TRAVEL TO MAINALON TRAIL
The trip starts from Athens or Kalamata depending on the flight or drive option you choose. The Menalon Trail is located approximately 245 km from Athens and 110 km from Kalamata Airport. You can reach the trail by car or taxi from either city.
The treks begin in the picturesque villages of Stemnitsa and Lagadia, which are easily accessible. There are local bus connections available, and we can assist you in planning your route from the airport, providing bus schedules, or arranging a car/minivan transfer. Please contact us before you buy plane tickets.
CLOTHING AND GEAR
Proper hiking boots are essential for the Menalon Trail. We recommend sturdy, worn-in trekking shoes or boots that provide good ankle support and stability on rocky terrain. Even in summer, it’s wise to bring some warm clothing. Recommended gear includes:
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Fleece or mid-layer tops
Long hiking pants
Moisture-wicking t-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
Sunglasses and a cap
A raincoat or poncho
Toiletries and light footwear for village use
At least one one-liter bottle for water
ACCOMMODATION
Depending on your arrival time, the first and last nights of your trip may be spent in one of the hotels near the Menalon Trail. While hiking, you will stay overnight in traditional guesthouses or hotels in the villages. Services typically include:
We will inform you in advance about the availability of local shops for medicines or snacks, which can be found in the larger villages like Dimitsana and Stemnitsa. For detailed information on accommodations or special preferences, please contact us.
MEALS
On village-to-village hiking tours, breakfast is provided. Dinner is available at traditional taverns in the area. Typically, breakfast is served from 7 am to 9 am and includes:
Unlimited coffee and tea
Bread, butter, jam, eggs, honey, and chocolate spread
Some guesthouses may offer ham, cheese, and local pies
After breakfast, we recommend filling your thermos with hot water or tea, which is often provided for free.
Dinner time in the villages usually ranges from 6 pm to 11 pm. A typical dinner is hearty and includes:
A salad as a starter
Appetizers (such as tzatziki, local cheese, or fried cheese)
A main course (meat with a side dish or vegetables)
Dessert
Drinks available during dinner include water, wine, beer, local tsipouro, herbal tea, and coffee.
For lunch, you can stop at a tavern or enjoy a packed lunch on the trail.
Feel free to ask if you need more information or assistance!
SAFETY MATTERS
Our hiking tours are led by professional mountain leaders, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience and with passion for the outdoors. They usually work in the region of the hiking trip, have professional training, are trained for emergency situations, regularly upgrade their qualifications and work in accordance with Greek regulations.
In cases of self-guided hiking, you must be properly dressed, follow the safety rules and make realistic time calculations for daily crossings – preferably according to the hiking guidelines that we provide. Our self-guided hiking trips are organized so that they do not require specific abilities and skills or gear, unless it is clearly specified in the trip description. You can expect not so well maintained trails like the ones in the Alps or in N, Europe or N. America, however, equipped with direction signs. Exposed sections of the paths may not be secured on the self-guided routes. However they are considered safe provided that you follow the basic safety rules for hiking in the mountains. We will give you any necessary information.
Mountains are a natural environment with a high level of risk, so we insistently ask all guests to engage into activities according to skill and fitness level. If you have questions about the safety rules, please contact us.
INSURANCE
It is important to have an appropriate insurance that covers the hiking activity. You don't need to include the climbing activity in your insurance, unless you are planning to climb during the hike. However, it is important to mention that there is no HEMS in Greece. We mostly depend on the state operated EMAK service (Joint Rescue Coordination Service) which is not as quick and efficient as rescue operations abroad.
WEATHER ON THE MAINALON TRAIL
The Mainalon Trail, located in the heart of the Peloponnese, offers hikers a range of weather conditions depending on the season. The most favorable hiking months are April to November. During spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November), the weather is mild with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it comfortable for trekking through its forests and stone-paved paths.
Summer months, especially June through September, can get warmer, with peak temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F). However, the altitude and shade of the forested trails offer respite from the heat. Winter brings a chill, with average highs around 15°C (59°F) and the possibility of snowfall at higher elevations, potentially rendering some routes challenging or inaccessible.
This diversity in climate ensures that the Mainalon Trail provides year-round appeal, but hikers should always check local weather conditions and prepare accordingly before setting off.
