Are you planning to hike the Menalon Trail during your visit to the Peloponnese? Great choice! I recently hiked the first section of the trail, and it was an absolute highlight of my holiday in Greece.
Let me share my Ultimate Guide to the Menalon Trail: Stemnitsa to Dimitsana to help you plan your own adventure.
But…first things first!
- What is the Menalon Trail?
- Where is the Menalon Trail?
- Steminitsa to Dimitsana Trail: Fast Facts
- How did I end up on the Menalon Trail
- Why hiking the Menalon Trail is your best bet for adventure
- Hiking the Menalon Trail: Stemnitsa to Dimitsana
- Getting to the Menalon Trail
- Staying there
- Menalon Trail Guided Tours
- Tailor-made trips to the Peloponnese, Greece
- What to pack for your Menalon Trail hike
What is the Menalon Trail?
The Menalon Trail is a long-distance hiking trail. It spans approximately 75 kilometres and connects nine traditional villages, starting in Stemnitsa and ending in Lagkadia. It is divided into eight sections:
| Stemnitsa to Dimitsana | 12.5 km |
| Dimitsana to Zygovisti | 4.2 km |
| Zygovisti to Elati, | 14.9 km |
| Elati to Vytina | 8.5 km |
| Vytina to Nymfasia | 5.6 km |
| Nymfasia to Magouliana | 8.9 km |
| Magouliana to Valtesiniko | 6.6 km |
| Valtesiniko to Lagkadia | 14 km |
The trail was created by local volunteers in 2015 and became the first in Greece to be certified by the European Ramblers Association.
You can hike the entire trail or just a section or subsection of it. It’s well marked and easy to follow.
Many people consider the first section of the Menalon Trail, Stemnitsa to Dimitsana, to be the most picturesque. It boasts stunning scenery and is rich in cultural and historical significance.
Where is the Menalon Trail?
The Menalon Trail is located in the region of Arkadia, in the very heart of the Peloponnese.
It winds through the Lousios River gorge, the western slopes of Mount Menalon, the Northeast Gortynian Mountains and the valley of Mylaion River.
Steminitsa to Dimitsana Trail: Fast Facts
- Time needed: 5 hours or more if you want to savour the landscape without rushing. It took me nearly the entire day to hike it, with plenty of breaks along the way.
- Length: 12.5 km
- Difficulty: 4/5 (moderately challenging)
- Fitness level required: Intermediate
- When to go: You can hike any time of the year, but personally, I prefer the shoulder months, spring and autumn, for the best weather.
- Starting point: Stemnitsa. However, you can also hike the trail from Dimitsana.
How did I end up on the Menalon Trail
This March, I had an opportunity to partner with Visit Peloponnese for My Peloponnese Vibe travel initiative.
My Peloponnese Vibe focuses on mindful travel exploration, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences.
I was invited to Gortynia in Arkadia, in the central Peloponnese, to explore and share its beauty and the best experiences it offers to travellers.
Why hiking the Menalon Trail is your best bet for adventure
Including the Menalon Trail in my itinerary was an easy choice. The trail, unlike anything else, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Peloponnese, revealing not only the raw beauty of nature but also Greek cultural heritage.
Spoiler Alert: In addition to scenic views, Byzantine churches and ancient monasteries, you can expect delicious breaks for Greek treats flavoured with rose and dusted with sugar, as well as some fascinating encounters along the trail!
Hiking the Menalon Trail: Stemnitsa to Dimitsana
Stemnitsa: Where the story begins…
I take a taxi from Lagadia Resort to Stemnitsa, a charming village nestled on the slopes of Mount Menalon.
I arrive at my destination around 9 am. It’s a peaceful Sunday morning in mid-March, the offseason, and I seem to be one of the few tourists around.
Life in Stemnitsa, just like in other Arkadian villages, flows on ‘Greek time’. It has a relaxed and flexible rhythm. I feel as if I’m being invited to slow down, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and be fully present in each moment.
On weekdays, local cafes often open and close based on the whims of their owners, who might take a day off whenever they please (particularly in the offseason). But you can always find a cosy place for a caffeine boost on a weekend.
Taking my taxi driver’s advice, I make my way to the unpretentious, family-run café, Simo-Simo. It’s located in the central square, close to the mediaeval Church of Agios Georgios and its 19th-century white bell tower.
That’s where I meet Filippos and Spyros from Athens, who kindly translate my English into Greek for Lady Kiki, the café owner.
What starts as a simple coffee run quickly turns into a lively exchange of life stories. Before long, Lady Kiki’s son is offering us a glass of Tsipouro, an unaged Greek brandy. I’m thrilled to kick off my hike on such a joyful note (lol)!
When I nervously confess that, as a novice hiker, I might not be fit enough for the trail, Spyros jokingly says, ‘With your Lara Croft look (think camera spider holster and Sweaty Betty leotards), you should not fear the trail; the trail should fear you!’
