Arcadia - the mountainous interior of the Peloponnese

Route map

Arcadia is the mountainous region in the interior of the Peloponnese. This route passes the area’s sturdy mountain villages and dives deep into a gorge to a remote monastery.

Vytina

Since the old days, Greeks have come to the village of Vytina for the healthy mountain air. Until 1940, there were two sanatoria for patients to recover. Nowadays, visitors come mainly to hike in the wooded surroundings. And believe it or not, in winter people come to Vytina for skiing. From the village you can drive up Mount Mainalo to a small ski resort.

Tourism is an important source of income for Vytina. Half the village square is filled with terraces, which are served from several restaurants around the square. And there are many shops selling exquisite local delicacies, such as honey and artisanal pasta. Yet Vytina is above all a beautiful characteristic mountain village, with just the right touch of tourism that gives it some extra liveliness.

There is a convenient car park in the street behind the village square.

delicacy shops in Vytina (Arcadia, Peloponnese)

terraces on the village square in Vytina

Dimitsana

Steadily we drive deeper into the interior of Arcadia. The landscape becomes rougher and quieter. Then suddenly Dimitsana lies before us, gracefully draped over a bulging ridge. The village has a friendly atmosphere. It is lovely to wander its alleys a bit. Preferably up and to the edges of the village, for ever-changing views of the village and its mountainous surroundings.

Dimitsana lies next to the Lousios Gorge and is a good base for walks through the gorge. Thanks to hikers, there are charming guesthouses and restaurants in the mountain village. For lunch, we set our sights on the terrace of Tefthis Taverna. With magnificent views, we enjoy the simple, typical Greek dishes.

view on Dimitsana in Arcadia, Peloponnese

main street through Dimitsana in Arcadia, Peloponnese

shops in the main street of Dimitsana, Arcadia

shop with delicacies in the main street of Dimitsana, Arcadia, Peloponnese

Prodromos Monastery

The narrow road descends in hairpin bends into the Lousios Valley, to the edge where the valley turns into a steep gorge. There begins the short but serious hike to the remote Prodromos Monastery.

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rickety balconies of the Prodromos Monastery

Karytaina

It’s a tiny town, Karytaina. Nevertheless, we turn off for a little diversions through the village. Karytaina lies at the foot of a strikingly pointed rock, topped with the remains of a 13th-century Frankish castle. Backlight, power cables and parked cars make the picture less picturesque than hoped.