In Brief:
Sunday, December 8, 2024
A scenic hike through the fir forests of Mount Mainalo along the Dense Path from Elati to Vitina - the 4th section of the #MenalonTrail, Mylaon River, Pyrgaki Springs, and visits to two of the most picturesque stone-built villages in Arcadia!
_____________________________
Description & Schedule:
Participants are invited to join a beautiful hike through the lush fir forests of mythical Mainalo. The journey includes stops at two charming villages in Arcadia, Elati and Vitina, while trekking along a unique trail with rich vegetation alongside the Mylaon River!
The departure from Athens is set for 07:30 in the morning, leading first to the small mountain village of Elati, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the slopes of Mount Mainalo. This village consists of a few scattered houses hidden in greenery, with the local population being very sparse!
The hike begins with a short path that takes them under the provincial road connecting Vitina and Dimitzanas, crossing a stream and entering the fir forest via the old mule path from Vitina. This section boasts the richest vegetation of the route. Participants will walk alongside the Mylaon River and encounter wooden bridges at various points to cross its banks.
Many attractions can be seen along the way, including the stunning Pyrgaki Springs supplying water to Vitina, the stone fountain of Makrinou & Artotsi and the ruins of old water mills.
As they leave behind the Mylaon River, which accompanies them with its soothing sound, hikers will reach the streets of Vitina where they will enjoy lunch at a traditional tavern. Vitina is located at an altitude of 1,033 meters and serves as the administrative center of Mainalo. The village's streets feature houses made of local black marble, and around the square, there are cafés and shops offering wood-carved items and local products.
______________________
Included:
Food is not included in the ticket price.
_______________________
Picking Up Points:
Return Time: 9:30 pm Syntagma Square, Athens
Hiking Technical Information:
Participation Requirements:
Basic Equipment:
Tickets:
Ways to Purchase Tickets:
No cash ticket purchases are possible on the day of the trip!
The program and activities may be modified or canceled in case of severe weather conditions or other technical factors that may compromise participant safety.
Cancellation/Change Policy
If a participant cancels up to 14 days before the trip, they can choose to receive a credit voucher applicable to any activity/excursion within 1 year or a refund. If canceled up to 7 days before the trip, they will receive 50% of the ticket price as a credit or refund. Cancellations up to 4 days before the trip will receive 25% of the ticket price as a credit or refund. Cancellations made at the last minute (3 days or fewer before the trip) are non-refundable.
Exceptions exist for illness due to COVID-19. By providing the official certificate of a positive rapid test or PRC at least 1 day before the scheduled activity, participants can receive a credit voucher equivalent to the ticket price for use on another future activity/excursion. Upon receipt of the positive certificate, the team verifies it through the Covid Free GR application and sends the credit voucher via email.
Tickets are personalized; changing a ticket name incurs a fee of 7 euros. Name changes can be made no later than 1 day before the scheduled excursion (Monday to Friday at 16:00, by emailing swenhiking@gmail.com).
Remember to check your email!
All participants who have purchased a ticket will receive detailed informational emails 2-3 days before the hike concerning their preparation (weather updates, last-minute information, etc.) and their selected boarding point.
JOIN US! The time has come! Experience nature!