I am lucky enough to have a unique trail next to my residence. What makes it unique to my eyes? Well, perhaps it’s that it combines both an excellent route to hike and the lovely villages of Menalon to pass through. Additionally the route is well marked and on every junction there are orientation signposts. Menalon Trail is one of the Leading Quality Trails in Europe. Let’s see it step by step.
Stemnitsa-Dimitsana
Starts are always hard but this one in particular, was even harder; we had to leave behind the amazing village of Stemnitsa. The trail starts from the main square of the village next to the church. We came across a chapel and we were captured by the panoramic view of the Lousios gorge. We followed the paved path that leads to the rock-nested monastery of Prodromos. Rest of the cornerstones on the way to Dimitsana were Philosophou Bridge, old and new monasteries of Philosophou and, of course, the Open Air Water Power Museum. It was time to stroll around a bit in the alleys of Dimitsana.
Dimitsana-Zigovisti
We left the village taking the ascending path which offered me an excellent view of the area. The route follows a succession of footpaths and dirt roads winding around abandoned fields. Not long after, we reached Zigovisti, a small, yet historically significant village of Arkadia. The Immortals Memorial is dedicated to the guard of Theodore Kolokotronis, leader of the Greek War of Independence (1821). A cup of greek coffee on the square is the perfect way to have a break.
Zigovisti-Elati
Perhaps my favourite part. Pines, firs and glades; add a plateau and a col and here it is the recipe for my point of preference. Honestly, 15km of pure tranquility! We didn’t visit though the village of Elati since we wanted to save some time.
Elati-Vytina
The route descends from Elati to the riverbed of the Milaon River and, then, it follows all the way up to Vytina. This part is rich in riparian flora; pass by three consecutive abandoned watermills and across some beautifully made wooden bridges. A few hundred meters of ascend and here we are in Vytina; the head village of the region.
