- 610yiannisc
This trail is really amazing!
We did 3 parts:
Dimitsana - Stemnitsa: Both villages are beautiful. The trail takes you through the gorge where you have a great... read more view of the river Lousios. The nature is really something to see. Very peaceful trail, we encountered very few people. The monastery close to Stemnitsa is also worth visiting. Once you are at the top a great view awaits you.
Stemnitsa - Karitaina: Karitaina is really a very beautiful village. This is not part of the official trail and is not so well maintained, however it is really amazing. I would not recommend it to acrophobic people. Also consider that despite the fact the hike is short, it still takes a while to do since the path is not so easy to go through. You once more decent into the gorge of the river and, for the most part, hike along the river Lousios.
Elati - Vytina: An amazing part of the trail. First going through a cedar forest and along a small river. Really worth it. Again both villages are really beautiful. With a bit of lack we were able to get a cab from Vytina back to Elati for about 15 euro.
5 Μαΐου, 2019marewiThere were once a group of forward thinking people with passion that build the trail. They did everything perfect: courses, signs, good orientation, diversified attraction and the possibility to divide... read more and join different parts of the trail. But 1-2 years later it turned out that locals are not interested in what was achieved. The trail looks literally in some places abandoned and the only things that you can meets are sheeps and horses (!) that use the trail to get to the resting areas. Sad.
23 Αυγούστου, 2016pancakealleyWe walked parts of the menalon trail early October. We had planned to do all the sections but couldn’t find accommodation in Elati so decided to just do stages. However,... read more we have since found out if you contact the people from the menalon trail directly, they have info for Airbnb in Elati, whilst the Chalet is closed.
We hiked from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana (amazing stay in the Archontiki Deligianni!!) which was a wonderful hike. Very varied, with wonderful monastery visits and great views. It is a well trodden path and well signposted. Took us 6 hours including breaks at each monastery etc.
We left the car at Stemnitsa and having bought the map for the menalon trail (highly recommend it, available in local shops) we took a different path back to Stemnitsa from Dimitsana the following day to retrieve the car. This is also very well signposted and goes through some beautiful forest. Takes a similar time.
We were also very fortunate to meet the man who initiated the menalon trail in Zygovisti, which was a delight. We got good tips on which sections were particularly stunning this time of year, and on his advice also hiked the section Elati - Vytina as an out and back, having left the car at the Nymfasia resort where we stayed (also highly recommended). Vytina is a lovely town and well worth staying at as a base. We wished we’d done that. It has good restaurants and lots of lovely shops selling special Vytina fir honey and wood products.
All the villages en route will at least sell you a frappe so it’s a pretty lovely way to spend a day if you linger and do it all slowly!
The trail is definitely worth doing, and fitness wise if you’re used to exercise you’ll be fine.
If you are planning to do the whole thing, it is definitely worth asking the nice guys from the menalon trail re recommendations. The lovely man we met side in a little office in Stemnitsa when it’s open, but you can always email.
Apparently hey are planning to connect all the ancient Peloponnese sites over the next years- ambitious, but we can’t wait!
The trail has been set up entirely by volunteers, who also maintain it. So it’s well worth buying the map and the beer (!) to support them. Enjoy!
21 Οκτωβρίου, 2018thanasetoThis network of paths offers the visitor the chance to experience a scenic walk through the woods, by the river, on the top of mountains, in a gorge in a... read more constantly changing environment. The hiker must be well prepared for rapid weather changes and never hike by a river or in a gorger during rainy days. A guide is highly recommended for beginners.
20 Απριλίου, 2017 - Simon W
A wonderful walk - highly recommended. We staying in Dimitsana and took a taxi to Stemnitsa, and walked back along the trail. The section is 12.5km and a combined ascent... read more of 700m (although it felt more). The walk is about 5 hours plus stops. Setting off it the morning we were above the clouds which gradually cleared during the day. Basically the walk takes through the gorge starting at 1000m and dropping to 500m and then back to 1000m. The trail is extremely well way-marked, as are many Greek paths, pretty hard to get lost, and we did not take a map. We were lucky with the weather, there was torrential rain just after we return and I imagine it could get very hot in the summer months.
24 Οκτωβρίου, 2021Kalomira CWe had an awesome, memorable hike between Prodromos Monastery and the Philosopher's Old Monastery. A moderate hike that needs about 20 minutes to reach from one side to the other.... read more Excellent path signing, every few meters. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended and the use of hiking poles would make your route easier, especially for a good balance in few steep parts. When reaching the Philosopher's Old Monastery, the view is breathtaking and it is really rewarding (yet almost unbelievable) to see the route you've just crossed, from above! Definitely worth the trip!
4 Ιανουαρίου, 2018Lesley CWe were looking for a 3 hour (ish) hike to explore the Louisos Gorge and see the Monasteries.
We were recommended to take the car to Ancient... read more Gortys, walk along to Prodomos Monastery, follow on to the old Filosofu Monastery and then to the 'new' Filosofu Monastery.
It took around 1.5 hours one way, although depends how long you spend at the Monasteries/ taking photos etc. You then need to return the same way, which while it's always nice to have a round trip we thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and you always see things differently coming back.
If you do intend to visit the Monasteries please remember they have dress requirements and it's important to be respectful. Men and women need to have legs covered and women need to have shoulders covered. Both Monasteries we visited had clothes/sarongs you could borrow, which was fine.
Prodomos also has refreshments and you can refill water bottles at both too.
We loved it and would recommend!
31 Ιουλίου, 2022David WEasy access...landed Athens.. train direct to Korinthos.. great value car hire with Vasilopoulos car hire including pick up and drop from station.. 90 min easy drive to Stemnitsa for... read more overnight guest house then walk in 5 stages ..not 8. Trail times are very ambitious especially with backpack and gradients. Mountain and forest areas are stunning with numerous historic sites reroute. Villages are very hospitable with Stemnitsa ( Gartagani Guesthouse) and Nimfasia (Acropolis Guesthouse) our most memorable. We arranged a lift back to our car with guest house host in Valtesinisko (V/studios) at our arrival in Lagkadia which is a very charming village ( taxis are expensive and few).
Drive on to Vouraikos Gorge track train walk...another must.
An easy very rewarding waking week all round.
Great buys in jewellery ( Stemnitsa) and honey (Lagkadia)
4 Μαΐου, 2017


