Author: GrCycling Team

Overview

In Leonidio there are a lot of options you can choose from for your accommodation arrangements. All of them ensure an excellent level of service with great hospitality to cyclists. We have visited many of the lodgings in the greater area of Leonidio to inspect and check to what extent the cycling culture is welcomed (e.g. a safe place to store the bikes). Overall, we were extremely satisfied since many of the business owners were open to adopt new practices to embrace the special needs the cycling guests require. Below you may find our recommendations, which will make your stay comfortable and worry free for you, your bike and your family.

Archontico Hatzipanayoti

Type: Luxurious Guesthouse
Web: www.hatzipanayiotis.gr
Email: hotel@hatzipanayiotis.gr
Phone: +30 2757022476 – 2757029037

A traditional stone house, built on 1809, has been completely renovated and transformed into a modern, luxurious guesthouse. The pale colors of wood and stone combined with the old, stylish, furniture, create an idyllic and respectful atmosphere.

Agroktima

Type: Quality Guesthouse – Farming Estate
Web: https://www.agroktima.com
Email:info@agroktima.com
Phone: +30 6972774878, +30 6979400140

A small number of stone built residences are located in the a farming estate, with orange and olive trees. The breakfast, comprised locally made marmalades and  bread, is delivered everyday in a basket, at your door, which make maintaining your privacy an easy case. Guests selecting to stay will definitely enjoy the tranquility and the quality of the surroundings.

Anna’s House

Type: Affordable Home
Web: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27617684
Phone: +30 6936833735

A spacious house, which can host up to 8 persons. It is fully equipped with everything you and your group require to prepare your own meals. The garden, full with orange and lemon trees, is the right place to your evening barbeque events (equipment is included)

Kamaria Hotel

Type: Affordable Hotel – Great Location
Web: https://www.kamaria-apartments.gr/en/
Phone: +30 2757022757, +30 6937301891

Located in the farmzone, only a few meters from the beach, Kamaria Hotel offers a great escape and isolation. Their rooms are very basic and some of them are very spacious, capable to sleep 4 or more people. Guests staying here, will not only appreciate the sound of the sea waves, but also the strong taste of Greek hospitality. George, the owner of the hotel, his cordial friend Giannis along and their families, often spend their evenings by gathering together to walk on the beach, cook, and, undeliberately, drink some home made “tsipouro”. They share stories and great laughter, while all guests are welcomed to participate.

“… Leonidio is not flat …”

What you need to know in order to enjoy your cycling days in Leonidio

To describe it in a direct and straightforward way, Leonidio region is NOT flat 🙂 Cycling out of the valley, where the town of Leonidio is located, would require from the riders to put at least of a 30 – 40 mins effort to climb a 500m uphill road. The elevation found here is in abundance and cyclists should have the needed fitness level to enjoy those wonderful sceneries.

The landscape will demand an extremely good fitness level and experience in using road bikes. Due to the altitude difference the weather conditions are subjected to great differences, and the cyclists should be capable of dealing with them.

E-bike: will that work?

Using an ebike is a great option to avoid putting yourself undergo unnecessary and strenuous efforts. With the assistance of an electrical engine you can easily navigate throught the smaller villages and towns, without compromises.

Taking an extra battery will not be necessary, since within the range of 40-50km, the minimum expected mileage from using an ebike, you will find plenty of villages, where you can relax, enjoy a coffee and change your battery.

Have a cycling break? Never stop exploring

Apart from the great cycling, Leonidio offers a few great experiences you can enjoy during your off-the-saddle time or on your rest days. Below you may find the things that we loved in Leonidio.

Pyrgos Trikalioti (1808)

Mr. Tsikaliotis managed to set up a successful business in Trieste, but he didn’t forget his origins. When he returned back to Leonidio, while being part of a secret society, which helped the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire, he had reasons to believe that his life was at stake, or that there were people who were planning to steal from his great fortune. That made him build a phenomenally traditional house, however, it was severely fortified with a number of intelligent tweaks that could keep looters of that time away.
Mrs. Eygenia, the guide of the building, will make sure to provide you with all the information you will need to appreciate the stories behind that special fortified design. There is no cost for this tour and you can book it simply by contacting your hotel’s reception.

Farmer Women’s Association

Someone can easily spot their kiosk with some for the tastiest traditional and most premium homemade products, by the banks of the river at the main bridge (map). Everything here is made by true passion and loyalty to the traditional ways of cooking and preparing those delicacies. The initiative was taken up by 60 women 20 years ago. Since then, the total number of the Association’s members has significantly decreased to 7, which puts a tremendous pressure on the projects prospects. During our time in Leonidio, we had the chance to try pretty much everything those women make. There are also some seriously good cycling snacks there. 🙂 Always feels nice while supporting them.

