Leonidio and Plaka

Leonidio is a small gem that is located on one of the possible routes that include Monemvasia. The location of the town surrounded by bare rocks provides a spectacular setting and deserves, no doubt, a stop and a walk. The only flaw is its narrow streets, a nightmare for many motorhomers, but there is a solution …

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Leonidio is slightly less than 80 km south of Nafplio and 90 km north of Monemvasia. One of its peculiarities is inconspicuous to be part of a restricted geographical area in which people speak a dialect dating back to ancient Doric (Tsakonika) directly linked to the Greek language villages of Puglia, in Italy.

A central located parking allows to park also large vehicles so that you to take a walk in the village. The problem is how to get there avoiding the traumas caused by unpleasant encounters driving in the narrow streets of the town. To avoid as much as possible the funnels have a good look at the map below.

Some views of Leonidio. The tower above is part of Tsikaliòti Mansion, which is open to the public, but has no specific times. If you find it closed, ask at the gas station and probably someone will open it for you..

Local handycrafts

Another peculiarity of this area are the light in color, white stripped eggplants. The variety is called Tsakòniki and is famous enough to dedicate to it an entire festival, that takes place usually at the end of August. If you’re in the area do not miss it, it is an opportunity to try some local cuisine. For cooking enthusiasts I will put a link to the recipe of eggplants paputsàkia although as a vegetarian I should not 🙂

Plaka, just 4km south-east, is the port of Leonidio and the southern end of its beach (Lakkos). The sea is beautiful, there are good tavernas. However, there is a ‘slight’ dislike for camper vans, horizontal bars, paved fenced prison like fee parking… for all I care, if they don’t want us I have no reason to insist, there are a lot of other places to visit!

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