While Greece boasts plenty of picturesque villages, Arcadia in the Peloponnese stands out for its pristine rural beauty. Hidden away amid lush mountains and dramatic gorges, villages in Arkadia are home to some of the most enchanting places on earth. Here is my guide to the top 5 most beautiful villages in Arkadia, Greece, for anyone in search of a bucolic idyll.
Before you go, get ready to fill your camera roll!
STEMNITSA
If you want to breathe pure mountain air, relax in the shade of walnut trees or hike scenic trails, Stemnitsa is the place for you.
This picturesque mountain village nestled at the foot of the Klinitsa mountains has a fascinating history, too.
It played a key role in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and even served as the seat of the first Peloponnesian senate.
The village has always been renowned for its talented silversmiths and goldsmiths. It’s difficult to leave Stemnita without a beautiful handmade ring, necklace or brooch.
What to do in Stemnitsa
Begin your day with an excellent Greek coffee at Gerousia or a small family-run café, Simo-Simo, both located on the main square.
Then wander around the cobblestone streets, which are lined with craft shops and historic stone houses built by skilled stonemasons from Lagkadia. You’ll pass some beautiful churches along the way.
Don’t miss the Church of Agios Georgios, with its beautiful frescoes, and Panagia Bafero, a mediaeval church dating back to 1185.
Visit the impressive Stemnitsa School of Silver. During my visit, one of the teachers kindly gave me a tour of the student-made jewellery exhibit.
Right next to the school, you will find the Church of Three Hierarchs, built in 1715.
If you have more time in Stemnitsa, take a longer walk or hike in the area. There are many circular paths and shorter trails that lead to observation points with spectacular views.
One of the trails goes to the 15th-century Church of Zoodochios Pigi, which has a beautiful wood-carved iconostasis.
If you’re looking for more adventure, Stemnitsa is also the starting point for the first section of the Menalon Trail. This scenic path leads you past the majestic Prodromos Monastery, Old Filosofou Monastery, and the New Filosofou Monastery.
There is the Folklore Museum in the village. It was unfortunately closed when I visited, with no clear reopening date. It’s worth checking to see if it’s open during your stay.
Where to stay in Stemnitsa
Trikolonion Country Hotel is a charming hotel that offers rooms with splendid mountain views.
My personal reflections
I initially visited Stemnitsa to hike the Menalon Trail. On my second visit, I had a better chance to explore the village. It poured all day, so I spent most of it chatting with locals in cosy cafés and tavernas.
Everywhere I went, I was treated like a Greek goddess. The locals were incredibly warm and welcoming, always eager to share their stories and local wisdom. I was offered Greek coffee, wine, and the most delicious homemade Skaltsouni and Kataifi (traditional Greek pastries).
It reminded me of what makes the villages in Arkadia so special. People here value life’s simple pleasures, such as good conversation, human connection, and the beauty of simply being present.
DIMITSANA
Dimitsana is a gorgeous mountain village and the capital of the Gortynia municipality in Arkadia.
Like its neighbouring village, Stemnitsa, it played a key role during the Greek War of Independence.
In fact, Greek General Kolokotronis referred to it as his ‘arsenal’ because of the 14 water-powered gunpowder mills hidden in the gorge, which provided crucial ammunition for his forces.
What to do in Dimitsana
Kick off your morning with a warm cup of mountain tea and a slice of tasty Greek pastry at 4 Εποχές Art Café.
It’s a quirky little café with a lovely terrace right on the main road, and they serve the most delicious baklavas!
Then take a walk to the main square dominated by the statue of the Patriarch Grigoris V.
A short walk past the square brings you to the Mansion of the Patriarch, the birthplace of Grigoris V, which now houses a small ecclesiastical museum.
Nearby, you’ll also find the House of Archbishop Germanos, one of the key figures in the Greek War of Independence.
Take a look at the famous Dimitsana Clock located next to St Kiriakis Church, a donation of the Dimitsanian community of New York.
From there, it’s a scenic 15-minute walk to the Open-Air Water Power Museum, one of the highlights of the region.
The museum features restored workshops powered by flowing mountain water, including a gunpowder mill, tannery, and flour mill.
From Dimitsana, you can also hike the Menalon Trail to Stemnitsa or head just outside the village to visit the Mikis Theodorakis Stone Amphitheatre.
Where to stay in Dimitsana
Set in a historic building, Proselinos offers comfortable rooms, a terrace and a nice view of the inner courtyard.
Nerida Boutique Hotel provides cosy accommodation with a terrace and a lovely garden.
My personal reflections
The Open-Air Power Museum was definitely a highlight of my trip to Dimitsana. The staff show you how the old machinery works, and it’s fascinating to see the mills in action, especially the gunpowder mill.
It’s a peaceful place to explore, set in beautiful surroundings.
Dimitsana is also a wonderful place for gift and souvenir shopping, with plenty of artisan shops offering high-quality, handcrafted items.
I couldn’t resist picking up a piece of handmade jewellery featuring the Greek mati, a well-known symbol of protection in Greek culture.
VITYNA
Vityna, the first Arcadian mountain village developed for visitors, is more touristy and busy than other villages. There is no shortage of tavernas, bars, cafes, and shops here.
However, it’s also surrounded by a dense green forest with pine, chestnut, and fir trees, and if you wish, you can find a peaceful spot away from the crowds within minutes.
What to do in Vityna
Unwind at one of the charming cafes in the central square while watching the world go by.
My personal favourite is the Έαρ Cafe Bar. It has lovely rustic decor with stone walls and wooden tables.
