The traverse of the western bank of the ravine, above land lots and old farmhouses will eventually lead us towards the Open Air Water Power Museum and the big headwaters at Agios Ioannis, the source that make the watermills, gun mills and fulling mill turn. These mills were the source of the fame and wealth of Dimitsana.
Section 2: Dimitsana - Zygovisti »
Time: 2h | Length: 4.2 km

The Dimitsana-Zigovisti hike ascends from the Lousios valley to the outskirts of the fir forest. It starts from Dimitsana and passes many important historical buildings such as the Library. Heading out from the village, take the footpath that ascends gently and reaches the first plateau, crossing a dirt road at the church of St. Paraskevi. This location offers splendid views of the basin of Lousios river with the settlements of Dimitsana, Paliochori and Zatouna visible amidst the wooded landscape.

The route to Zigovisti follows a succession of footpaths and dirt roads winding through a plain of old fields. The only clear landmark in this area is the small monastery of St. Apostoli, a dependency of the important and historically significant Emyalon Monastery.

The paved path heading to Zigovisti meanders through a number of big threshing floors, which were used to seperate the grain from chaff. After entering the centre of the village there is the Immortal Body Memorial. It is in honour of the 200 guards of Theodore Kolokotronis, leader of the 1821 Independence War. The memory of the battles, the sacrifices and the heroes of the Greek independence war of 1821 this small yet historically significant village with a great sense of patriotic pride.
Section 3: Zygovisti - Elati »
Time: 5h | Length: 14.9 km

The route from Zigovisti to Elati straddles the Western Menalon massif. Leaving Zigovisti behind, we pass the old church of Agios Ioannis and the Pera Vrisi fountain where the trailhead wends through a beautiful ravine to the country church and spring of Agios Georgios.

The route continues along a crooked dirt road until Asoves, from where an artificially reinforced footpath leads to the Bourniades Spring. Then we follow an uphill track to the Bilali Pass, that connects Radou and Stemnitsa. Slowly descending to Koskitsa plateau and ascending again. A short detour leads to the peak of Pliovouni mountain, at 1643m the highest peak of this route.

Following a steep path that loses 150 meters altitude, we enter the immense Vlachika Plateau and we walk round to its south end. From here a number of small roads and paths will lead to Paleochori fountain, passing Zoodochos Pigi chapel and following the path to the mountain settlement of Elati.
Section 4: Elati - Vytina »
Time: 2h 30′ | Length: 8.5km

This route descends from the village of Elati to the riverbed of the Milaon River, where it meets the pathway along its banks. Following the trail of which parts are paved and others not, we pass by the big water drilling rig of the Pirgaki Springs (that supplies Vytina with water) and the stone built Makrinou Fountain. We follow the dirt road for about 1 km to a place called Ellinika, situated under the hill where the acropolis of the antique city Methydrion was located. We then take the short path that intersects with the asphalt road.

Leaving the asphalt road and passing underneath the main road which connects Vytina to Dimitsana, we follow the old mule track to Vytina. This part is the richest section of this route, along Milaon River with its luscious vegetation of plane trees. We pass by three consecutive abandoned watermills. After the wooden bridge on the stream Barba, ascent a nice path carved in rock leading to Artotsi fountain. From here the path follows a small road that end in the central square. Vytina is the main village of the region and offers all the provisions and facilities.
Section 5: Vytina - Nymphasia »

Time: 2h | Length: 5.6 km

When leaving Vytina we continue on the route leading to Nymphasia. After walking for approximately 850 meters on asphalt, we reach Old Vytina and the trailhead of the footpath that will lead us to Mavra Litharia, a massive limestone boulder in the riverbed of Milaon River. This boulder cuts the stream in half, creating a short yet impressive gorge.

From here we start descending to the Tzavarenas’ bridge, a solid stone bridge that connects Vytina with the western Gortynian villages.
The path gains altitude in a unique rocky sandstone landscape, covered with shrubs and reaches an altitude of 880 meters, then levelling out towards Nymphasia, a small yet lively satellite village of Vytina.
Section 6: Nymfasia - Magouda »
Time: 3h 30′ | Length: 8.9 km

Leaving Nymphasia the route follows a small road that enters a pleasant oak forest. The trail leads downhill to cross the river at the Kernitsa Bridge. From there the trail ascends to the Kernitsas Monastery, a big monastic complex, nested on an impressive monolith boulder. Following a number of footpaths and dirt roads that cross a dense fir forest, we arrive at Sfyrida Hermitage, which a nice place to rest next to a spring.

From Sfyrida at an altitude of 1000m we ascend even further and cross through the forest until reaching the intersection for Lasta (alt. 1250 m). From here we continue in a southernly direction and traverse the foot of the long steep slope of Kastro. This horizontal trail continues along an old pathway. After we have passed the Gavros Spring, we enter Magouliana. At an altitude of 1365 m, this village is the highest situated village of the Peloponnese.
Section 7: Magouliana - Valtesiniko »

Time: 2h 30′ | Length: 6.6 km

We traverse Magouliana, the village of loggers, and arrive at the saddle to the west of the village. Here, at an intersection to Lasta, is a point with splendid views, surrounded by stone built threshing floors. Descending towards the old sanatorium, known as the Mana Sanatorium, we follow small footpaths and roads until reaching the intersection of two asphalt roads. Here is the church St. Pantes, from where the route then leads downwards toward the valley. Following the riverbed, until where the river merges into another small river, we come to a concrete bridge.

The route continues along the left bank entering Kaminia, an inner basin, tucked away at the foot of the Valtesiniko. A good path, that was once paved, ascends to Valtesiniko, intersecting the asphalt road near the square. The mountain village of Valtesiniko (the village of woodcarvers) offers many accommodation options and restaurants.
Section 8: Valtesiniko - Lagkadia »

Time: 5h | Length: 13.9 km

From Valtesiniko square, we pass by the impressive school, built in natural stone, and access the upper peripheral road of the village, from here there is a great view of the northern plains. Gaining altitude from the footpath and the cement road until we reach 1250 meters, where the footpath becomes clearer and runs along the ridge where the byzantine fortress of Valtesiniko is nested. On the descent to the small country church St. Triada, the open landscape offers stunning views.

The next part of the route traverses an extensive fir forest along a series of artificially widened paths. After a short detour to the spring at the location Grias to Lithari, we again gain some altitude before going down again to the Kria Vrisi fountain, an important spring. From here the path ascends smoothly to the asphalt road. Following the small forest road though a wooded ridge until we reach a place named Elatakos. Here is the Grilas meadow, with walnut trees, threshing floors and huts.

On the western edge of this zone, a place known as Draina Panorama, you’ll see Lagkadia. Descending down a winding track we reach the small Koubliza Spring. We then take a dirt road heading for the impressive complex of Rapi Watermills. We then enter Lagkadia and conclude the Menalon Trail at the war memorial via combination of footpaths. Lagkadia, the village of the stone builders, offers every accommodation and facility.