Weaving

Did you know that there is special weaving technique, which is the same for the last 300 – 400 years? In those times, when shopping malls and cheap fashion still were concepts that seemed impossible, women used to hold bags for moving around their village with their vegetables, their bread or any other kind of personal belongings when attending a social occasion. It was part of the tradition that each woman should weave her own bag. Therefore, and following this special technique, those bags where not only extremely durable, but they were following a colorful pattern, making each bag look differently. Being practical doesn’t mean sacrificing being unique and colorful 🙂 A young lady’s engagement would signal the beginning of an enormous weaving project. She, with the help of others, frequently older women, had to prepare a whole carpet. The longer the carpet and the more complex the drawing pattern was, the more the lady was appreciated by the villagers and the more the blessings were for the couple’s prosperity. Those artworks could reach being more that 5m long (50kg). Today, even by looking at them, it is hard to believe how they managed to make them without any mistakes. Ask your hotel to tell when a local volunteer can show you around those masterpieces.

Monastery of St Nicholas Sintzas

 (map) An easy, uphill hiking path (also accessible by car) on the southern part of Leonidio, will take you out of the town, to a fabulous olive tree farm. Later on, the path gets a bit steeper, with the first panoramic, wonderful views of Leonidio getting all the attention. The end of the road is where the monastery is located. There is only one female monk, who is taking care of the whole monastery, therefore do not forget to bring her some food or provisions on your way there. She is very kind and her honest, welcoming smile made our hearts warm and loving. Note: She is at the monastery from Greek Easter until the end of October.

Greek Coffee Roasting

While walking in the main road of Leonidio, jump in the mini market of Mr. Ilias, called Cava and found on the main steep (map), and ask him when he plans to roast coffee beans and prepare the famous Greek coffee. The roasting process must be slow and gradual so that the coffee beans realise their unique scent in the air around the mt. Ilias grocery store.

Handmade Cookies

The famous pizzaria of Leonidio (In Leonidio) occasionally hosts mrs. Maria who, using the traditional oven heated by pieces of wood, makes some extremely delicious cookies. The way she prepares the dough is gentle and soft. She takes care that the baking is not too much, so that the cookies are burned, or too short which makes the cookies soft. That might sound like an easy task, however, doing so in a wood oven has some serious challenges. With her smile and years of experience, she makes sure all cookies are perfect every time. Lastly, getting some of those cookies along your cycling rides is great idea!

Olive Oil Production

Just 15 minutes on foot, heading from the centre of Leonidio to the beach side, you can visit a small, but quite modern, olive oil production facility. If it happens you to be there from November to January, paying a visit to the facility is something you shouldn’t miss. You will witness families coming for from the villages close by, to patiently wait for the moment to taste the oil olive oil produced by their own olives. They usually bring a few tomatoes, fresh bread, homemade cheese and “tsipouro” (oh yes! you are going to love that) to celebrate the year’s production. Everyone is welcome, as long as all drink the tsipouro! You may also purchase bottles of fresh olive oil. Ask the owner.

The farming zone

Leonidio has a very particular morphology. Even though it is located very close to the sea, the soil is extremely fertile, resulting in an a extremely active agricultural production. Here, the Tsakonian Eggplant, a unique variety of Eggplant, tastes significantly sweeter and it has a better, more filling taste. Due to mild temperatures all year long, there is significant production of tomatoes and lettuce. Hiking through the farm zones of Leonidio, you cannot miss the endless fields of orange and lemon trees. Shall you spot any farmers, do not hesitate to greet them and ask questions on their farming ways. You may also purchase some on their products at very attractive prices, while being ULTIMATELY fresh!

Beach Time

There are 4 spectacular beaches in close proximity to Leonidio. You may click on the url below to see where they are located.

Tigani, Thiopafto, Plaka, Fokianos

Note: paying those wonderful beached a visit, is a great idea even when you are cycling. We have a lot of great memories by doing so. You?

Lunch Meals in Leonidio: not before 17.00.

Call the businesses to reserve a spot; occasionally they get very busy.

The majority of the restaurants do not offer lunch before 17.00hrs. We understand that this can be frustrating, however, we like it that way. The business owners, normally actively engaged in serving or cooking the food, they do appreciate their time with their families, resulting them to start all the preparations for the day, during late afternoon hours. There are a few businesses that offer lunch options and you can find all about them below.

