Lagkadia may not be as famous as other Arcadian villages in the Peloponnese, but don’t let its unassuming vibe fool you. You might be surprised by how much Lagkadia has to offer. Here’s my guide to the Top 12 Things to Do in Lagkadia, Greece, from admiring its traditional stone architecture to soaking in the mountain views.
And if you’re into local flavours (who can say no to Greek honey and crunchy baklavas?!), you’ll find plenty of artisan treats in Lagkadia that will surely tantalise your palate.
- Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Marvel at traditional stone houses
- Visit the house of the Deligiannis family
- Visit historic Greek Orthodox Churches
- Visit the War Memorial of the Fallen of Lagkadia
- Have a look at the High School of Lagkadia
- Keep an eye out for beautifully crafted fountains
- Treat yourself to authentic Greek cuisine
- Go on a shopping spree for Greek handicrafts and local delicacies
- Hit the trails
- Take part in local festivities
- Make Lagkadia your base for exploring Arkadia
- Fast Facts
Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
Lagkadia is postcard-perfect. Its gorgeous mountain views are hard to beat.
It’s nicknamed the ‘Hanging Village of the Peloponnese’ for good reason. Built amphitheatrically on the steep slopes of Mount Mainalo in Gortynia, the village’s stone-built houses cascade gracefully down a rugged, rocky hillside.
Just this view alone makes a trip to Lagkadia worthwhile.
You’ll find plenty of spots around the village to enjoy the scenery.
Marvel at traditional stone houses
As you wander through Lagkadia, you’ll discover many charming stone houses around every corner.
They were built by the village’s renowned stonemasons, who combined an excellent eye for design with practical skills to create buildings that were not only long-lasting but also visually appealing.
Their craftsmanship extended beyond the borders of Arkadia. They built numerous churches, bridges, bell towers, and mansions all over Greece.
Visit the house of the Deligiannis family
Take a stroll up to the historic house located in the upper part of the village, where the Papagianopoulos brothers, famously known as the Deligiannis brothers, were born.
The Deligiannis family played a crucial role during the Greek Revolution of 1821, contributing to the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule and helping to shape the early years of the modern Greek state.
From the hill where the mansion stands, you can enjoy a stunning view of Lagkadia.
Visit historic Greek Orthodox Churches
The Church of the Taxiarches
Visit the Church of the Taxiarches (Agion Taxiarchon), built in 1808. It is one of Lagkadia’s most notable landmarks.
Located on the main road, it’s a testament to the impressive skills of local stonemasons. It was reportedly finished in just 40 days due to pressure from the Ottoman administration while Greece was under Ottoman rule.
Stepping inside feels like entering a different world. The soft lighting, the scent of candles, marble ornaments, frescoes, and wooden iconostasis all contribute to a mystical atmosphere typical of Greek Orthodox churches.
Adjacent to the Church of the Taxiarches is an impressive stone bell tower.
The Church of St John the Baptist
On your way to the Deligiannis family house, take a moment to admire the Church of St John the Baptist, located directly across from the mansion.
Built in 1808, like the Church of the Taxiarches, it was also completed in just 40 days for similar reasons.
The Church of Saint Theodore
Take a short walk toward the entrance of the village to see the Church of St Theodore (Agios Theodoros), noted for its impressive stone structure.
Visit the War Memorial of the Fallen of Lagkadia
Located directly across from the Church of the Taxiarches in Heroes’ Square, you’ll find the War Memorial dedicated to the local heroes of Lagkadia who participated in Greece’s national struggles.
The memorial honours their bravery and sacrifice.
From this vantage point, you can also enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Have a look at the High School of Lagkadia
Take a moment to admire the High School of Lagkadia.
Built in 1868, its elegant symmetry and sturdy stone construction make it one of the most prominent structures in the area. In 2020, it was recognised as a historic preservation monument.
Keep an eye out for beautifully crafted fountains
Keep an eye out for the old stone fountains. They add a lot of character to the village.
There’s a particularly interesting one on the way to the Church of St Theodore, with a relief that honours Lagkadia’s stonemasons.
