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Leaving the sea and following the uphill road that crosses Poulithra, we reach through Tsoumos in Peleta. The route is really difficult but the traveler is rewarded by the wild beauty of the landscape and the fantastic view of the Argolic Gulf. Peleta, Amygdalia, Pigadi, Houni and Kounoupia are some of the villages which are scattered in the large and virgin plateau.
It is worth looking for the wonderful red wine of Peleta made from the local vineyards. Leaving Peleta and passing Amygdalia and Pigadi , we can see from above the beach of Fokianos, an area with pristine natural beauty.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy it. Peleta is the main village of the area with traditional stone-built houses.
The road goes up on the mountain slopes and leads to Pyrgoudi and Peleta, a beautiful village with wonderfully preserved old houses and shops. If you own an off road vehicle, go down to the pebbly beach of Fokianos or visit Houni and cross the dirt road that takes you into Kosmas. Furthermore close to Leonidio there is a worthwhile visiting monastery, the monastery of St. Nicolas Sitzas ( Sitza means fig in the local dialect called “tsakonika”). It is in the heart of Dafnonas Valley and it was built in the 16th century right on the edge of the cliff.
One of the best routes in Peloponnesus: turns over coves with sandy beaches, olive oils and calm waters. It certainly worth a shortcut to the mountainous villages of Tyros and Sapounakeika and of course Pano Melana where you can see Prophet Elias’ chapel, the remains of Apollo Tyritas’ ancient temple and the astonishing view of the coastline.
It is one of the prettiest settlements in Parnon (despite the fact that it was razed by Germans on 29/1/1944). Kosmas is full of picturesque corners with stone double -storey houses and surrounded by fir and chestnut trees. In the center of the village there is a charming square with a beautiful stone church, the church of St. Anargyroi (1884) and some cool plane trees. This charming hamlet lies in the southeast slope of Parnon 30 km. from Leonidio. It is an autonomous community with a unique view of Arcadia at an altitude of 1,100m! Sitting in the square you will be enthralled by the incredible view which extends beyond the edge of the horizon.
Enjoy the view eating walnut sweet, the specialty of the village. You will have chance to gaze at the Argolic Gulf, the entire Argolis peninsula, Spetses and Hydra, a fairytale picture! Kosmas, built on the eastern slope of Mount Parnon, is surrounded by chestnut and walnut forests.
It was built in the middle of the 17th century but the nave dates in 1809. The building lies over a deep precipice hooked on the slope and it is surrounded by a splendid landscape that the tributaries of Dafnonas and the slopes of Parnon synthesize. Elona is one of the most beautiful and famous monasteries in Arcadia. You will find it at the road to Kosmas, 14 km from Leonidio (107 km. from Tripoli) in the Dafnonas gorge. The Monastery is known for its extraordinary location. Built on a vertical and magnificent red rock, fascinates the visitor, giving the impression of floating in chaos. Due to its position you can enjoy the excellent view of the surrounding area.
The monastery was founded in the early 16th century but the body of the church was built in 1809. The stone belfry was constructed in 1831 and it is believed that the icon of “Our Lady Elona” which is kept there, is Apostle Luke’s work (one of the 70 icons that he painted).
The icon is considered miraculous by some pilgrims and is made of silver. In the nave there are a nice wooden temple, holy relics, gospels, holy artifacts and many oblations. The date the temple was made cannot be defined but it is characterized by fine workmanship and imagination. Visitors can see the impressive carved representations and the old and well-constructed surrounding buildings. Today it is a nunnery.
During the Turkish occupation, the monastery was looted and set on fire several times. From 1875 and onwards it experienced unprecedented boom with the contribution of the residents of Leonidio, Spetses and Hydra. In the revolution of 21 it played a prominent role.
The monastery celebrates the Assumption and the Novena of Our Lady and gathers many pilgrims throughout Greece but especially from Astros, Lakonia and Spetses.
Poulithra is a seaside picturesque village built at the foothills of Mount Parnon, 9 kilometers from Leonidio and south of Plaka. Located in a beautiful, lush natural environment the village matches mountain and sea in an ideal way. Poulithra is famous for the quaint houses and the majestic manors which were built following the specific architectural standards of the area (Kynouria). It has beautiful pebbly beaches with crystal clear waters and attracts many tourists especially in summer. On the edge of Poulithra there is a scenic harbor where you can enjoy the view to the sea and the village.
Enjoy your stay!
Poulithra falls under the municipality of Leonidio. It is a beautiful seaside village built at the foot of Mount Parnon, 9 km. southeast of Leonidio. Its prime location matches harmoniously up mountain with sea and a stunning image is created as the settlement lies between the green nature and the endless blue of the sea. The traditional architecture of this pretty village travels you to past times. Poulithra consists of two neighborhoods, one coastal and one that is 2 km. from the beach. An impressive pebbly beach that attracts many tourists in summer. At the end of the waterfront there is a scenic harbor.
