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Menalon Trail (Peloponnese) self-guided 2024
Reis code: MTWT314I
Type tocht: Hiking-strenuous
Reis type: Self-guided trekking
Gebied: Peloponnese
Aantal dagen: 8 (may be extended with rest days)
Dag 1

To Stemnitsa (MT-A)

Arrival in Stemnitsa from Athens or Kalamata airport. Today or tomorrow morning before departure you visit the Menalon trail office in the central square of Stemnitsa for the map and T-shirt (1 per booking) and a briefing.
Stemnitsa is traditionally the village of goldsmiths and still houses the Stemnitsa's Silver and Goldsmith School. There is also a nice folk museum.

Dag 2

From Stemnitsa along the Lousios gorge to Dimitsana (MT-01/ GR00158)

Departing from Stemnitsa the path zigzags down into the valley and via an old mule track you reach the Prodomos Monastery hanging on the high cliffs. After a visit, you continue the path that traverses the gorge. You may ascend to the Old Philosophou Monastery dating back to 963 before continuing to the New Philosophou Monastery that was founded in 1691.
Through lush vegetation you ascend via the left bank of the Lousios River towards Dimitsana. Via the Tzani bridge you go across the river and come to the very interesting Open Air Water Power Museum. Nearby you find watermills and gun powder mills, that made the fame and wealth of Dimitsana, a town built on the ruins of ancient Theftis.

alking time/distance: 5h / 13,0km
ascent/descent: 780m / 910m
start/finish: Stemnitsa / Dimitsana

Dag 3

From Dimitsana via Zygovisti to Elati (MT-02/GR00159)

The section Dimitsana-Zygovisti ascends from the Lousios valley to the outskirts of the fir forest. The footpath ascends gently . From the church of St. Paraskevi you will enjoy splendid views of the median basin of Lousios river with the settlements of Dimitsana, Paliochori and Zatouna standing out in the wooded landscape.
You continue via footpaths and dirt roads through old agricultural fields with remarkable threshing floors. Zygovisti played an important role in the Greek independence war of 1821. There is a big Memorial dedicated to this fact.
After a break at the local café the route continues and straddles the Western Menalon massif. First through a beautiful ravine to the country church of Agios Georgios and the adjacent spring. Then the tracks goes uphill through dense forests until the saddle from where you can optionally ascend the Pliovouni summit of 1643m, the highest peak of this route. After this demanding section, you descend via small roads and paths, along fountains and chapels, to the mountain settlement of Elati.
The walk may be shortened for 4.2km by starting in Zygovisti (taxi, own cost).

walking time/distance: 7h / 19,5km
ascent/descent: 1215m / 995m 
start/finish: Dimitsana / Elati

Dag 4

From Elati along springs and the Milaon river to Vytina (MT-03/GR00160)

You may visit the woodcraft workshop before descending from Elati to the riverbed of the Milaon River. You come past the Pirgaki Springs that supply Vytina with water and then the stone built Makrinou Fountain, a nice place for a short break.
Further along the river the vegetation becomes even more rich with high plane trees. You come past abandoned watermills and across a nice wooden bridge. Then you leave the valley and zigzag uphill via a path carved in rock to the Artotsi Fountain. Nearby is the Agia Paraskevi church from which you have great views over the valley and mountain. Via small roads you reach Vytina. Serving as the center village of the region, it offers all facilities and nice local food.

walking time/distance: 3h / 9,0km
ascent/descent: 350m / 500m
start/finish: Elati / Vytina

Dag 5

From Vytina past the Zarzi bridge to Nymfasia (MT-04/GR00161)

From Vytina you head back to the Artotsi Fountain and descend via a zigzagging path into the valley of the Mylaon River. At the pretty wooden bridge, you now follow the river in northern direction. In the area called Zarzi, you see the very beautiful single-arch bridge of Zarzi with 2 relieving openings on the sides. The path takes you along a peculiar shaped limestone pillar.
Gradually you ascend and come to Old Vytina. Here you are back on the Menalon Trail that leads you to Mavra Litharia, a massive limestone boulder in the riverbed of the Mylaon River, thus creating an impressive gorge. You come to a second stone bridge that once secured the connection between Vytina and the western Gortynian villages.
The trail descends to a short gorge before ascending gently through a rock-and-shrub landscape. Leading through oak and spruce forests, the trail descends to Nymfasia, a small village. You follow the route towards Kernitsas Monastery and just before the monastery head to your accommodation.

walking time/distance: 4h / 11,9km
ascent/descent: 280m / 480m
start/finish: Vytina / Nymfasia

Dag 6

From Nymfasia via Magouliana to Valtesiniko (MT-05/GR00162)

You walk to the Kernitsa Bridge and ascend via a steep path to the Kernitsas Monastery, a big monastic complex surrounded by well-maintained terraced fields. After a visit you cross a dense fir forest and arrive at the Sfyrida Hermitage with a spring in front. Imagine how ascetes must have isolated themselves from the community in this mystic atmosphere.
You traverse the foot of the long steep slope of Kastro. An old pathway leads you along the Gavros Spring. You enter the small settlement of Magouliana where you may find a tavern or café. Leaving Magouliana behind, you come to a point of splendid views, surrounded by stone built threshing floors. You descend toward the old sanatorium, known as the Mana Sanatorium. A good path leads you in a gradual ascend to the nice village Valtesiniko. In the center of this village, well-known for its woodcarvers, there are many nice taverns to choose from for your evening meal.

walking time/distance: 5h30’ / 15,0km
ascent/descent: 690m / 410m
start/finish: Nymfasia / Valtesiniko

Dag 7

From Valtesiniko to Lagkadia (MT-06/GR00163)

From the upper peripheral road of Valtesiniko Village, we have splendid views over the northern plains. Via a cement road you walk up to 1250 meter. Via a footpath you walk along the ridge where the Byzantine Fortress of Valtesiniko is nested. Then you descend through open landscape with stunning views until the church of Agia Triada.
The route now traverses an extensive fir forest and you gain some altitude before going down again until the Krya Vrysi fountain. You ascend the path to the saddle and then, finally, on the western edge of this zone, you will see Lagkadia ahead. Through fields and along a small spring you come to the outskirts of Lagkadia where the Rapi Watermills are situated.
The Menalon Trail ends in the center of Lagkadia, the village of the stone builders.

walking time/distance: 5h / 14,3km
ascent/descent: 450m / 600m
start/finish: Valtesiniko / Lagkadia

Dag 8

Departure from Arkadia (MT-V)

After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. Travel to Athens or Kalamata Airport.