A Long Weekend in the Mountain Villages of Arcadia
Only three days? Head for the mountains of Arcadia, less than three hours from Athens. Stone villages with tiled roofs, the green Lousios Gorge with its cliff-side monasteries, mountain trails, fireplaces and slow-cooked local food – this is the Greece most visitors never see. We live here, in Lagkadia, and this is our favourite long weekend.
Why come with a private transfer?
- From Athens straight to the village – airport or hotel pick-up, door to door, about two and a half to three hours.
- No winding mountain roads for you – just the view from the window.
- Walk one way – we drop you at the start of the trail and pick you up at the end.
- Taste the local wine at dinner without worrying about the drive back.
Day 1: Athens – Lagkadia – Dimitsana
Pick-up in Athens or at the airport and drive to Gortynia. Stop in Lagkadia, the village of stone masons, hanging on the mountainside. In the afternoon, Dimitsana: the open-air Water Power Museum and a walk through the old lanes. Dinner in a village taverna.
Read: the mountain villages of Arcadia · what to eat in Arcadia.
Day 2: Lousios Gorge on foot
Walk the most famous stage of the Menalon Trail, from Stemnitsa to Dimitsana through the Lousios Gorge, past the monasteries of Prodromos, built into the rock, and Philosophou. A day of forest, river and history. In the evening, Stemnitsa, the village of silversmiths.
See: Menalon Trail: Stemnitsa – Dimitsana · Lousios Gorge & monasteries.
Day 3: Vytina, Elati – and back to Athens
Morning in the fir forests of Mount Mainalo, around Vytina and Elati, with a short walk or a coffee in the square. After lunch, your driver takes you back to Athens or to the airport.
See: Menalon Trail: Elati – Vytina.
Stay longer
With more time, the whole Menalon Trail takes eight days from village to village – we move your luggage and you just walk. Or choose a ready-made stay:
4 days – nature, trails & relax in Arcadia · Stemnitsa experience · Be active in Arcadia
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for walking. Winter is magical in the villages, with snow and fireplaces; summer is cooler here than on the coast. See our best time to visit guide.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No. The Stemnitsa – Dimitsana stage takes a few hours on a marked path with some ups and downs. Good shoes and water are enough.
Where do we stay?
In traditional guesthouses in the villages. See our partner hotels, or ask us to choose for you.
Tell us your dates and we will reply within 24 hours with your weekend plan, guesthouse and private transfers.