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Activities and recommended places to visit
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Vitina is a picturesque village of 800 inhabitants. Less lush than Alonistena,
Vitina has a different kind of charm. In the streets surrounding the main square,
as well as in the square itself, there are cafes, small bars, tavernas, and shops
selling souvenirs and local food products (pasta, honey, cheese, cakes, etc.).
You will also find other facilities such as a pharmacy, a newsagent’s, a bakery,
and a petrol station. The main road to Vitina (9 km) is good quality tarmac that
goes through a dense fir-tree forest. At the beginning, the route is hilly with
curves up to the highest point (‘diasselo’, a cyclist’s nemesis), where the road
starts going downhill with fewer curves, but always through the forest, offering a
breath-taking view of the Vitina plateau.
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With Alonistena as your point of departure, you can visit Dimitsana, Stemnitsa,
Lagadia, Hrissovitsi, Karytena and Magouliana – picturesque villages at a short
distance, worth discovering: ideal for a day trip! Ostrakina Ski Resort (1,600 m)
is only 16 km away from Alonistena, and just two hours away from Athens.
‘Ostrakina’ is the name of the peak (1,981m) of Mount Menalo. From Alonistena,
as you head towards Vitina, near the end of the slope leading to the Vitina
valley, you turn right at the sign (‘Ostrakina ski resort’). The scenic route takes
you through a dense forest, passing by a truly beautiful glen (‘Rouhoi’) on the
right side of the road as you go towards the peak.
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For hikers, we recommend the path from the highest point of Alonistena (‘"diasselo") to "Kokinovrissi" (‘the red
spring"), at 1,400 m. You will be rewarded by the fresh spring water and the magnificent view! Of course you can
continue the walk as far as Methydrio and Pyrgaki (a 4-hour walk, beginner-intermediate level).
We also suggest a walk by the Loussios gorge, a location of extraordinary beauty. You can visit the historic
monasteries and admire the ornate bridges of the region, walking right next to the fast-flowing water of the river.
You can also go rafting on the Loussios river, for the greatest part of the year.
Tripoli, the capital city of the prefecture of Arcadia, is 24 km from Alonistena, if you take the route through Piana-
Davia. It is worthwhile visiting the Maliaropoulio Theatre, the Archaeological Museum and the metropolitan church of
St Vassilios. Enjoy the magnificent view from the hilltop of Agioi Theodoroi.
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