Hiking on the route of Mainalo 6 days

The first certified path in Greece by the European Ramblers Association (ERA) is a fact and we are ready to guide even the most demanding hiker.

Menalo’s trail is a 75km trekking trail that crosses Arcadia in the heart of the mythical Peloponnese. With a varied landscape of rugged mountains, gorges, and green valleys, the path passes through scenic villages such as Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Elati, Vytina, and Nympassia and includes eight sections with different levels of difficulty and length, which are worth exploring.

We have divided the path into 5 parts with an average of 15 kilometers per day combining pure adventure with absolute fun and professional guidance. All transfers and accommodation are provided by us.

Program

Day 1

Upon arrival at Menalo, settle in your guesthouse. You will be informed by your guide of all the details of the program. Walk in the village.

Day 2 - Stemnitsa-Dimitsana-Zigovisti (16.7km, 7 hours)

The path starts from the historical village of Stemnitsa. Going out to the gorge of Lousios you will meet the imposing and well-known monastery of Prodromos. It is a monument of the 12th century, built at the root of vertical rock. Then you will meet the two monasteries of the Philosopher, 9th and 17th centuries. A little while after a short break at the Open air water museum in Dimitsana will be a boost for the last 5 kilometers for Zigovisti. From there you will return to the hotel by car. (climb: 1094m, descent: 1015m, minute height: 420m, maximum height: 1175m)

Day 3 - Zigovisti-Elati (15 km, 5 hours)

The third day will find you where you started. But before starting your hike you will have the chance to taste authentic Greek coffee in the cafeteria of the village. Then, passing through the churches of Saint John and Saint George you will find yourself on a curved gravel road that goes smoothly uphill to the highest peak of the route at 1,643m. There you will be able to make a nice break for a snack while the view will not leave you in peace. After walking and taking down the downhill, just 1.5 km before Elati and the end of your trek you will pass through the holy temple of ZoodochosPigis. (climb: 642m, descent: 618m, height min: 1105m, maximum height: 1643m)

Day 4 - Elati-Vytina-Nymfasia (14 km, 4 ½ hours)

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful pieces of the whole path. The route descends from Elati to the river Million and passes down the hill where the ancient city of Methidrion was located. Throughout the path, you will move through a dense forest alongside the river. After this amazing piece, you will make a small stop in the village of Vytina, perhaps the most beautiful village in the whole area. The day ends after Vytina, in the village of Nimfasia, where a small piece is made on asphalt, while the rest of it is in a gorge until its exit. (Rising: 488 m, cathode: 740 m, minimum height: 813 m, maximum height: 1180 m)

Day 5 - Nympassia - Magouliana - Valtessiniko (15.5km, 6 hours)

Leaving Nymfassia behind you, the route begins through an oak forest that leads you to the Cairn Bridge and the impressive monastery. It is a monastic complex nestled in an impressive monolith. After crossing a dense fir forest and reaching the Whistle Bell, you will have the chance to rest near the source. After that, there begins a light breeze in a forest and just before Magouliana, you find another source. Much of the route from Maguliana to Valtesinikos moves downhill into the valley to the riverbed where later it meets a cobbled path that climbs up to the village. In the evening this will be the last one at the hotel where you will stay, which means that the procedures should be taken to check out the next morning. (climb: 464 m, descent: 914 m, height min: 781 m, maximum height: 1307 m)

Day 6 - Valtessinico-Lagadia (13.9km, 5 hours)

The last part of your multi-day hike rises smoothly into a Byzantine castle and again after that, it begins to descend through a dense fir forest through a beautiful path. Your road passes through valleys, threshing floors, and huts while its continuation ends in a war memorial. Our last destination. Lagadia also features an impressive complex of watermills. After the end of the hiking and the end of the multi-day activity, dinner will take place if and when our time permits. (climb: 612 m, descent: 791 m, height min: 937 m, maximum height: 1377 m)

Route Features

• Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Route length: 75 km (total)
• Hiking: 30 hours (total)
• Elevation: 420m minimum-1643m maximum
• Degree of difficulty: 2/5
• Escort Ratio: Climber – 1: 8