Mainalo | The Arcadian mountain of wonders
Mount Mainalo takes its name after mythical Mainalos, son of Likaios and founder of the Arcadian city of Likia. It was then renamed to Apano Chrepa and retained this name until the 20th century. Its highest peak is named Ostrakina with an altitude of 1.980 meters and is covered with fir trees, pines and cypresses.
As many as two tributaries of Alfios river derive from mount Mainalo. One of them is named Loussios river and streams from the northwest side of the mountain near village Karkalou, creating the homonymous and famous gorge. Elissonas is the name of the other river which streams from the central part of the mountain between the villages Piana and Alonistaina until it finally meets Alfios river near the town of Megalopolis. Within the region, we pinpoint a few of the most mountainous villages across Greece, such as Magouliana at an altitude of 1.365 meters and Alonistaina at an altitude of 1.220 meters.
The Arcadian mountain of wonders has a rich history and played an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821. While in the area, you should make an effort and visit the beautiful and very picturesque villages of Dimitsana, Limbovisi and Stemnitsa which will really reward you with ample fresh air, valuable views and top quality locally sourced meat in traditional tavernas.
You will be delighted by the plethora of idyllic landscapes and the rich flora and fauna of mount Mainalo. Apart from the ski resort which attracts those interested to winter sports, you may select to visit it for endless, tranquil walks amidst its rich nature and in order to see the ancient sites of the region, the medieval and the more recent traditionally Greek settlements and villages, a rich selection of churches and monasteries, as well as, plenty of stone-built bridges, a few remaining watermills and hundreds of stone-paved picturesque paths.
