A Road Trip Through Menalon

Self-drive · forests, silversmiths and a castle

A road trip born from a fairytale — through the heart of Menalon, past dense fir forests and historic villages, ending at a castle looking down over gorges and rivers.

• Self-drive
• Tripoli → Karytaina
• 6 stops

The idea

Six stops from the Tripoli plain into the Menalon forest — a village carved into the rock, a mountain hamlet at 1,220 metres, the silversmiths of Stemnitsa, and a Frankish castle above the Alfeios, at the foot of the Menalon Trail.

The route

• 1 · TripoliStart in the capital of Arcadia. A relaxed morning walk through the centre and a coffee under the trees is all you need to study the map before heading for the mountains.
• 2 · PianaFirst stop is Piana, a beautiful traditional village perched on the slopes of Menalon. Wander the stone lanes, admire the architecture, and visit the Cave of Pan. The stillness here is the perfect introduction to Arcadia’s mountain magic.
• 3 · AlonistainaThe road climbs deep into the fir forest. Alonistaina, built at 1,220 metres, offers crystal-clear air and a landscape all its own. A village with a heavy history — birthplace of Theodoros Kolokotronis’s mother — and the perfect place for a coffee in the flagstone square under the plane trees.
  
• 4 · VytinaNext comes the celebrated Vytina. Walk the romantic “Road of Love” beneath the maples and plane trees. Vytina is a hub for hikers on the famous Menalon Trail, and known for its traditional woodcarving.
• 5 · StemnitsaDescending toward the Lousios Gorge, we reach the striking Stemnitsa. Proud tower houses, stone-paved lanes and the renowned School of Gold- and Silversmithing make up a scene of singular character. The view from the village is breathtaking.
  
• 6 · KarytainaThe road trip reaches its peak in Karytaina. With its striking Frankish castle crowning the hilltop, and its picturesque lanes and mansions, it carries you straight into the Middle Ages. Don’t miss the historic stone bridge over the Alfeios River.

On the map

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Make it yours

Where to stay

Every stop along the route is a network host.

Aiora Suites

Suites

Vytina, Gortynia — Arcadia

Aiora Suites welcomes you to the mountain village of Vytina, deep in the Mainalon Forest — six rooms and six suites in warm, earthy tones, built…

Visit Member

Mpelleiko

Traditional Guesthouse

Stemnitsa, Arcadia

A stone-built traditional guesthouse perched above Stemnitsa's square, with sweeping views to Mount Lykaion. Every room has its own fireplace, and…

Visit Member

Papanikola Guesthouse

Mountain Guesthouse

Piana, Arcadia

Traditional hospitality in Piana, among the fir forests of Menalon — on the certified trail network.

Visit Member

Good to know

• Local honeyVytina’s rare, award-winning fir honey (“Vanilla”) and local hilopites pasta are worth stocking up on.
• SilversmithsIn Stemnitsa, try the traditional amygdalota almond sweets and spend time in the goldsmithing workshops.
• Walk a stretchEven a short section of the Menalon Trail connects you fully with the spirit of the mountain.

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