Arcadia between the Menalon Trail and cultural heritage

The Menalon Trail is located in Arcadia, on the Peloponnese in Greece. It is an excellent starting point for getting to know the region’s nature and villages; museums, archaeological sites and winter sports also invite visitors to plan very different kinds of trips.

The Menalon Trail and outdoor activities

The 75-kilometre Menalon Trail connects nine traditional stone-built villages: Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana, Valtetsiniko and Lagadia. The route provides a clear theme for a trip focused on trails and villages. Rafting and kayaking are possible on the Lousios River. A trail also leads from Prodromos Monastery to Philosophou Monastery on the other side of the Lousios Gorge; local trail conditions may vary.

Museums and archaeological sites

In Dimitsana, the Open-Air Water Power Museum near the Lousios River illustrates the importance of water power in traditional society. The restored traditional facilities include mechanisms operated by water power. The Archaeological Museum of Tripoli preserves objects from excavations at various sites in Arcadia. The Archaeological Museum of Tegea focuses on the foundation and development of Tegea, considered the most powerful city in ancient Arcadia. Particular attention is given to the Sanctuary of Athena Alea, designed by the famous sculptor Skopas.

The archaeological site of Mantineia is known for the remains of its fortification wall, agora, theatre and public buildings. Visitors can begin their visit at Gortsouli Hill, about one kilometre north of Mantineia. A museum at the site of ancient Lykosoura houses finds from local excavations. From 1 November to 31 March, visits are possible by prior request to the Archaeological Museum of Tripoli; confirm the visiting arrangements before travelling.

Gortyna and Orchomenos also offer different insights into ancient Arcadia: the archaeological site of Gortyna includes baths and the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The ancient theatre of Orchomenos dates from the Hellenistic period and is one of four ancient theatres that can be visited in Arcadia.

Landscape and structures along the Lousios

The Lousios Gorge, the Mylaon gorges and the rocky terrain of Lagadia have the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in all of Arcadia, including many rare or unusual species. The habitats in the Menalon Trail area are considered relatively undisturbed and are home to the full biodiversity of the geographical region.

The monasteries in the Lousios Gorge are almost entirely carved into the rock. Prodromos Monastery is built almost entirely into a recess in a cliff face about 600 metres high; part of the building is located in a cave in the cliff. Karytaina Castle dates from the 13th century. It offers panoramic views of the amphitheatrically arranged village and the Lousios Gorge. Mount Lykaion lies on the border between Arcadia and Messenia.

Winter sports and regional cuisine

The Mainalon ski resort attracts visitors for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. The slopes of the Mainalo Ski Centre are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers. As weather and operating conditions vary, check the latest conditions before visiting. This makes it easy to distinguish winter sports as a separate focus from hiking and river activities.

Well-known dishes from Arcadia include rooster and rabbit with chylopites. You can sample traditional Arcadian dishes in tavernas. When planning your hotel stay, it is worth first deciding what interests you most: hiking and river activities call for a different focus than days devoted mainly to museums and archaeological sites. Choose a suitable location for your search based on the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Orini Meligou, Nestani, Dara, Levidi, Arcadia, Kosmas, Megalopoli, Karkalou, Vastas, Kamara, Leondari, Chranoi, Agios Andreas, Tyros, Spatharis, Koutroufa, Leptini, Manthirea, Nymfasia, Astros, Leonidio, Valtessiniko, Trípolis, Vitína, Xiropigado, Aghios Petros, Paralio Astros, Ellinikon, Dimitsana, Pragmateftis, Stemnitsa, Karítaina, Kapsas Mantineia, Sampatiki, Langadia, Zatouna, Poulithra, Isaris

To the main travel overview: Peloponnese.