Enjoying a meal after cycling day

As the years pass, we cannot omit appreciating the effect a day of cycling has on our appetite. Profoundly, no cyclist can argue with that. We took the time to describe a lot about the excitement Leonidio can offer to cyclists, but what is happening after, when the body needs to get those calories back?

Well, not to worry at all. You are in Leonidio, and people here they know what good food means.

Vegan Cyclists: is there any food options?

Even though there are no vegan dedicated reasturants in Leonidio, the plethora of the locally produced vegetables, the famous “tsakonian melitzana” (aubergine or eggplant) and local recipes with beans (try the “giants”) or okras will not only comply with your vegan standards, but will prove that some traditional foods exceeds any taste expections.

Mitropoli

Traditional food made out of the best ingredients. Everything is handmade and this is the place where the locals go to taste some authentic recipes. The owner, known as Dimitris, is the guy that serves the food and he is there to welcome everyone. If the place is busy he might not be as talkative, but this doesn’t mean that you are going to be neglected. Try the green pie, the veal in red sauce and the salads.

Tel: +30 2757 029115 – map

Mouria

One of the oldest tavernas in the area. The owner and cook, is in the business for the last 25 or so years. He doesn’t trust anyone else with the cooking and he i am very particular about the ingredients he uses in his recipes. Try the “Papoutsakia” a traditional plate with eggplant and meat. Yummy!

Tel: +30 2757 023292 – map

En Leonidio Pizza n Pasta

Have that place just came out of a fairytale or what? The restaurant’s old wooden shelves are embellished with items used by the locals at least three generations ago. It resembles a warm and welcoming museum, but that wouldn’t be enough to claim a place in our article 🙂 The food here is simply amazing. The pizzas Kostas prepares are placed on a traditional ceramic owen, heated up with wooden. It is not a simply thing to make a pizza perfect but Kostas succeeds every time. Try also the pasta; huge portions, great taste and quality – do not afraid to order yours al dente.

Tel: +30 2757 022068 – map

Myrtoon

Probably the best dining option in the region. Even though it is located a bit far away from the centre of Leonidio it worths you getting there and enjoy the sea view. We have personally interviewed the owner, mrs Manesis, and we found his standards very high. Those are completely in line with the exceptional food served here and with the reputation the business has among the locals. Do not miss trying the Greek Pasta with fish (Kritharoto). Lunch is also served here.

Tel: +30 2757 051339 – map

Prynateio

Overview: Traditional flavours with modern touches and great atmosphere. We liked the salads and the great variety in appetizers. We strongly recommend to fill your table with small plates and share all the tastes. You will be greatly rewarded 🙂

Tel: +30 2757 023150 – map

Cafe Aigli

This is a lovely cafe in the centre of Leonidio. Here, you can get a very good idea on how the locals socialise, by drinking their coffee or tsipouro while sharing the news. It is a great option to have a light meal, try their Ntakos Salad, and relax. We normally visit this place right after the ride, to enjoy a few small dishes and drink a beer… or two.

Tel: no phone, but who needs that – map

Any feedback?

We have visited all the restaurants in the area of Leonidio and we share what we found out to be the best options. There is no advertisement or benefit of any kind, other than cyclists enjoying their meals. We keep all of our material updated and your input is all we need to make it even better. Therefore, if you find anything which not right or you discover something new, please send us an email at leonidio@grcycling.com.

When we visited Leonidio for the first time, we couldn’t believe that everything a cyclists want can be found in such perfect harmony. Below we made an effort to put everything in one article for you to know exactly what to expect.

• authenticity, away from mass tourism
• routes in abundance
• landscapes
• quiet roads & no traffic
• mild temperatures
• good food with many & great options
• rich cultural elements

Authenticity

It is wonderful to discover that hidden cycling gems!
Perfect Cycling in the best unexplored region on the Peloponnese.
As you will read below, Leonidio was only recently connected to the road network with the rest of the Peloponnese. How GREAT that is! People who live in Leonidio, enjoy their quality of life, with the agricultural and cattle farming being their main activities.

They weren’t impressed with the short term benefits mass tourism brings, therefore in Leonidio there are no large hotel facilities, or bars aiming for the quick profit. The whole place has maintained its authenticity and its welcoming character, away from the mass tourism standards. It is exactly this particular element that made us adopt a charmfull point of view when we approached that place.

