For appreciators of breathtaking nature and outdoor activities everywhere, the Peloponnesian region of Arcadia has a special hiking trail to offer, the “Menalon Trail”, -one that invites you to immerse yourself in the History of Arcadia along centuries-old paths of infinite beauty.
According to Greek mythology, Arcadia was the domain of Panas – the shepherds’ goat-legged god (who was half human and half goat). A wild and untamed home of the god of the forest and his court of dryads, nymphs and other spirits of nature. It has since inspired a multitude of writers, painters and sculptors and the name has come to represent an idea of countryside life that is believed to be perfect.
The 75 km “Menalon Trail”, which has been certified as one of the best leading quality trails of Europe by the “European Ramblers Association”, makes use of old paths running through the covered by black pine and fir forests Gortynian Mountains, along the Lousios river gorge and across the Mylaonta river valley, in the western part of Arcadia and joins nine historic villages, in a constellation of unique founding stories, local landmarks, deeply-rooted traditional ways of life and gastronomy customs and recipes. The region’s renowned local products include vanilla fir honey, royal jelly and fresh pollen – do not miss to try them!
The “Menalon Trail” is incorporated in the prizewinning project “Greek Paths of Culture”, exemplifying an alternative means of conveying the very essence of the region.
Practical information: The “Menalon Trail” is a continuous hiking path divided into eight sections of different length and difficulty levels, so that people of all abilities get a chance to enjoy the trail. If you would like to know more about it (including starting point, routes, duration, degree of difficulty, points of interest) you can check out its official website here (www.menalontrail.eu).
Blue Mosaic can offer you the ideal starting point for a true “mosaic” experience, with a series of unique Villas (Villa Starlett, Villa Negroni, Villa Daiquiri) set at the doorstep of the “Menalon Trail”!
