Walking in the Mythical Arcadia

Day by day itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival at Athens or Kalamata airport. Transfer to Tripoli.  

Transfer under request to Tripoli, at the “heart” of Peloponnese. You can also travel here by public transportation, or we can provide you a rental car. 

On this first day you get to relax after your flight, get ready for your walking holiday and explore Tripoli.  

Tripoli is a quaint town that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and local charm. In the town center, you can explore the neoclassical architecture and stroll through the vibrant central square,  Areos square, which is one of the biggest squares not only in Greece but in the Balkans. At this square, you will also admire the statue of the local and national hero of the Greek revolution in 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis on his horse. History enthusiasts can discover the Archaeological Museum of Tripoli, which houses artifacts from the region’s past.  For a taste of local life, enjoy a coffee at one of the cozy cafés or dine at a taverna offering delicious Peloponnesian cuisine. Overnight Tripoli.  

DAY 2: Transfer to Tselepos winery. Hike from Tselepos to Ano Doliana. (8km/+556m) 

Your hiking adventure begins!  

In the morning, we will transfer you to Tselepos winery, from where the first hiking trail starts!  

There, you will walk along the forest roads and the vineyards of the winery towards the village of Ano Doliana. The settlement is located on the southern outskirts of the Tripoli plain. It extends at an altitude of between 900 and 1,150 meters and is built amphitheatrically on the northern slopes of Parnon, with a northern exposure, spread over two neighborhoods and surrounded by ravines and small waterfalls. The panoramic view from the point is of value, as it resembles a balcony overlooking the Tripoli plateau and the Mantineia plain, with the visual horizon reaching as far as the mountains Mainalo, Artemisio, Helmos and Erymanthos.Overnight in Ano Doliana. 

DAY 3: Hike Ano Doliana –Kosmas –Agios Petros. (17km/+961m) Shorter route. Transfer to Mesorahi. Hike Mesorahi- Kastri- Elatos- Agios Petros. (10.6km/+720m)  

After a good breakfast, you will start your hike through a chestnut forest dirt road and end to the Kosmas, a small, but beautiful village at the slope of Parnonas mountain. Its traditional stone-built houses and the plane trees at the main square of the village will surely be the highlight of your day. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy your coffee below the shadow of these centuries’ old trees and taste galaktomboureko, a sweet pie filled with cream.  

After this refreshing stop, you will continue your way to Agios Petros village on an asphalt road inside the chestnut forest.  

Agios Petros is a picturesque village with cobbled streets and stone bult houses, surrounded by refreshing nature. Lost yourself in the small streets and visit the imposing church at the center of the village, dedicated to Apostles Peter and Paul. Its traditional architecture and its lively murals that adorn its inside walls worth a visit! A few feet away from the church, you will get to see the tower of Trikaliti, a cultural center these days, that used to be a school for over a century for the region.  

As usually, at the square of the village you will get to taste local dishes like rooster with noodles and the famous local liqueur Gortso, a distillate that hides the secrets of Parnon within it. Don’t forget to stroll around the small shops around the square and get to know the local products of the area like honey, herbs and nuts that the nature is offering generously. Overnight Agios Petros.  

Shorter route: Transfer from Agios Petros to the Mesorachi Village. You will start from the Mesorachi village in an area rich of vegetation. You can admire the chestnut forest and the large bridge at the end of Mesorachi Village that connects it with Kastri, another traditional village with a big, picturesque square.  You will also explore the Elatos village nearby and enjoy the dense forest greenery along the way. You will pass through the mountainous villages towards Agios Petros village with the big, beautiful church on the square where there are a few taverns as well. You will have the chance to taste the local delicacies, therefore. Overnight at the hospitable Agios Petros.  

DAY 4: Hike Agios Petros- Malevi monastery- Agios Ioannis. (13km/+676m)  

Today’s hike starts in a path of low vegetation and continues in the famous UNESCO Nature Monument, the forest with cedar trees towards the Malevi Monastery. The Holy Monastery of Malevi is a historic monastery dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and belongs to the Metropolis of Mantineia and Kynouria. A visit to the monastery is a must, as the nuns that live there are hospitable and will offer you loukoumia, a sweet treat.  The last part ends with an asphalt road to the village of Agios Ioannis.  

Agios Ioannis is a historic village, engulfed in the mountain of Parnon, at an altitude of 712m. The greenery surrounding it and the restored mansions are creating an image like a postcard. Visiting the church dedicated to Holy Mary, at the top of the village will reward you with a panoramic view. Overnight at Agios Ioannis. 

DAY 5: For spring tours: Round tour to Lepida waterfalls (9km/+620m). Second option for  tours, operated in autumn: Transfer to Malevi monastery. Hike to Megali Tourla (mountain Parnonas peak). (7km/+1000m). 

After today’s breakfast, if you are doing this tour in the spring, you will get to visit the Lepida waterfalls and if you would like dip in its refreshing waters. The name of the waterfalls means blade, describing the tall waterfall’s powerful cascade, cutting a sharp path through the neighboring rocks. There are 2 waterfalls, the first one is of 70 meters and a smaller one of 45 meters, which are located approximately 800 meters apart, following the flow of the water. After enjoying the sound of the water flowing, head back to Agios Ioannis. Overnight Agios Ioannis.  

If you are doing this tour in autumn, you will be transferred to Malevi monastery and start hiking to reach the summit of mountain Parnonas, called Megali Tourla. This hiking trail can be challenging at first, but it gets easier along the way. Enjoying the extraordinary view of mountains and the sea in the distance will surely take your breath away and reward you. After reaching the top, end in an asphalt road at the village of Agios Ioannis. Overnight at Agios Ioannis. 

Shorter option: If you don’t wish to walk as much today, we can transfer you below the peak of Parnonas mountain and you can hike up to the top and back. (7km/+600m) Overnight Agios Ioannis.  

DAY 6: Hike from Agios Ioannis to Loukou monastery. Transfer to Paralio Astros.  Overnight Paralio Astros. (14km/+500m) 

The day starts on the road which leads to the Loukou Monastery. The Holy Monastery of Loukous is the most important monastery of Kynouria and one of the most important monastic centers of Arcadia. It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. It is located next to the Tanos River, 2 km from Kato Doliana and 3 km from Astros. This old monastery is in an area full of antiquities and is a must-visit destination. After the monastery visit, there will be a transfer to the fishing village of Paralio Astros which is located by the sea. Overnight Paralio Astros.  

DAY 7: Roundtour in Paralio Astros. Hike to the castle- lighthouse- and the small theatre along the beach and back. (9km/+150m) 

Paralio Astros is a charming coastal town in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese, Greece. Known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historical significance, the town has a peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration. Its proximity to ancient ruins, including those of the town of Astros, adds an intriguing historical element to its scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek architecture, local seafood, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. 

Hike to the castle- lighthouse- and the small theatre below, along the beach and back. You could walk up the hill above with extraordinary sea view.  Wander around the small alley with the shops and enjoy food at the local restaurants and taverns by the seaside. Overnight Paralio Astros.  

DAY 8: Departure.  Transfer to Kalamata or Athens airport.  

After a good breakfast, you will take you luggage and get ready for your way back to the airport. We can arrange a transfer to Kalamata or Athens airport (at an extra charge). If you wish, you can add some more days in this trip, you can choose to visit Nafplio or Mycenae Archaeological Site if the flight schedule allows (at an extra charge). We the Greeks don’t like to say goodbye. Instead we prefer to say «Εις το επανιδείν» (es to epanidin) which means that we hope to see you again sometime!