Recommended Routes
MOUSTOS WETLAND
The wetland of Moustos is the largest and most important wetland in the area. It is located at the centre of the bay of Astros, further back from a sandy beach. It includes two lakes, the lake of Moustos anf a smaller one of Heronissi. The lake of Moustos is small and shallow and connectes to the sea via two artificial canals. The lake of heronissi is formed by the waters of a spring near the welt of the homonymous hill and directly connects to the sea.
The wetland of Moustos, although severely restricted by human interventions (up to 40%), holds an important role in the area. It enriches the underground water deposits, filters the brought materials, constrains the carbon dioxide, bestows and releases heat, seizes the sun light, supports the food chains and provides shelter to many plant and animal species. The waters of the lake are therapeutic and many people swim near the spring. There are three more natural wetlands north of Moustos.
FOKIANOS WETLAND
A small wetland extends south of Moustos, named Fokianos. The shores are steep, with the exception of a valley ending at one of the most beautiful coasts of Peloponnesus. This small wetland is a representative sample of a coastal wetland formation in a good natural condition.
LEONIDIO
Leonidio is the capital of the community of Kynouria. Only 4 km from the sea, built at a fertile plain full of olive and citrus trees. Its residents are the so-called "Tsakones", descendants of the Lakones that were turned into Doriis. They speak in one of the oldest dialects in the world, namele the "tsakonika". The beautiful architecture of Leonidio, the many mansions in the centre of the town woth the characteristic colors, the towers and the historic churches make Leonidio one of the most beautiful destinations in the area.
KASTANITSA
Kastanitsa is built at 900 m, among forests of chestnut trees, planes and cypresses. It is one of the most traditional villages with stone white houses, with lovely colors on the doors and the windows, gardens, white arrays and exquisite view. It was once famous for its production in lime and chestnuts. In the last few years many of its residents have migrated and it lies through a social-economic decline, since the majority of its population seeks a better life in the civil centers of the broader area.
AGIOS PETROS
Only 38 km from Tripolis stands a beautiful village of Parnonas, called Agios Petros. Although it has only one thousand inhabitants, it maintains the suitable infrastructures for the visitors, such as hotels, taverns, restaurants and candy shops. The contribution of the villagers to the Hellenic Revolution was significant, since most of them fought in the battles of Valtetsi, Doliana and Vervena. It is ideal for hiking and mountain climbing; from there start many paths towards the tops of Parnonas and the climbing shelter.
KASTRI
The village is surrounded by forests and waters; it is hidden between the chestnut trees, the planes and the cherry trees. Only 25 km from Tripolis, it is a picturesque village with less than 700 inhabitants. From its central place one may admire the view ti the canyon and the mountains of Parnon. From there starts a beautiful mountainous route passing across the villages Vourvoura and Karies that ends at the road connecting Sparta to Tripolis.
SITAINA
A very characteristic village of Parnonas, that is built on the slopes of Parnonas on an altitude of 700 meters and crowned by a dense pine forest. On the left of Sitaina is the gorge of Loulougkas and on the right, at an altitude of 1934 meters, the highest peak of Parnonas, the "Great Tourla".
The village has traditional stone houses, and preserves the old mule paths.
PRASTOS
It is the old and historic capital of Tsakonia. The village is characterized by the local architecture, such as the arked front doors, the narrow windows, the ornamental doors and the built stairs. It is not inhabited during the winter. However, during the summer it is full of habitants of the neighboring villages who maintain thei cottages there.