Arcadia hiking tour: Arkoudorema forest and ravine

Village frozen since 1928, stone church and moss-covered ruins at forest path's end

A four-hour guided hike through the forests and rivers of Arcadia, starting from Piana village and reaching the abandoned settlement of Arkoudorema in the Mainalo ravine. The route passes through fir forest and descends to explore the preserved Church of Arkoudorema, old stone houses and a restored fountain, all covered in green moss. A certified mountain guide leads in English or Hebrew. Hiking poles and return transfer are included. Lunch is not included, and hiking gear such as shoes and fleece can be added at checkout.

The experience

The hike begins in the central square of Piana village at the Church of Saint George, then moves into the fir forest of Mainalos mountain. The path descends through woodland toward Arkoudorema, a village abandoned since 1928 and now one of the most distinctive stops in Arcadia. What makes it stand out is not the distance but what the landscape itself has done to the place: green moss covers the stones of the old houses and the Church of Arkoudorema, creating an atmosphere that feels removed from time.

At Arkoudorema you explore the ruins of the old dwellings and the preserved church, along with a restored stone fountain deep within the ravine. Panagia Arkoudorematos, the church at the site, is designated a historical monument and ranks among the most sacred places in the region. The moss-covered stones and the scale of abandonment are what travelers remember. The guide points out the details that explain how the village was left and what the landscape has reclaimed.

After the hike, the route includes a visit to local tavernas where you can order lunch and traditional food. A certified guide leads the group and handles the return transfer to the starting point. Hiking poles are provided, though you can add your own shoes and fleece at checkout if you prefer your own gear. The hike is graded for moderate fitness. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Professional certified mountain guide in English or Hebrew.
• hiking poles.
• return transfer from the end point to Piana village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Hebrew

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by aperis well-being & alternative travel guidance

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike with a small group led by someone who knows the area and can explain what you are seeing. The four-hour pace and moderate difficulty suit hikers who are comfortable on forest paths but do not need a full day of climbing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hebrew.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Arkoudorema and why is it the highlight of this hike?

Arkoudorema is a village abandoned since 1928, located deep in the Mainalo ravine. It is the highlight because the preserved Church of Arkoudorema, the ruins of old stone houses, and a restored fountain are all covered in green moss, creating a rare landscape where nature and human settlement have merged over nearly a century.

How long does the hike take and what is the fitness level required?

The hike lasts four hours. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What is included in the tour and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes a certified mountain guide, hiking poles, and return transfer to the starting point. You can add hiking gear such as shoes and fleece at checkout. Otherwise, bring your own footwear and layers suited to a forest environment.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat after the hike?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. After the hike, the route ends at local tavernas in the area where you can order traditional food and eat at your own expense.