Menalon Trail

Arrival in Stemnitsa.

Stemnitsa is traditionally known as the village of goldsmiths, and it is still home to the Stemnitsa School of Silver and Goldsmithing. The village also features a charming folk museum, which is well worth a visit.

From Stemnitsa, the trail winds in a zigzag down into the valley, following an old mule track. Along the way, you reach the Prodomos Monastery, dramatically perched on the high cliffs. After a visit, the hike continues along the trail crossing the gorge. Here, you have the option to climb up to the old Philosophou Monastery, dating back to 963, before visiting the new Philosophou Monastery, founded in 1691.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, you follow the left bank of the Lousios River and ascend towards Dimitsana. Crossing the river via the Tzani Bridge, you arrive at the fascinating Open Air Water Power Museum. In the area, you can also visit watermills and gunpowder mills, which once made Dimitsana famous and prosperous. The town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Thetys and bears the marks of its rich history.

13 km, +915 m / -1035 m

The stretch between Dimitsana and Zygovisti takes you from the Lousios Valley up to the edge of the pine forest. The hike follows a gentle ascent, and from the Church of St. Paraskevi you can enjoy stunning views over the Lousios River gorge. A wooded landscape unfolds, with villages such as Dimitsana, Paliochori, and Zatouna appearing as small pearls amidst the greenery.

The trail continues along footpaths and gravel roads through historic farmland, where you can see traditional threshing floors that reflect the area’s rural past. Zygovisti, which played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, features an impressive monument commemorating this historic event. After a break at a local café, the hike continues across the western Menalon massif.

The route first passes through a scenic ravine to the rural church of Agios Georgios and its nearby spring. It then ascends through dense forests to a mountain saddle. Here, you can choose to summit Pliovouni, the highest peak on this section at 1,643 meters.

After this challenging section, the trail descends via minor roads and paths, passing springs and small chapels, until you reach the idyllic mountain village of Elati.

19.5 km, +775 m / -55 m

You can start by visiting a woodworking workshop before hiking down from Elati into the Mylaon River valley. Along the way, you pass the Pirgaki Springs, which supply water to Vytina, and the beautifully stone-built Makrinou Fountain, an ideal spot for a short break.

As you follow the river, the vegetation becomes even lusher, with tall plane trees creating a verdant atmosphere. You will pass the ruins of abandoned watermills and cross a charming wooden bridge. Afterwards, you leave the valley and follow a zigzag path carved into the cliff that leads up to the Artotsi Fountain. Nearby stands the Church of Agia Paraskevi, where you can enjoy stunning views over the valley and surrounding mountains.

Via small roads, you finally reach Vytina, the lively regional center. Here you will find all amenities and can enjoy delicious local cuisine.

9 km, +180 m / -330 m

From Vytina, you hike back to the Artotsi Fountain and follow a zigzagging path down into the Mylaon River valley. At the charming wooden bridge, continue north along the river. In the Zarzi area, admire the beautiful single-arch Zarzi Bridge, which has two relief openings on the sides. The trail then leads past a strangely shaped limestone pillar.

The path begins to climb and takes you to Old Vytina, where you reconnect with the Menalon Trail. From here, the hike continues to Mavra Litharia, a massive limestone block in the riverbed of the Mylaon that forms a dramatic gorge. You will pass a second stone bridge, which once secured the connection between Vytina and the villages of western Gortynia.

The trail then descends into a short ravine before gradually ascending through a landscape of rocks and shrubs. The hike continues through oak and fir forests until you reach Nymfasia, a small village. From there, follow the road toward Kernitsa Monastery, and just before reaching the monastery, you will arrive at your accommodation for the night.

12 km, +340 m / -545 m

From Kernitsa Bridge, you ascend a steep trail to Kernitsa Monastery, an impressive complex surrounded by well-tended, terraced fields. After visiting the monastery, continue through a dense pine forest until you reach the Sfyrida Hermitage, where a spring bubbles in front. Here, you can imagine how ascetics once lived in seclusion in this mystical and peaceful setting.

The trail continues at the base of the long, steep slope of Kastro. You follow an old path past the Gavros Spring before reaching the small village of Magouliana, where you can stop for a break at a local taverna or café.

Leaving Magouliana behind, the route reaches a viewpoint surrounded by historic stone threshing floors. From here, the hike descends toward the old Mana Sanatorium. A well-marked path then gradually ascends to the charming village of Valtesiniko.

In Valtesiniko, known for its skilled woodcarvers, you will find a cozy village center with several pleasant tavernas to choose from for your evening meal.

15 km, +780 m / -490 m

From the upper road in Valtesiniko, you enjoy a spectacular view over the northern plains. Following a cement road, you ascend to 1,250 meters and continue along a ridge path, where the Byzantine fortress of Valtesiniko is nestled. After this, the trail descends through open landscapes with impressive vistas, reaching the Church of Agia Triada.

The route continues through a dense pine forest, gaining some elevation before descending again to the Krya Vrysi spring. From here, you climb toward a saddle, where on its western edge you are treated to a final view of Lagkadia. Crossing open fields and passing a small spring, you reach the outskirts of Lagkadia, home to the historic Rapi Watermills.

The Menalon Trail concludes in the center of Lagkadia, a village renowned for its skilled stonemasons.

14 km, +495 m / -665 m

At EverTrek, we hope you’ve had a fantastic journey!

See you again soon.