Treat yourself to authentic Greek cuisine
Lagkadia is a foodie’s dream, with plenty of fabulous restaurants, tavernas, and cafés where you can indulge in authentic Greek cuisine or relax with a cup of Greek coffee and a slice of exquisite, golden-brown baklava.
One place that everyone raves about is Maniatis restaurant.
Many locals I spoke to, including those from nearby Arkadian villages, recommended it for its delicious local dishes made with high-quality ingredients. The menu has plenty of meat options, but vegetarians will find something too – like a delicious Greek baked feta (bouyiourdi).
If you’re in the mood for some homemade food in a cosy spot with a fireplace and rustic decor, you should definitely try The Chiakhtai (Tο Τσιαχτάϊ).
And if you crave a delicious baklava or an orange pie with a cup of refreshing mountain tea, head to In Café. Aroma Café is unrivalled for breathtaking vistas.
Go on a shopping spree for Greek handicrafts and local delicacies
Visit Lagkadia’s artisan shops for unique local goods such as Arkadian honey, regional cheeses, and fresh pastries you won’t find anywhere else.
You can also find handmade items like jewellery, crafts, and textiles. Lagkadia has plenty of options for unique gifts and souvenirs from the area.
Hit the trails
If you want to stay active, there are plenty of hiking options in and around Lagkadia. One of the highlights is the 14 km section of the Menalon Trail that connects Lagkadia to Valtesiniko.
You can start your hike in either location. The trail takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, with springs, fountains, the ruins of old huts, and an old watermill.
Shorter trails around the village will lead you to many lovely spots too, like the canyon of the Touthoas River. To learn more, see Topoguide Greece.
You can also rent a bike from Maniatis Resort to cycle around.
Take part in local festivities
Soak up the Lagkadian vibe by taking part in local festivities. The village hosts seasonal events and celebrations, like the Lagkadian Carnival or traditional folk song contests.
You may ask at your hotel if there are any cultural activities happening during your visit.
Make Lagkadia your base for exploring Arkadia
Lagkadia is a fantastic base for exploring the region of Arcadia.
With plenty of accommodation options at Maniatis Mountain Resort, you should have no trouble finding a place to stay, even if nearby villages are fully booked.
In just a 30-minute drive, you can visit other charming villages like Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Vityna, Valtesiniko, and Elati.
But there are many more great attractions nearby. Within a 45-minute drive, you can get to the Lousios River, Mt Mainalo Ski Centre, Ladon Lake, the Mikis Theodorakis Museum in Zatouna, and ancient monasteries like Prodromos and New Philosophou.
A little further out, you can explore Ancient Olympia, the stunning Temple of Apollo Epicurius, and Kastria Cave.
Fast Facts
Why I visited Lagkadia and what I loved about it
In March, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Visit Peloponnese, alongside other travel bloggers, as part of the 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 capture the unique spirit of this off-the-beaten-path Greek destination and share the most authentic and unique experiences it offers to travellers.
Lagkadia was my base for exploring the Arkadia region during my week-long stay in the Peloponnese. So I had plenty of opportunities to explore the village’s nooks and crannies.
What I loved about Ladkadia the most was its genuine vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can truly immerse yourself in daily village life, enjoy authentic Greek food, and hear more Greek than English (it’s free from the throngs of tourists).
Where to stay in Lagkadia
I stayed at the Maniatis Mountain Resort in Lagkadia. The resort comprises three spacious, modern, interconnected hotels: Kentrikon Hotel, Lagadia 4-Seasons Hotel and Lagadia Resort and the acclaimed Maniatis restaurant, celebrated for its authentic Greek cuisine.
All three hotels are conveniently located in the heart of the village and offer a variety of comfortable rooms and suites, many of which boast spectacular mountain views. The breakfast buffet is delicious and includes local Greek specialities.
How to get to Lagkadia
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 such as Expedia or Skyscanner.
Getting to Lagkadia from Athens
You can rent a car in Athens or arrange a private transfer to Lagkadia.
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 Lagkadia.
Tailor-made trips to Greece
For a personalised travel experience in Greece, check out Rough Guides’ tailor-made trips. Their local experts will customise your holiday to perfectly match your interests, pace, and style.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Lagkadia! I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do when you visit. If you’ve already been there, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Safe travels!
