Menalo Trail
Menalo trail
Unspoiled Peloponesse!
Walking in Central Peloponnese is not like other typical hiking trips. Mount Menalo is not amongst the highest of the region though it hosts some of the most unique and environmentally friendly day walks. The hikes take part into splendid middle altitude highlands surrounded by traditional villages , some really well hidden from crowds. . Moreover the element of water gives a special character during the hikes as it offers to the visitor a very pleasant experience even during the summer.The combination of tradition with pure and unspoiled nature has designated Menalo a highly recommended place to visit , explore , taste and walk!
Itinerary
During the first day of your trip you will reach Vytina village 2.30 hours drive by capital Athens. There you will meet your hiking guide who will be at your side for the rest of your trip.
The trip starts with a 9.6 km hike with smooth altitude differences no more than 350 meters. The path follows the southeast direction ascending beautiful slopes covered by fir trees until reaches at 1330m altitude .After 4.30 hours you will arrive at the hidden gem of Mainalo, Alonistaina village ,where you will stay there for a couple of nights in a traditional guesthouse made by wood ,with fireplace and local breakfast. Lunch and Overnight
After breakfast you will drive to Xrisovitsi village thirty minutes away.Built at an altitude of 1,073 meters, on a slope of Mainalo overgrown with fir trees, it has a population of 33 permanent residents. Since 1998, it has been officially included among the traditional settlements of the Peloponnese.
Despite its small size, Chrysovitsi belongs to the most historic villages of Arcadia. It is considered to have been built in the 15th century, bearing this name from the beginning, as it is listed as Chrissovizzi. The walk is 9 km long and highest point at 1330m. Duration is 3 hours. Once you finish you will have a visit at the historic dedicated building of Chief commander Theodoros Kolokotronis where there are several relics from the Greek revolution against the Ottomans.
Stay for lunch before you return on the guesthouse.
On this day we recommend a 3.00 hour rafting experience riding the crystal clear waters of Lousios river.
This raft is one of the top all over Greece. Suitable for beginners is moving into the wild nature of the mountain. The landscape is so picturesque passing down old bridges and deep forests of plane trees! Before that you will have the chance if you wish to walk a little bit and visit some incredible monasteries at the top of a gorge that represent the christian religion.
If you wish not to have fun on the river you will travel for a beautiful road trip reaching Some of the most beautiful Arcadian villages such as Dimitsana and Karytaina – Or a visit to a secret waterfall. Dimitsana is built in 950m altitude In the place where there was the ancient Arcadian city Teuthis which had participated in the Trojan War.
In addition close to the village there is the authentic watermill factory where during the revolution the major quantity of Greek gunpowder was made. Υou will have the chance to walk till there and admire the landscape – open air museum! Back to Stemnitsa where your accommodation is for 3 nights!
On this day we recommend a 3.00 hour rafting experience riding the crystal clear waters of Lousios river.
This raft is one of the top all over Greece. Suitable for beginners is moving into the wild nature of the mountain. The landscape is so picturesque passing down old bridges and deep forests of plane trees! Before that you will have the chance if you wish to walk a little bit and visit some incredible monasteries at the top of a gorge that represent the christian religion.
If you wish not to have fun on the river you will travel for a beautiful road trip reaching Some of the most beautiful Arcadian villages such as Dimitsana and Karytaina – Or a visit to a secret waterfall. Dimitsana is built in 950m altitude In the place where there was the ancient Arcadian city Teuthis which had participated in the Trojan War.
In addition close to the village there is the authentic watermill factory where during the revolution the major quantity of Greek gunpowder was made. Υou will have the chance to walk till there and admire the landscape – open air museum! Back to Stemnitsa where your accommodation is for 3 nights!
On this day you will accomplish the longest hike of your trip walking on a trail for 13km.
You will be at the heart of the mountain away from any humans , noises or civilization hearing the sound of pure nature. Starting from Stemnitsa village ,where you will grab some local pies, the hike is moving northeast gain 450 meters before you will lose height of 300m. After 5 hours you will reach the main road where your bus or minivan will wait for you and get you transferred to Elati Village.
This picturesque place has a few tavernas where you will have lunch. Free time and back to your stay before the sun goes down.
The last day of your trip to Menalo you will walk another amazing part of that great trail.
The is anOption to make the hike longer is by starting from charming Dimitsana moving east to Zigovisti. The stonemade village with the traditional houses fascinates with its amazing view.The length is about 11km OR 8.5 if you choose to make it shorter. Finish at Stemnitsa where your hotel is located – Last night before you leave the area.
What's Included?
Transfer
Transportation by a mini van or private bus from Athens airport or your hotel. All your luggages will transfered during the trip
Accommodation
5 overnights on a traditional guesthouses in Alonistaina & Stemnitsa village incuding breakfast.
Equipment
Trekking poles provided to all participants
Safety First
Professional mountain leader aside you during the trip - Teams first aid kit.