Cycling Routes in abundance

That’s the key point in every cycling vacation. The accessibility to nice roads, combined with the number of scenic routes found in close proximity to the accommodation facility, play the most important role when we ask ourselves about whether a place can be developed as a cycling destination. In the case of Leonidio we have the following findings

5 to 6 great and long rides: We have to admit that we were taken by surprise when we realised those 5 – 6 rides were absolutely beautiful, which filled us with emotions and amazement. The most impressive part is that the overlapping parts among the routes we suggest are not long and in the majority of the cases, they are being cycled from the opposite direction, giving a different angle of the same landscape. We found the latter quite fascinating.

One Week Cycling holidays, or even more: For cyclists looking to have a week of cycling, Leonidio couldn’t be more ideal.
Circle Routes: All of the recommended routes start and finish from Leonidio. That means that with no use of a vehicle, cyclists can enjoy the convenience of clipping in on the bike directly from their hotel and returning to it once the ride is over. Note: using a vehicle can significantly increase the options or limit the total elevation for some rides.

Landscape, a cycling playground

The scenery and the views the greater region of Leonidio offers, got us by surprise. We couldn’t believe that those beautiful roads could be so breathtaking and welcoming. Mountain passes, plateaus and some of the most beautiful coastal roads we have ever cycled in our lives. A constantly changing scenery is quite typical while cycling on the Peloponnese and Leonio region is not an exception to this wonderful rule. But in this case, the views we experienced and the thrill we felt, had no comparison with any of our trips before. We let our pictures to show you how great our riding was.

Road Conditions & Traffic

The average tarmac condition is excellent. The majority of the road network is on brand new tarmac, and according to official sources (Municipality of Leonidio), it is planned that in a few years time the network will be totally upgraded. In a few parts, where the altitude is higher, riders should stay vigilant as the frequent changes in the weather conditions, especially during the winter time (ice), might result degraded tarmac segments.

Related to the traffic, we experienced conditions of low to almost no traffic. The majority of the road network is built to connect villages, which have only a couple of dozens residents each. That perfectly explains the minimum traffic load we encountered. The traffic conditions might be a bit more dense during the summer months, but still, it is limited mainly to the coastal road between Leonidio and Paralio Astros / Nafplio

Mild Temperatures

Climate conditions are extremely satisfying, ensuring a nice time on the saddle regardless of the period of the year.
During the summer months, we recommend starting the rides with the first light. Leonidio is located at the eastern part of the Peloponnese, which is immediately exposed to the first, gentle sun rays. However, the high altitude always offers a great cooling breeze coming from the mt Parnonas.

Spring & Autumn: From beginning of March to mid of June and from mid September to late December, the weather is very stable with the temperature (while cycling) to range from 16C – 25C. The cycling activity can take place throughout the whole daylight’s duration.

Approaching the winter time, the temperature ranges from 8C – 15C (while cycling during the daylight) and gets quite chilly during the mountainous passes (down to 2C – 10c).

Great food and many options

Even though Leonidio is a small town, it is quite modern and visitors can profoundly find any type of food. From fresh fish to stunning meat plates, and great traditional salads. All options can leave everyone satisfied. Vegan and vegetarian meals can also be offered by local restaurants, without such option being extensively developed.

Something that all visitors immediately feel when tasting the food in Leonidio, is the quality of the ingredients. And how this cannot be true, when the vegetables and the meat are all locally produced by small, family farms in a traditional way and the fish are fished out every day by the local fishermen.

The Tsakonian Eggplant or Melitzana: Did you know that in Leonidio’s farmzone, there is a unique variety of Eggplant. It tastes significantly sweeter and it has a better, more filling taste. Imagine that the Tsakonian Eggplant can be eaten raw, without this meaning any kind of compromise. It is quite tasteful!

Rich cultural elements

Leonidio is part of a greater region called Tsakonia. Evidence on the first cultural elements are found during the early medieval times with counteles stories about remote villages and their unique lifestyle to amazes us till this day. Tsakones, habitants of the greater Tsakonian region, were isolated from the other part of Greece. The only way someone could get to Leonidio was by ferry, something that changed just in the 1950s (!), where road connect the town to the rest of the Peloponnese.

Tsakonian Dialect: The area’s isolation resulted the habitants to develop a special dialect that resembles nothing of modern Greek. Linguistics studies show that they are more related to ancient Greek and currently there is a meticulously and systematic effort from the Leonidio’s Municipality for this tradition to be preserved. Nowadays, it is an established norm that kids coming from this region, learn how to speak the dialect and appreciate this special cultural heritage.