The Menalon Trail: Zygovisti - Elati

Hike Section 3 of the Menalon Trail – the longest and wildest section, over the high plateaus of western Menalon – as a full-day trip from Athens. Our driver picks you up from your hotel in Athens early in the morning, takes you to Zygovisti in the mountains of Arcadia and waits for you in Elati at the end of the hike, so you can walk the trail without any driving or logistics.

The Menalon Trail is a 75 km waymarked route that links nine traditional villages of Arcadia. 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.

Section at a glance

• Route: Zygovisti – Elati (Menalon Trail, Section 3)
• Distance: 14.9 km
• Walking time: 5 to 8 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult (4/5)
• Terrain: footpaths and dirt roads over high mountain plateaus, well waymarked

Highlights on the way

• The old church of Agios Ioannis and the Pera Vrisi fountain in Zygovisti
• A beautiful ravine leading to the country church of Agios Georgios
• Bilali Pass, a crossroads of old mountain paths
• The saddle between Pliovouni (1,643 m, the highest point of the section) and Fragovouni
• The vast Vlachika plateau and the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi before Elati

Your day

• Around 06:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Athens (or another meeting point) by our private driver.
• Around 09:00 – Arrival in Zygovisti after a drive of about 2.5–3 hours via Corinth and Tripoli, with a short coffee stop if you like.
• Hike – Walk Section 3 of the Menalon Trail from Zygovisti to Elati at your own pace (5 to 8 hours).
• Late afternoon – Our driver meets you in Elati. Time for a meal or coffee in the village (not included).
• Evening – Return transfer to your hotel in Athens, usually arriving late in the evening.

Good to know

• This is the longest and most demanding section of the trail and a very long day from Athens (around 14 hours door to door). It is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition.
• If you prefer a more relaxed pace, choose one of the 2-day options below, with an overnight stay in a mountain village and luggage transfer.
• Wear trekking shoes and bring a rain jacket, plenty of water and snacks – there are few springs on the high plateaus.
• The best season for the trail is May to September; in other months we will advise you on conditions.
• A professional local hiking guide can be arranged on request.

Contact us with your date and number of people – we reply within 24 hours.