North of Kalamata, away from most of the tourists, is Arcadia and to the West is Elis. We have visited the amazing Lousios Gorge three times now and we love the drive here from our main base in the south. The forest road from Lousios to the East is also a spectacular journey. In 2022 we took a detour to see extraordinary Agios Theodora which was worth the diversion. North of Tripoli to the east of the motorway is the Panagia Gorgoepikοos Monastery which has the most amazing setting halfway up a flat top mountain and overlooking the plains below.
As you venture north it gets mountainous with deep valleys and lush vegetation. There are even ski lodges which surprised us on our first visit. Most people have heard of Ancient Olympia but the Temple of Apollo is rarely visited.
To the north of Tripoli, the area around Levidi rarely attracts tourists but there are more ancient ruins and a cave to discover. The ruins of Ancient Tegea are certainly worth seeking out.
Ancient Megalopolis also warrants a visit and can be found just off the main road to the south of the modern city. The remains of the large theatre are still visible and the pillars of the assembly hall [or Thersilion] can be seen from the main road.
It’s all to easy to shoot through Arcadia on the motorway to or from Nafplio, but Arcadia and Elis certainly has a lot to offer.
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