Stemnitsa, Arcadia

Welcome to Stemnitsa! One of the most beautiful villages of the Central Peloponnese and the Prefecture of Arcadia. A few kilometers away from Athens and Patras, at a distance of less than one hour from Tripoli. An authentic village with […]

Welcome to Stemnitsa! One of the most beautiful villages of the Central Peloponnese and the Prefecture of Arcadia. A few kilometers away from Athens and Patras, at a distance of less than one hour from Tripoli. An authentic village with unparalleled beauty, ideal choice for a getaway weekend or more.

One of our favorite destinations both for its natural beauty, the beautiful people, the multitude of choices in activities and excellent food. Here you will come to relax and enjoy the nature.

We’ve compiled a small guide for you to be able to enjoy your trip suggesting options for all tastes, but above all, options that we think stand out and we gathered so that you can enjoy them even within48 hours. If you can devote more days then you are a lucky one. I would always find the opportunity to go back there.

The village

With stunning views of the Lousios Gorge, stands out for its stone buildings and narrow streets. Covered in green and with a significant contribution to the Greek Revolution welcomes you to relax. Waiting for you to wake up early in the morning for coffee at the cafes, stroll through the alleys, hiking the many trails. To use it to discover the surrounding-gorgeous-villages, to taste good food and enjoy the sunset from the Heraion. Here you can relax, the aura of nature make you feel at ease either you choose to visit in the summer, or during at any other season.Ideal destination throughout the year. The numerous stone fountains with clean and gurgling water and churches stand out in this charming village.

Traditional Coffee shop (Kafenio) “Gerousia”

In the main square of Stemnitsa, opposite the Church of Agios Georgios. Made with love by Akis, Akisone of the young people of the village who decided to settle in the province. Here you will meet people of all ages and it is crowded all day long. From the workers who leave in the morning for work, to the elderly who enjoy their breakfast coffee and youth drinking with raki and taste Meze playing board games. Akis has every right to proud that has made a whole a village to drink coffee Espresso. Since his childhood, he loved making apart from the traditional Greek coffee, the highly modern espresso. Must taste!

The atmosphere combined with Aki’s friendly smile and his love for his work is what makes this place so special.

Activities

Known for hiking enthusiasts, thanks to Menalon Trail, one of only eight internationally certified trails in Europe. It consists of 8 routes having as the easiest and nicest the path of Stemnitsa-Dimitsana. Starts from the central square of Stemnitsa and crosses the Lousios Gorge with the passage of the Mones Philosophou and Prodromou, leading to a lovely village in the area, Dimitsana. If you wan to devote more time to the Menalon trail should spend 5 days at least in this part of the track. Find more info here.

Besides hiking you can do Horseback Riding by the River, rafting on the river Lousios and goldsmithing School lessons.

School Of Jewellery

The long tradition in the art of metals gave birth to the great Public School of Jewellery and revived rare professions and arts such as chalkomatades, blacksmiths, and jewelers. Operating since 1976 till nowadays as a Public school of Jewellery. Accepts students who have at least graduated from Highschool. Since 1980 it is under the relevant corresponding Ministry of education. The local jewelry shops are remarkable.

Open-air Water Power Museum

The open-air water power Museum is in Dimitsana and created thanks to extensive ethnological research program and architecture capture the workshops, with the support of the region of Peloponnese. The restoration work was done with great respect, that the procedures in the shells of the buildings’ foundations do not alter the original form of the buildings. At the same time, permanent equipment of the laboratories was restored to their original function. So the visitor has the opportunity to see how could the inhabitants of the region used to process the leather and gun powder production. A project that cultivates the history and culture of the region.

Where to eat

The area is known for good food, especially in tomato stew and hunting meat. You will find almost everywhere really nice food and homemade cuisine but our two favorites are the taverns “Georgantas” and “Zerzova”. On such small taverns always lie the best surprises. Cost per person 15€ wine included.

Taverna Georgantas. 

Located in the Ellinikon village, 10 minutes drive from Stemnitsa, in the central square, wild boar family business, with smoking and non-smoking area and all ingredients are of their \own production. Worthwild boar, rooster in wine with noodles, grilled lambchops, and Ewe. Also, pies baked in a traditional wood oven. Ideally, you can combine with a ride on the river Lousios (in Bridge to Ancient Gortys)and the monastery of St. John the Baptist.

Contact: +30 2791 031009

Zerzova tavern

Located in the village of Panayia, 15 kilometers from Dimitsana and has the first name of the village, of Slavic origin. All products, meat and dairy, in particular, coming from the family farm, Yiannis is taking care of, Greens, asparagus, fruits from the mountain and the food made by his wife, Vangelio. The really cozy space creates a great impression thanks to decorating rustic elements and of course the very-very good food and the wine cellar with wines (impressive for where you are). Here you will find little gems of Greek vineyards. The flavors and the hospitality will remain fresh in your memory and you’ll want to return there.

Contact: +30 69322847358

Mpellaiϊko Guesthouse

Our favorite place for relaxation the Mpellaiko Inn. The reason that makes come again and again to Stemnitsa and every time we discover something new. Nena, the soul of Mpellaiϊkoy, gives the best self to host you in a special way and succeeds. Special reference, of course, hand-made breakfast with goodies from the countryside and jams. I enjoy particularly breakfast watching the view from the small livingroom of the hostel, you will make new friends and will drink along mountain tea.The true sense of hospitality. With the Nena will relax for hours, she can direct you to everything around the area so get all the tips she can give.

In the village, there are also worthy guest houses at reasonable prices as well as well as in the surrounding villages. However, I’ll suggest choosing to stay in Stemnitsa in one of the traditional old residences org guesthouses like the Mpelleiko.

We like

The hospitality of Nena at Mpellaiϊko Guesthouse and Akis’ at the café “I Gerousia”, the good food and contact with nature. How special is to wake up in nature and to wander into one of the most beautiful and green parts of the Mainland. The walk in the alleys of the village, with the paving, stone houses and stone fountains, at least 10 of them, and the view from the Heraion at sunset.

Very important role as well plays the village location, you can use the Stemnitsa as your base and discover the-gorgeous-also surrounding villages, Stemnitsa, Elati, Vytina, Lagadia, Karytaina and other wonderful villages. Magnificent is also the way from Stemnitsa to the Vytina through Elati, one of the most beautiful routes in Greece with the tallest firs, they are as if they touch the sky.