Convinced that our beliefs shape our reality, I decide to trust his words.
On the trail
I start my walk from the main square of the village, right next to the church belfry. Following a trail sign with a red ‘M’ logo, I easily find the first path.
Equipped with my hiking poles, waterproof hiking shoes, and some Greek honey-glazed snack bars, I tackle the trail with newfound confidence.
Right from the start, the views leave me in awe. The vistas of the mountains are so breathtaking that I decide to FaceTime my parents to show the splendour of what I’m seeing in real time. I easily manage to convince them to visit the Peloponnese next year.
Much to our amusement, the internet in the mountains works just as well as it does in my London flat, at least for most of the trail. I use a Gigsky eSIM card for data in Greece, and it works flawlessly.
The scenery keeps changing, and I love the sense of not knowing what’s coming next on the trail.
Although I typically spend more time glued to my laptop than focusing on my fitness, I find the first segment of the trail quite manageable.
It’s not until the final stretch, from the New Philosophou Monastery towards Dimitsana, with some uphill climbs, that things become more challenging.
I use hiking poles for stability, especially on rocky terrain. While they’re not absolutely necessary, they really make hiking a lot easier.
Since it’s the offseason, I don’t encounter many other hikers. Most of the time, it’s just me and the peaceful quiet of nature.
The only sounds are the rustle of lizards scurrying beneath rocks, the soft flutter of butterfly wings among the almond blossoms, and the gentle breeze stirring the leaves of the poplar trees.
At one point, two men in a passing van break the silence, shouting something to me in Greek. Moments like these make me wish I had a Smartech Vasco Translator.
But I don’t need to speak Greek to instinctively understand that they are warning me. I’ve wandered off the trail while taking photos of butterflies, lizards, and wildflowers. A quick check on my Anavasi Mapp app confirms it.
The Anavasi Mapp app works even without internet or mobile data, pinpointing your exact location on the trail. I highly recommend it for your safety, even on well-signposted routes. Especially if you’re as easily distracted as I am.
Another plus is that you can document your journey by uploading photos taken at specific locations.
The Church of Transfiguration of Christ
I get back on the trail and continue hiking until I reach the asphalt road. Following the road for a short distance, I arrive at the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ.
I see many tourists arriving here by car just to visit the church and take in the breathtaking views over the Lousios Gorge from the nearby observation point.
Yes, you can get here in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, but hiking is much more rewarding!
The Church of the Transfiguration of Christ might be the prettiest little church I’ve ever seen, with a fairy-tale charm to it.
After refilling my water bottle, I resume my hike, following the winding path towards the Prodromos Monastery.
The Prodromos Monastery
The Prodromos Monastery is dedicated to John the Baptist, and its foundation is believed to date back to 1167.
It clings to the cliff face as if it’s part of the rock itself, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
The rugged landscape seamlessly blends with its stone walls.
It’s completely isolated. While accessible by car, the visitors must park above the monastery.
I quicken my pace to get there before it closes. All the monasteries along the trail shut from 1 to 5 PM, and I make it with just 10 minutes to spare.
Luckily for me, the monks decide to keep the monastery open a bit longer. Life flows on ‘Greek time’ here too, it seems.
I take one of the shawls hanging outside the monastery, provided for female visitors, and wrap it around my waist to adhere to the dress code before stepping inside.
I explore the mystical interiors of the church adorned with frescoes and continue through the abbot’s quarters to the open wooden balconies on the first floor to take in the views over the Lousios Gorge and its lush vegetation.
I’m so distracted by the mesmerising vistas that I almost accidentally knock over someone’s drone, which is sitting on the balustrade, ready for takeoff.
Some visitors are taking photos with the gorge as the backdrop, while others are enjoying the view from a bench or browsing through Byzantine-style religious artefacts at the monastery shop.
The atmosphere is very serene, making it a perfect spot to relax between hikes.
The monks welcome visitors into a guest room where they offer water, black coffee, biscuits, and delicious Loukoumi (Turkish delights).
They engage in friendly conversations, sharing stories about the monastery’s history and their way of life.
One of the monks I chat with jokingly mentions that they sometimes leave one-star reviews of the monastery on TripAdvisor to keep their peaceful sanctuary from being overrun by tourists.
So, if you ever come across a one-star review of the Prodromos Monastery, take it with a grain of salt (lol)!
The Old Philosophou Monastery
After visiting Prodromos Monastery, I continue my hike, crossing the river via Philosophou Bridge on my way to the Old Philosophou Monastery.
The Old Philosophou Monastery was founded between 963 and 967 and is one of the oldest Byzantine landmarks in Greece.
The monastery is nestled inside a long cave in the steep rock. Unfortunately, the path leading up to it is closed on the day of my visit because of the risk of falling rocks.
