Leonidio, a stunning greek traditional village | top attractions and beaches

Leonidio is a town in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece and it is considered a traditional settlement. It emerges from a spectacular landscape, bound by two abrupt mountainsides enclosing the town. The River Dafnon passes through the town, and its banks are linked with three bridges. The town is capital of the Tsakonia region, notable for its cultural and linguistic particularities, and the settlement itself offers striking and picturesque architecture; now a protected architectural site.

Plaka is the picturesque port of Leonidio. It functions mainly with the help of tourism; a well-regarded beach lies 4 km across the shore. The port takes in a number of taverns and bars immediately adjacent to the sea, while every August, it also hosts the "Tsakonian Eggplant Festival", attracting well-known chefs from across Europe and achieving ever-growing popularity.

Today, Leonidio is a lively and colourful town, especially in summer months, as a result of newly developing tourism. The town is also famous for its unusual Easter celebration, when the custom of aerostata (air balloons) attracts spectators.

It was named after the chapel of Saint Leonidas, which refers to the chrysobull of Andronikos Palaiologos in 1293. A characteristic feature of Leonidou is the imposing red rock that stands above the settlement. Ideal destination in recent years for the climbing enthusiasts! Also, thanks to the famous eggplant produced in the region, every year the mellizez festival is organized with lots of jazz music and aubergines! Leonidio is today a traditional settlement. His population is Tsakonikis.

Leonidio and its area are characterized by scenic local architecture, unique in Arcadia. Its typical samples are the downtown market, with its central street and many beautiful mansions scattered in the city, some of which have the form of a tower. Among them, Chios Tsikaliotis Tower of 1808 has a special place and today hosts artistic exhibitions and events.

In Leonidio there are several churches, such as the metropolis (Panagia), Agia Aikaterini, Agia Kyriaki, Agios Taxiarches, St. John, Saint Basil, St. Charalambos and Panagia Hatzaliou. Every Easter, on Holy Saturday, all parishes meet in the center of the city where they compete for the best epitaph, while at the time of the Resurrection the beautiful and picturesque settlement turns into a gigantic setting of spectacle, sound and light. On the one hand the turtles, on the other hand 500-600 colorful balloons break out of the earth to illuminate the Greek sky! A great sight that is worth watching.

On a verdant hill south of the city is the chapel of Prophet Elias, which celebrates with a feast in the summer. On a hill overlooking the city, there are three characteristic old windmills. In Leonidio there are two beautiful beaches, Plaka in the homonymous harbor with picturesque taverns for fish and 2 nice bars and Poulithra.

So, if you have not decided where to go, I think Leonidio is a very good idea! Think about it!
Ready to explore? We’ve got you covered! In Leonidio you can…

Go rock climbing. Leonidio has established itself as an excellent climbing destination, particularly for colder weather, and everybody in town is working very hard—with the help of dedicated and well-known climbing personalities—to develop crags and add quality new routes.
Go mountain biking. Want to test your endurance? Bring your mountain bike in the cooler season and challenge yourself to a ride on the curvy and steep mountain road to Kosmas village. Stop there for a great view, and if you get hungry, don’t miss the traditional goat soup.
Visit historic monasteries, traditional mansions and world-class archaeological sites. The famous monastery of Elona is hidden in the cliffs just a stone’s throw away. The traditional mansions of Leonidio, such as the Tsikaliotis House, showcase local architecture at its best. And numerous world-renowned archaeological sites, such as the Unesco World Heritage sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, are just over an hour away.
Dive into the blue. The magical underwater world of the Myrtoan Sea awaits, and if it’s your lucky day you may even get to hang out with dolphins. If all you want is a day at the beach, no problem! We promise you can find your own perfect spot at one of many beaches around Leonidio.

Leonidi ist eine Kleinstadt in Arkadien auf der Peloponnes in Griechenland.
Leonidio è un comune della Grecia nella periferia del Peloponneso.

Leonídio är en kommunhuvudort i Grekland. Den ligger i prefekturen Arkadien och regionen Peloponnesos, i den södra delen av landet, 120 km sydväst om huvudstaden Aten.
Leonidio es un pueblo de Arcadia, en el Peloponeso, Grecia.
Το τραγούδι Inexorable του καλλιτέχνη Kevin MacLeod έχει άδεια με βάση το εξής: Creative Commons Attribution (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Πηγή: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200097
#greekislands #exoticgreece #leonidio

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