Intoduction
Spectacular scenery, the blue of the sea, the green of Parnonas and the red of the impressive rocks.
You are in Leonidio, in the heart of the Tsakonian region and there is a lot to do and see.
What to do – Where to go
Leonidio or Agrelidi , in the local tsakonian language is the capital town of the municipality south Kynouria. It is a traditional settlement with the picturesque architecture. Characteristic elements of the Tsakonian architecture is the market in the town center, with many mansions all over the town, some of which are preserved as towers. These traditional houses were built before 1800's but there are some neoclassical buildings of the 19th century. Beautiful houses with two or three floors with amazing gardens, stones steps high white washed walls and painted ceilings, main characteristics of the Tsakonian architecture.
Nowadays in Leonidio three of the most important historical landmarks of Peloponnisos are preserved the Tsikaliotis Tower (1808), the Mansion Politimou (1816) and the Mansion Katsikogianni, located in the northern side of the settlement.
You can also visit plenty of churches Agia Aikaterini, the church of Holy Mary, church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Agios Ioannis, Agios Vasilios and Agios Charalampos.
On a green hill of the south part there is the church of Profitis Ilias, which celebrates every summer with a big festival, you can get there by boat.
On a dominating hill there are also three old windmills. Plaka is a small seaside settlement with a picturesque harbour and Pebble beach. On the left side there is an amazing beach extending 4km. Until Lakkos.
Easter in Leonidio is a unique experience! Visitors take part in the celebrations and local people make hot – air balloons that fly in the sky the night of Resurrection. During the last decade a colourful unique festival Melitzazz takes place in July with exhibitions, flavours and dancing. The festival of P.D.O Tsakonian Eggplant famous local product, attracts plenty of visitors. Don't forget to visit Fabbrica of Culture, the old power plant of the region where you can enjoy flavours, events and a folk exhibition.
Leonidio is also considered as a place of alternative tourism since the climbing Festival was organised succesfully the last four years in the Leonidion climbing park with the impressive red rocks.
Where to swim
Apart from the beach Plaka, 8km, southeastern of Leonidio you can visit Poulithra, a tradiotional settlement with crystal water and a quiet beach. Fokianos, one of the most beautiful pebble beaches in Greece is 33km. away.