The café features a quaint little terrace with a few tables outside where you can enjoy a delicious homemade apple crumble. If you ask the owner, she’ll gladly add a scoop of ice cream on top!
After a delicious break, spend some time exploring the square. Visit the stunning interiors of the Church of Agios Tryfonas, which was built in 1864. It has a gorgeous dome, wonderful frescoes, and large crystal chandeliers.
Next, take a stroll along the Path of Love. This scenic path, lined with towering maple trees, used to be where young couples from the village went for romantic afternoon walks.
For lunch, visit Old Vytina Restaurant (Palaia Vytina). It offers excellent Greek and international cuisine (including vegetarian options), friendly service, and an original antique décor.
If you have more time, go for longer walks in the nearby area or hike the Menalon Trail from Vytina to Elati.
You can also go on a run or bike tour. Vitinatrekking.com offers many guided tours in the area.
Before you leave, try the famous Vytina bread in one of the bakeries near the central square, and don’t forget to take home a jar of mountain honey or some handmade hilopites (traditional Greek pasta). There are plenty of shops around where you can find these local delicacies.
Where to stay in Vytina
Art Mainalon Hotel is a boutique hotel located just a short walk from the main square, featuring beautifully decorated rooms adorned with original Greek artworks. There is also a swimming pool open in the summer.
My personal reflections
During my trip to Arkadia, I spent one day in Vytina, soaking up the sun, enjoying delicious Greek food, and taking scenic walks around the area.
Vytina was the perfect place to finally check honey jars off my Greek shopping list.
My biggest regret was not having enough time to hike the Menalon Trail from Vytina to Elati. If you have more time, it’s definitely a must-do if you’re into hiking.
LAGKADIA
Lagkadia, often known as the ‘Hanging Village of the Peloponnese’, sits amphitheatrically on the steep slopes of Mount Mainalo. The village is worth seeing for the vistas alone.
Lagkadia is well-known for its skilled stonemasons, who have created spectacular stone houses and buildings not just in this village but all over Greece.
Lagkadia was also the birthplace of the Deligiannis brothers, who were prominent figures in the Greek Revolution of 1821.
What to do in Lagkadia
Start your day with a cup of coffee at Aroma Cafe, a favourite spot among hikers. It has a charming terrace with beautiful views overlooking the gorge.
Then, stroll through the village to marvel at perfectly designed stone houses and charming old fountains.
Make sure to visit the Church of Taxiarches and the War Memorial for the Fallen of Lagkadia, both located along the main road.
Then, head to the upper part of the village to see the house of the Deligiannis family. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Finish your day with a sumptuous dinner at the Maniatis restaurant, renowned for its authentic and tasty Greek cuisine.
Where to stay in Lagkadia
During my stay in Lagkadia, I was hosted by the Maniatis Mountain Resort, and I genuinely enjoyed my time there.
The resort comprises three spacious, interconnected and well-appointed hotels: Kentrikon Hotel, Lagadia 4-Seasons Hotel and Lagadia Resort, all located in the heart of the village.
My room at Lagadia Resort was comfortable and modern, with a balcony that opened up to beautiful mountain views.
The breakfast buffet was a real treat, with plenty of local Greek specialities to try.
My personal reflections
Lagkadia was my base for exploring the region during my week-long stay in the Peloponnese, and I had plenty of time to explore the village.
What I loved most about Lagkadia was its authentic atmosphere. Perhaps because it is slightly less popular than some other mountain villages in Arkadia, it has a more relaxed feel.
ELATI
Elati is a charming, traditional village nestled in the western Menalon mountains, surrounded by dense fir forests.
While there’s not much to explore within the village itself, a visit to the Elati Equestrian Centre makes it well worth your while.
From Elati, you can also access the Menalon Trail, which leads to other mountain villages like Vytina and Zygovisti.
Overall, Elati is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of nature.
What to do in Elati
Visit Elati for a magical horse-riding experience through the fir forests at a farm run by Christos Simopoulos. Christos is not only a passionate animal and nature lover but also a gifted woodcarver.
He has created a whimsical art workshop at the entrance to the village.
During his walks in the surrounding forests, he collects uniquely shaped branches and tree roots to transform them into extraordinary wooden furniture, lighting pieces, and decorative ornaments.
When I visited, he was even in the process of building a treehouse! His wife is also an artist, and some of her artwork is displayed in the workshop as well.
Horseback riding in Elati: Tel. 0030 6977022173
Where to stay
The accommodations closest to the Equestrian Centre are Vytina House Forest, located 2.8 miles away, and Chalet Elati, located just 500 yards away.
My personal reflections
On my travels, I often go horseback riding. I’ve ridden along the beaches of Morocco and North America and through the deserts of the Middle East. But exploring a snow-covered fir forest on horseback was an unparalleled experience.
There is something unique about the tranquillity of the woods and the aroma of fresh mountain air.
The views from the terrace of Christos’ workshop were equally unforgettable. It’s easy to see why he fell in love with Elati and chose it as his home.
My trip to Arkadia
In March, I had the opportunity to partner with Visit Peloponnese as part of the My Peloponnese Vibe travel project.
My Peloponnese Vibe is all about mindful travel exploration, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences.
I was invited to Gortynia in Arkadia 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. Following my own itinerary, I explored as many Arkadian villages as I could fit into my schedule over the course of a week. I had a fabulous time!
I hope you found my guide to the Top 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Arkadia helpful and that you enjoy your time in Arkadia as much as I did!
If you’re planning to hike the first section of the Menalon Trail from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana, you can check out my article about it here. And, if you want to explore more in Lagkadia, here is my article on the Top 12 Attractions in Lagkadia. Safe travels!
