Ano Doliana Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Ano Doliana, in Peloponnese, Greece. Discover the culturally important attractions, natural beauty, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Ano Doliana

Ano Doliana is a small village located in the mountains of Arcadia, in Peloponnese, Greece. The village dates back to the 16th century and has a rich cultural history. It is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature and Greek culture. With its stunning views, hiking trails, and traditional architecture, Ano Doliana is a must-visit destination when traveling to Greece.

List of Places to Visit in Ano Doliana

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Folklore Museum – This museum houses a collection of traditional costumes, household items, and tools used in everyday life in Ano Doliana.
  2. The Church of Agios Nikolaos – This 16th-century church has an impressive wooden-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes.
  3. The Watermill – This is the oldest watermill in the region, dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can see how flour was traditionally milled.

Natural Attractions of Ano Doliana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Mainalo – This mountain range offers trails for hikers and bikers, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  2. Lousios River – The crystal clear waters of this river flow through a Gorge and offer visitors a chance to kayak, raft, and swim.
  3. Spilaio Limnon (Cave of the Lakes) – This natural wonder features three underground lakes and a network of tunnels, perfect for spelunking enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ano Doliana

  1. Mainalo Ski Center – This mountain is perfect for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
  2. Lousios Gorge – This trail follows the Lousios River and has beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
  3. Stemnitsa to Dimitsana – This trail is a 12km hike that connects the two classic Arcadian villages and offers beautiful views of the rural countryside.

Best Things to Do in Ano Doliana: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine Tasting Tour – This tour stops at local vineyards and includes a tasting of the region’s finest wines.
  2. Cooking Class – Learn how to cook traditional Arcadian dishes with local chefs.
  3. Horseback Riding – Explore the mountains of the region on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ano Doliana

Day Activity
1 Explore the village of Ano Doliana and visit the Folklore Museum and the Church of Agios Nikolaos.
2 Hike Mount Mainalo
3 Kayak or raft the Lousios River
4 Take a tour of local vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting
5 Horseback riding through the mountains
6 Visit the Watermill and Spilaio Limnon (Cave of the Lakes)
7 Cooking class and farewell dinner with local chefs

Food and Drink Scene of Ano Doliana

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lamb Kontosouvli – Spit-roasted lamb marinated in lemon, oil, and oregano.
  2. Hilopites – A traditional Greek dish of pasta served with chicken or beef in rich tomato sauce.
  3. Melopita – A traditional dessert made with honey and cheese wrapped in a phyllo pastry.

Local Beverages

  1. Tsipouro – This is a traditional Greek spirit made from distilled grape skins.
  2. Wine – The Peloponnese region is known for its wine, with many vineyards offering tours and tastings.

Where to Stay in Ano Doliana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Amphitryon Hotel – This hotel has traditional-style decor and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  2. Archontiko Ano Doliana – This guesthouse features traditional architecture and comfortable rooms.
  3. To Patriko tis Irinis – This guesthouse is located in a restored 19th-century mansion and has a beautiful garden surrounded by flowers and trees.

What to Buy in Ano Doliana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Olive oil – The region is known for its high-quality olive oil.
  2. Handmade textiles – The women of the village create beautiful textiles including embroidery and weaving.
  3. Honey – The region is known for its rich honey production.

Local Culture and Customs of Ano Doliana

The people of Ano Doliana are proud of their cultural heritage and celebrate it through festivals and traditional events. The Feast of Agios Nikolaos is celebrated every year on December 6th, and the village is decorated with lights and traditional decorations.

Best Time to Visit Ano Doliana

The best time to visit Ano Doliana is from May to September when the weather is mild, and the outdoor activities are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ano Doliana

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  3. Take part in traditional festivals and events.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect religious or cultural monuments.
  2. Litter in the mountains or rivers.
  3. Take photographs without asking permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ano Doliana

Ano Doliana is a safe destination, with low levels of crime. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions when hiking or taking part in outdoor activities.

Health in Ano Doliana

Ano Doliana is a rural area, and visitors should make sure that they have all necessary medications and health insurance before traveling.

Getting to Ano Doliana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ano Doliana

  1. Kalamata International Airport (KLX) – 121km away
  2. Athens International Airport (ATH) – 197km away

Bus Stations Near Ano Doliana

  1. Tripoli Bus Station – 38km away

Other Options

  1. Car hire – Cars can be hired from the airports or major cities like Athens and Kalamata.

How to Get Around in Ano Doliana

The best way to get around Ano Doliana is by car or on foot. Local taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Ano Doliana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Dimitsana – A traditional village located 14km away.
  2. Stemnitsa – A medieval village famous for its silver jewelry.
  3. Mystras – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 64km away.

Conclusion

Ano Doliana is a hidden gem in the mountains of Arcadia, Greece. With stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural history, and plenty to see and do, it is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in traditional Greek life. Whether you’re a hiker, foodie, or cultural enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Ano Doliana.

Partial view of the village Partial view of the village Historical and Ethnographical Museum of Doliana Historical and Ethnographical Museum of Doliana The European long distance path E4 at Ano Doliana The European long distance path E4 at Ano Doliana Snapshot from Doliana's mountain half-marathon Snapshot from Doliana's mountain half-marathon "Dasiko Horio" settlement