Hiking the Menalon Trail: Sections, Distances and Practical Tips
The Menalon Trail is a 75 km waymarked hiking route across the mountains of Arcadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese. It links nine traditional stone villages – from Stemnitsa in the south to Lagkadia in the north – through the Lousios Gorge, fir forests on the western slopes of Mount Menalon and the valley of the Mylaon river. In 2015 it became the first hiking trail in Greece to be certified as a “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” by the European Ramblers Association.
We are a local travel agency based in Lagkadia, the village where the trail ends, so this guide is written from our own backyard. Below you will find the eight sections, how hard they are, when to go, where to stay and how to get there.
The Menalon Trail at a glance
- Length: about 75 km, divided into 8 sections
- Villages: Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana, Valtesiniko and Lagkadia
- Altitude: from about 420 m to 1,550 m
- Time needed for the whole trail: at least 5 days of walking; most hikers plan 5 to 8 days
- Waymarking: very well signposted along the whole route
- Who it suits: any reasonably fit walker for single sections; the full traverse needs experience of long, consecutive hiking days
The 8 sections
Distances are approximate and walking times depend on your pace, breaks and the weather.
| Section | Route | Distance | Walking time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stemnitsa – Dimitsana | 12.5 km | 5 – 5½ h |
| 2 | Dimitsana – Zygovisti | 4.2 km | 2 – 3 h |
| 3 | Zygovisti – Elati | 15 km | 5 – 8 h |
| 4 | Elati – Vytina | 8.5 km | 2½ – 3½ h |
| 5 | Vytina – Nymfasia | 5.6 km | 2 – 2½ h |
| 6 | Nymfasia – Magouliana | 8.9 km | 3 – 3½ h |
| 7 | Magouliana – Valtesiniko | 6.6 km | 2 – 2½ h |
| 8 | Valtesiniko – Lagkadia | 14 km | 5 – 5½ h |
Section 1: Stemnitsa – Dimitsana (Lousios Gorge)
The most famous part of the trail. The path drops into the Lousios Gorge and passes the Prodromou Monastery, built into the cliff, and the Old and New Philosophou monasteries, before climbing to Dimitsana. Near Dimitsana you can also visit the Open-Air Water Power Museum. Remember that monasteries ask visitors to cover shoulders and legs, so bring a light layer.
Want to walk it with a local guide? See our Menalon Trail: Stemnitsa – Dimitsana guided hike.
Sections 2–3: Dimitsana – Zygovisti – Elati
A short walk to the small village of Zygovisti is followed by the longest and most demanding section of the trail, through forest towards Elati. Start early and carry enough water and food for the whole day.
Sections 4–5: Elati – Vytina – Nymfasia
Shady paths through Greek fir forest bring you to Vytina, one of the best-known mountain resorts of Arcadia, and then on to Nymfasia. These are among the gentler sections and are a good choice for a first taste of the trail.
Join our guided Menalon Trail: Elati – Vytina hike.
Sections 6–8: Nymfasia – Magouliana – Valtesiniko – Lagkadia
The northern half of the trail crosses higher ground around Magouliana, one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese, before following the Mylaon river valley down to Lagkadia, with its stone mansions built on the mountainside. Many hikers count the final section among the most beautiful of the whole route.
Walk the last section with us: Menalon Trail: Valtesiniko – Lagkadia.
When is the best time to hike?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal: mild temperatures, green or golden forests and flowing springs. Summer is possible, as much of the route is shaded and at altitude, but start early to avoid the midday heat in the gorge. In winter, snow, ice and high water levels can make some sections difficult, so only experienced hikers with proper equipment should attempt it, and always check conditions locally first.
Practical tips
- Wear broken-in hiking boots and bring walking poles – some descents are steep and stony.
- Carry at least 1.5–2 litres of water per person and snacks; on the longer sections there are few places to buy food.
- Download an offline map or GPS track before you set off, even though the trail is well marked.
- Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer, as mountain weather changes quickly.
- Plan your accommodation in advance, especially at weekends and in high season.
Walk the whole trail – without the logistics
If you would like to hike the entire route, our Menalon Trail – 8 Days / 7 Nights hiking adventure starts in Stemnitsa and takes you village by village to Lagkadia, with overnight stays along the way. For a shorter break that combines hiking with time to relax, see 4 Days / 3 Nights – Nature, Trails & Relax in Arcadia.
Where to stay along the trail
- Dimitsana: Xenonas Kaza, En Dimitsani, Thisoa Hotel, Dandy Villas Dimitsana
- Vytina & Elati: Vitina House Forest Resort, Nymfasia Arcadia Resort, Aiora Suites, Ostra Menalon Luxury Suites, Chalet Elati
- Lagkadia area: Maniatis Hotels & Resorts, Gileri Eco & Design Residences, Manna Hotel, Moreas Peak Lodge
See all our partner hotels – we are happy to book them for you.
How to get to the Menalon Trail
Stemnitsa, the start of the trail, is about 3 hours by car from Athens, via Corinth and Tripoli. Public transport to the mountain villages is limited, so many hikers choose a private transfer:
- Athens City Center or Athens Airport to Stemnitsa
- Lagkadia to Athens City Center or Athens Airport
- Lagkadia – Dimitsana and Lagkadia – Vytina
- All private transfers
Plan your Menalon Trail hike with us
Tell us your dates and how many days you want to walk, and our local team in Lagkadia will suggest a plan with guides, hotels and transfers. Contact us – we reply within 24 hours.
More hiking ideas: Menalon Trail · All hiking trails