Stemnitsa, Dimitsana and Vitina are three mountain villages that cannot be passed by in the Peloponnese.
The mountains of Greece are full of surprises. There are unexplored and treacherous gorges, unspoiled nature and real treasures, among which are authentic villages. In the mountains of Arcadia, one of the peripheral units of the Peloponnese, there are Dimitsana, Vitina and Stemnitsa at a short distance from each other. And each of them will enchant you with its unhurried atmosphere, ancient architecture and picturesque landscapes.
Stemnitsa, the name of which has Slavic roots, majestically located at the edge of the gorge. Everybody who comes to the village agrees with the opinion that it is one of the most photogenic places in the Peloponnese. Stroll through the ancient streets, explore the stone mansions and spend time in the lively central square, where bakeries and cozy tavernas are concentrated. Stemnica welcomes travelers all year round. There are guest houses for all tastes.
The secluded location has helped Stemnica preserve several churches. The oldest are more than 10 centuries old. Near the village is the monastery of St. John Prodromou, one of the most revered in the Peloponnese. Also in Stemnitsa you can visit the Folklore Museum with a collection of local craftsmen, old costumes, Byzantine icons and weapons.
In addition to the natural beauty and ancient architecture, Stemnitsa is famous for its jewelry artisans. You can buy silver or gold rings, crosses, brooches and candlesticks as a keepsake. And in July and August Stemnica welcomes guests to numerous events organized by the local cultural center.
There are villages that are an attraction in their own right. Dimitsana, located almost "under the clouds", is among them. The first mention of it appeared in written sources 1000 years ago. And even earlier, in ancient times, on the site of Dimitsana was located the city of Tevfida. Dimitsana played a role in the Greek struggle for independence. Not only were revolutionary ideas born here, but also worked numerous gunpowder factories.
Today Dimitsana is a quiet village with colorful architecture. Literally every house here is a historical monument. It is the center of tourism in Arcadia: travelers come to Dimitsana to visit the nearby monasteries of Philosopher and Prodromos, to hike on the footpaths and enjoy the atmosphere of true provincial Greece. The pride of the village is the ancient library. Since the eighteenth century, it keeps a collection of rare books.
Vitina is synonymous with noble beauty and tradition. It is one of the most authentic villages in the Peloponnese, far away from the hustle and bustle. The air in Vitina is unbelievably clean, the people are hospitable and the infrastructure is in no way disturbing the traditional atmosphere. Along the winding streets of Vitina there are stone houses, and the old ones are mixed with the new ones.
Walk through the village, reach the observation deck with a stunning view of the mountains, see St. Trifon Church, have a coffee in the central square, and then head to the Ethnographic Museum. It displays a collection of household items and weapons. As a memento of Vitina, you can take away the wooden products for which the village has been famous for a long time, honey, herbal tinctures, cheese and textiles made by the village's artisans.
The surroundings of Vitina attract travelers all year round. It is possible to raft on the Lucio river, go for walks in the caves and trails, and in winter to relax in the modern ski center. In the prefecture of Arcadia, Vitina is considered the most famous base for fans of skiing on snow-covered slopes.
The trip through the three villages of Arcadia should certainly be combined with a trip to the nearby monasteries of Philosopher, Prodroma and Emialon.
By bus: from Athens to Tripoli, where you can take a bus to any of the villages.
By car: the most comfortable way for those who want to visit all three villages. After leaving Athens, take the Corinth-Tripoli highway.