To be honest, it looks like an arduous ascent, and I’m secretly relieved that I can skip it (lol). At this point of my hike, my legs are starting to burn a little.
The New Philosophou Monastery
I make my way up the steps to the New Philosophou Monastery, founded in 1691. It’s located just 400 metres from the Old Philosophou Monastery.
Upon arrival, I’m greeted by four resident cats and a friendly monk who kindly allows me to explore the church outside of visiting hours.
The church is definitely worth a visit, with stunning wall paintings and a beautifully carved wooden iconostasis.
Once again, I’m offered water, coffee, delicious rose-flavoured loukoumi (yikes!), and even a few small mementoes.
There are tables and benches where you can rest in front of the monastery, as well as a picnic shelter further along the trail.
Dimitsana: Where the story ends…
Shortly after leaving the monastery, I bump into a fellow hiker who kindly offers me a ride to Dimitsana. The offer is tempting, especially since the final stretch of the trail involves a few more uphill climbs. But I want to challenge myself, so I politely decline.
The views from the old mule path to Dimitsana make the effort absolutely worth it.
Open Air Water Power Museum
The final part of the trail takes me back to the Lousios River, across the Tzani Bridge, and to the Open-Air Water Power Museum.
This area is home to restored watermills and gunpowder mills that once played a key role in Dimitsana’s history, especially during the Greek War of Independence.
I arrive at the museum’s parking lot at dusk and decide to call a taxi. It’s simply too dark to continue hiking safely.
I had stopped so many times along the way to soak in the views, take photos, and chat with people met along the way that the hike took longer than expected.
Start the hike as early as you can in the morning. Trust me – you don’t want to start in the afternoon unless camping overnight in the woods is part of your plan.
From the Open Air Water Power Museum, a well-maintained cobbled path leads right into the heart of Dimitsana.
Completing the hike brings a genuine sense of accomplishment.
The trail from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana is captivating, with its indescribable beauty, historical sites, and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s one of the few holiday destinations in Greece still untouched by overtourism.
I’m tempted to say… forget the Greek islands and give the Menalon Trail in Arkadia a try!
Getting to the Menalon Trail
Flying to Greece
Flying is the easiest way to get to Greece. I took a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), which took roughly 3.5 hours.
The most cost-effective and direct routes are often via major European hubs such as London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt.
For the most convenient flight options, check travel comparison websites like Expedia or Skyscanner.
Getting to Stemnitsa from Athens
You can rent a car in Athens or arrange a private transfer to Stemnitsa.
Alternatively, you can take the X93 bus from the airport to the Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens, and from there, catch a bus to Tripoli.
In Tripoli, you can either take a taxi (the easiest option) or a local bus to Stemnitsa or Dimitsana. Keep in mind that buses don’t run every day.
Staying there
Both Stemnitsa and Dimitsana offer great accommodation options.
Trikolonion Country Hotel is a comfortable base in Stemnitsa, and Proselinos and Nerida Boutique Hotel are good choices for an overnight stay in Dimitsana.
You can also stay in any other village along the Menalon Trail and drive or take a taxi to Stemnitsa like I did.
During my stay in Arkadia, I was hosted by Maniatis Mountain Resort in the peaceful mountain village of Lagkadia. It was a perfect base for exploring the region.
Located about 40-minute drive from Stemnitsa, the resort is made up of three spacious, interconnected hotels: Kentrikon Hotel, Lagadia 4-Seasons Hotel and Lagadia Resort.
Many of the rooms offer spectacular mountain views. The resort also features the acclaimed Maniatis restaurant, known for its authentic Greek cuisine, and fantastic spa facilities.
Menalon Trail Guided Tours
If you don’t want to hike the trail on your own and prefer a guided experience, there are plenty of options available. Here are a few tours to consider:
Menalon Trail half day hiking tours
4h Menalon and Lousios Gorge Hiking Tour
Menalon Trail 7-day guided hiking tours
7-day Hiking the Menalon Trail Tour (Viator)
7-day Hiking the Menalon Trail Tour (Discover Greece)
7-day Hiking the Menalon Trail Tour (Responsible Travel)
Menalon Trail self-guided hiking tours
7-day Self-guided Hiking Tour (Trekking Hellas)
Tailor-made trips to the Peloponnese, Greece
For a personalized travel experience in Greece, check out Rough Guides’ tailor-made trips. Their local experts will customize your holiday to perfectly match your interests, pace, and style.
What to pack for your Menalon Trail hike
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are essential. You will hike on the rocky terrain and even through the water.
- Trekking poles for extra balance and stability
- Windproof jacket
- Fully charged phone
- Power bank
- Thermal outfit for colder weather (long trousers)
- Energy bars
- Water bottle (you will be able to refill it along the way)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Anavasi mapp app
- Camera
